Asthma is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can be life-threatening if not controlled. If you have asthma, it's important to understand the symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Black seed oil has long been used as both a food and medicine in Eastern cultures such as India, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. In recent years, black seed oil has become popular with Westerners who suffer from various types of allergies, including asthma. 1
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is an essential oil that comes from the seeds of the black cumin plant or Nigella sativa. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma, eczema, and allergies.
How does BSO help with lessening symptoms of Asthma?
BSO has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with allergies and lung function, which both contribute to asthma symptoms. BSO is not a cure for asthma, but it does help with some of the symptoms associated with it. This makes it more manageable for those who are suffering from this condition.
The anti-asthmatic effect
The anti-asthmatic effect of the black seed oil is not from the compound thymoquinone, one of its major active components. As we explained earlier in this article, most research studies that have tested the effects of black seed on asthma have used thymoquinone as their main ingredient. But this is not the only active compound present in black seed oil. A recent study showed that other compounds present in BSO may increase its anti-asthmatic potential.
How to use black seed oil to help with coughing, wheezing, and strengthening lung function?
The black seed oil contains a host of compounds that help fight inflammation. These include thymoquinone, terpenes and flavonoids. It also contains vitamin E, which helps to protect cell membranes from damage by free radicals and helps maintain healthy skin.
The black seed oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in animals and humans, as well as improve lung function in asthma patients. It can be taken with tea or honey one hour before meals three times daily for best results against coughs, wheezing, breathlessness and strengthening lung function, or you can consult your doctor about the dosage. 2
There is some limited evidence that black seed oil may help with asthma symptoms in people with allergies, but there are other methods that are more conventional and effective.
While black seed oil may be effective for some people with asthma, it is important to keep in mind that there are many other methods of treating the condition. Black seed oil is not a cure and should not be used instead of conventional medicine. Furthermore, it should be noted that black seed oil can cause serious side effects in some cases—especially if you are taking other medications.
It's best to think of black seed oil as an addition to your treatment regimen rather than a replacement for it. Anecdotal evidence shows that this aromatic herb has helped people with allergies who suffer from asthma symptoms during allergy season. However, if you have any reason to believe that you are pregnant or nursing (or if you plan on becoming pregnant), consult your doctor before taking black seed oil supplements or other herbal remedies containing nigella sativa seeds. 3
Black seed oil may help you with allergies.
As with any natural remedy, black seed oil has its merits. But it's important to keep in mind that it's not a complete cure for asthma. If you're wondering about the effectiveness of black seed oil for allergies, there's some evidence that it might help. For example, one study showed that a dose of 100 milligrams per day for three months reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms by about 40%.
It's also worth noting that many people use black seed oil as an alternative treatment for asthma (and other conditions) because it causes fewer side effects than traditional medications.4
The bottom line
If you're looking for natural remedies to improve your health, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment—and keep an eye out for more research on black seed oil's ability to treat asthma in the coming years!
Black seed oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can also help with allergies and asthma, but it's not the only answer to these problems. If you're interested in using black seed oil for your health, talk to your doctor first about any potential interactions with other medications or supplements you may be taking.
References:
- Healthline. (2021). Can Black Seed Oil Help Treat Asthma? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/black-seed-oil
- PubMD. (2020). Black Seed: A Remedy for All Diseases? A Review of Its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6563045/
- NCBi. (2017). Effects of Nigella Sativa Oil on Asthma Control and Quality of Life in Asthmatic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435179/
- NCBi. (2015). Nigella Sativa Supplementation Improves Asthma Control and Biomarkers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4377384/