What are the benefits of Nigella (black seed) oil and how can it be used?

What plant does nigella oil come from?

Nigella oil is a carrier oil extracted from oil seeds: nigella seeds. These come from a herbaceous plant of the genus Nigella, generally native to Asia. Its name comes from the Latin "niger", meaning black, in reference to its small black seeds (similar to those of the poppy). It has long been used throughout the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East for its medicinal properties. Some species are also used to spice up food.

Nigella carrier oil and black cumin oil: what's the difference?

There's no difference! Black cumin oil is just another name for nigella oil, but it is the same active ingredient. At Aroma-Zone, these two names refer to the product derived from the Nigella sativa variety. In cosmetics, this is the species that you should opt for over the others. Be careful not to confuse it with other varieties you may find on the market. Nigella damascena and Nigella arvensis, for example, do not have the same properties as Nigella sativa.

A closer look at our organic nigella seed oil

Our organic Nigella oil is made from the first cold pressing of Nigella sativa seeds. Our production comes from Ecocert-certified plantations in Egypt. The seeds are pressed in Tunisia, where they support the financial independence of the workers. We use only environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient extraction processes. This enables us to offer you an oil of exceptional ethics and quality. Naturally rich in active ingredients, it can be used on the skin, hair and in your well-being recipes.

What is the composition of Nigella sativa oil?

• Fatty acids: linoleic acid (omega-6) (57.62%), oleic acid (omega-9) (23.08%) and palmitic acid (11.82%).

• Nigella essential oil, including thymoquinone and para-cymene.

• Active ingredients: nigellin and nigellone.

• Vitamin E.

• Carotenoids.

• Minerals, such as iron and phosphorus.

What is it for?

• On the skin, nigella oil has purifying, antioxidant, soothing and regenerating benefits.

• For the hair, nigella seed oil is renowned for its softening, revitalising and strengthening properties.

• In aromatherapy, nigella carrier oil can soothe allergic symptoms, the respiratory tract and promote digestive discomfort.

Nigella oil and acne

Nigella carrier oil is one of the most highly recommended oils for combination, oily or blemish-prone skin. It has purifying and soothing properties that help prevent the formation of blemishes and relieve discomfort. It is therefore particularly suited to teenagers and women prone to hormonal acne.

Find the carrier oils best suited to your skin type by reading our article here.

Organic jojoba carrier oil

This "liquid wax" is ideal for regulating sebum secretions in skin prone to shine. Protective and softening, it is also suitable for sensitive skin.

Discover organic jojoba carrier oil

Manuka essential oil

Its purifying and regenerating properties are ideal for problem skin. Recommended concentration: up to 2% of your oil blend.

Discover manuka essential oil

Nigella oil and eczema

Thanks to its nourishing and regenerating properties, nigella oil restores the skin's suppleness and softness. It is therefore particularly suitable for dry, sensitive skin. Some studies have even found it beneficial in cases of eczema. Its soothing benefits can help make skin feel more pleasant. However, it should not be used on babies or young children with eczema.

Organic camelina carrier oil

This is one of the most popular oils for sensitive and atopic skin. It has the advantage of softening and soothing the skin with a dry feel and leaves it with a radiant finish.

Discover camelina organic carrier oil

Provitamin B5

Also known as "panthenol", this cosmetic active ingredient is recognised for its soothing and restorative properties for the skin. It also prevents dehydration.

Discover provitamin B5

Nigella oil and brown spots on the face

Multiple sources recommend using nigella seed oil to fade brown spots. This is not its most characteristic property. It does, however, have regenerative benefits that can help reduce the visible signs of skin ageing, including hyperpigmentation.

Organic lily macerated oil

Traditionally recognised for its skin-lightening properties. It is used in the formulation of clarifying and soothing skin care products for mature skin and uneven skin tones.

Discover organic lily macerated oil

Melano'régul

This is a concentrated cosmetic active ingredient that targets hyperpigmentation. 100% natural, it is extracted from an ayurvedic plant (punarvana).

