Flowering Nigella sativa (black seed) is a Mediterranean and Asian native. For thousands of years, people have been extracting medicinal properties from its kernel. It's possible that black seed acts as an allergen and helps decrease allergy responses, inflammation, and conception. 1
Black seed is used for a wide variety of ailments without sufficient scientific backing. Some examples include asthma, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, dermatitis, weight loss, and menstruation pains. Similarly, there is insufficient proof to recommend black seed as a treatment for COVID-19. 2
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking black seed oil if you are currently taking any medications or herbs, as they may interact with each other and cause adverse effects. However, like any other supplement or medication, it can interact with other medications and herbs. In this blog, we'll discuss the potential interactions between black seed oil and medications and herbs.
Black seed oil is known to interact with some medications and herbs. Here are some examples:
- Medications that slow blood clotting: Black seed oil may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising when taken with medications that slow blood clotting, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, and heparin. Black seed oil may have blood-thinning effects and could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. Black seed oil may lower blood sugar levels and could interact with medications used to treat diabetes, such as insulin or metformin. Black seed oil may lower blood pressure and could interact with medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as lisinopril or amlodipine.
- Diabetes medications: Black seed oil may lower blood sugar levels, so it should be used with caution when taken with diabetes medications, as it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Blood pressure medications: Black seed oil may lower blood pressure, so it should be used with caution when taken with blood pressure medications, as it may cause hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Herbs that slow blood clotting: Black seed oil may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising when taken with herbs that slow blood clotting, such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and saw palmetto.
- Immuno suppressant medications: Black seed oil may increase the risk of infections when taken with immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids.
The black seed oil has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, and it is used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. 3
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking black seed oil, especially if you are currently taking any medications or herbs. They can help you determine the appropriate dosage and potential interactions with other supplements or medications. 4
Black seed oil is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. It has been used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. 5
Note: This material is not meant to cover all potential uses, warnings, conflicts, or deleterious effects; instead, it is meant to complement, not substitute, the counsel of your doctor or healthcare practitioner. Your individual health situation may not be covered by this article.
Never ignore or avoid a doctor's advice in favour of information found in Nature's Trilogy. Before beginning any new course of medication or before discontinuing an existing one, you should discuss your options with your doctor or another healthcare provider. In conclusion, while black seed oil has many potential health benefits, it is important to be aware of its potential interactions with other medications and herbs. Always talk to your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or medication to ensure it is safe and effective for you. 6
References:
- "Black Seed Oil Interactions with Drugs" by WebMD. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-901/black-seed.
- "Black Seed Oil: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning" by RxList. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.rxlist.com/black_seed/supplements.htm.
- "Black Seed Oil Drug Interactions" by Drugs.com. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/black-seed-oil.html.
- "Black Seed Oil: Benefits, Side Effects, and Precautions" by Healthline. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-seed-oil.
- "Black Seed Oil and Drug Interactions" by Verywell Health. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.verywellhealth.com/black-seed-oil-what-you-need-to-know-88760.
- "Potential Drug Interactions with Black Seed Oil" by ConsumerLab. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-supplements-like-melatonin-and-curcumin-interact-with-black-seed-oil/black-seed-oil-interactions/.