Discover Melano'régul

Precautions for use:

Never apply pure nigella oil to your face. We recommend diluting it 10-30% in a mixture of carrier oils.

There are many ways to enjoy all the benefits of Nigella oil.

• As a serum: apply it morning and evening to your cleansed and dried face for a revitalizing and purifying treatment.

• As a replacement for your moisturizer or night cream, if you have particularly oily skin. If you prefer creamy textures, feel free to make an emulsion based on organic Nigella vegetable oil.

• As a localized treatment on blemishes, ideally in combination with purifying essential oils in the form of a roll-on.

• As a massage oil: apply it using a gua sha or natural stone roller to optimize its anti-aging properties.

Want to enjoy all the benefits of a nigella oil soap or an anti-blemish cream at a low price? Make your own skincare with our online recipes! All you have to do is gather the ingredients listed and follow the different steps written by our experts. You know what you're putting in and you can personalise your recipe to your heart's content.

• Purifying face serum with blue cumin

• Cream treatment for blemish-prone skin

• Anti-blemish roll-on with tea tree

• Cleansing soap with nigella oil

Nigella oil and psoriasis (*)

This carrier oil can be used as a strengthening serum for uncomfortable scalps with a tendency to flake. Applied topically, it helps to soothe certain minor skin problems of an inflammatory nature. Its purifying and repairing properties mean that it is regularly recommended in cases of psoriasis, as a complement to medicinal treatment.

Organic tamanu oil

Also known as ‘oil-nut’, it is recommended for the care of flaky, dry or blemished skin. It is also recommended for psoriasis.

Discover organic tamanu oil

Organic cade juniper essential oil

It has purifying and rebalancing properties suited to oily scalps. It can be used in cases of dandruff, for example.

Discover organic cade juniper essential oil

Nigella oil and frizzy hair

Nigella oil contains a beneficial proportion of linoleic fatty acid (omega-6). It is therefore ideal for improving hair suppleness and softness. You can incorporate it into your hair care routine if you have dry, rough, brittle or frizzy hair. In particular, it will help strengthen the hair fibre and give you hair that's full of vitality.

See also our feature: looking after your hair with carrier oils.

Carapate carrier oil

This is the ultimate oil for textured afro hair! Native to Madagascar, it's renowned for defining curls and leaving hair more supple.

Discover carapate carrier oil

Phyto'liss

This 100% natural active ingredient helps to reduce frizz and tame unruly hair. It is even suitable for frizzy hair, which it coats and makes shinier.

Discover Phyto'liss

The benefits of nigella oil for the hair also include its ability to promote healthy growth. A 2017 study showed that it could be beneficial in preventing hair loss. If you want longer hair, massage the oil all over your scalp. Be sure to read the precautions for use before making an oil mask for yourself.

Precautions for use:

Never apply pure ngella oil to your scalp. We recommend diluting it 10-30% in a mixture of carrier oils.

Nigella sativa oil can be applied directly to your hair (mixed with other oils) or added to the oil phase of your hair recipes.

• As an oil mask: rub your mixture into your dry scalp. Leave on for a few hours or overnight, depending on the active ingredients selected. Wash your hair the next day.

• As a serum for your hair: apply a few drops to your dry hair to nourish it. Brush to distribute the oil evenly.

• As a shampoo, conditioner or mask: make your own or add it to one of our cosmetic bases, such as our Hair Mask Base.

Take care of your hair in a simple and fun way by following our DIY cosmetics recipes! It's easy: order your ingredients, follow the recipe of your choice (or personalise it), then enjoy your new homemade hair care product. Here are a few ideas based on nigella oil to look after your hair every day in a more eco-friendly and economical way.

• 100% plant-based anti-hair loss rub

• Balancing oil mask with nigella and jojoba

Nigella oil and asthma

A number of studies have found that nigella seeds and their oil have beneficial properties if you suffer from seasonal allergies. You can therefore try using it to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or to soothe an asthma attack. In this case, you should inhale it (a few spoonfuls of carrier oil in a bowl of hot water, then breathe in the vapour). Always ask your health professional for advice. This advice in no way replaces allopathic treatments, but can be used in conjunction with them.

Organic blue tansy essential oil

It is also known as ‘annual tansy’. In aromatherapy, it is commonly used to treat minor allergies. It is best applied to the skin.

Discover organic blue tansy essential oil

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Organic Roman chamomile essential oil (France)

Rare and premium, this essential oil is reputed to soothe tension, anxiety and insomnia. It is recommended for nervous asthma.

Discover organic French Roman chamomile essential oil

Nigella oil and coughs

In addition to its antihistaminic properties, nigella carrier oil is said to have antitussive properties. Its immunostimulant benefits may make it a natural choice for combating respiratory discomfort. An Iranian study suggests that the thymoquinone it contains has properties comparable to those of codeine.

See also our article: Boosting your immunity with essential oils.

Pink peppercorn essential oil

This is an expectorant that is recommended for chesty coughs or colds. For diffusing, use sparingly and blend with other essential oils.

Discover pink peppercorn essential oil

Organic sweet inula essential oil

is renowned for its multiple benefits for respiratory comfort. For example, it can be used for bronchitis, tracheitis or spasmodic coughs.

Discover organic sweet inula essential oil

Nigella oil and stomach issues

Nigella seeds contain thymoquinone and nigellin. These two substances are thought to be involved in stimulating and protecting the gastric mucosa. Internally, consuming nigella carrier oil could therefore help to naturally soothe stomach aches and other digestive discomfort.

Organic coriander essential oil

A well-known digestive tonic, it helps with common ailments such as bloating, aerophagia, heartburn and digestive discomfort.

Discover organic coriander essential oil

Organic tropical basil essential oil

This essential oil has antispasmodic and carminative benefits. It helps to soothe nausea, gastrointestinal pain and stomach ache.

Discover organic tropical basil essential oil

Precautions for use:

Never consume nigella oil pure. Mix it with other edible carrier oils before ingestion.

Whether taken internally or used in aromatherapy, there are many ways to enjoy the benefits of Nigella:

• Targeted aromatic massage: Nigella oil can be used as a massage oil to help soothe specific areas (back, shoulders, joints) during occasional tension or discomfort. When applied to the chest or upper back, it may also support respiratory wellbeing.

• Steam inhalation: Add a few drops of Nigella oil to a bowl of hot water and gently inhale the rising vapours.

• Herbal infusion: Blend 1 teaspoon of Nigella seeds and allow them to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes in a cup of hot water.

• Capsules: Taken in capsule form, as a standard food supplement.

Did you know that you can make your own organic nigella oil capsules? All you have to do is buy pullulan capsules from our natural category, then follow the steps listed on our recipe card. You'll then be able to enjoy a home-made well-being capsule course. Here are a few examples of food supplements you can easily make at home.

• Essential capsules: course of spring supplements

• Energy boost and stamina capsules, adults only

We recommend that you avoid using nigella carrier oil in the following situations. As this is a powerful cosmetic active ingredient, we recommend that you consult a health professional as a precautionary measure. Reminder for all: never use undiluted.

• Pregnant women.

• Breast-feeding women.

• Babies and children.

• Near the eyes or on mucous membranes.

(*) The application or consumption of nigella oil is not a substitute for appropriate medical treatment.

(**) Essential oils are concentrated active ingredients and should be used with care. They should not be used internally and/or externally by pregnant or breast-feeding women or children. Always follow the recommended directions for use and concentrations. Ask your doctor or healthcare professional for advice. If you make a skin care product enriched with essential oils, carry out a sensitivity test in the crease of the elbow 24 to 48 hours before use to check that no allergic reaction has occurred.