Over the past few years, my mission to help people recover from Hashimoto’s has become increasingly focused on using food as medicine (or food pharmacology) to address many of the root causes and symptoms of thyroid conditions. In addition to incorporating healing foods into my diet, I’ve also discovered many herbs and spices that can have profound benefits for healing. I’m always on the lookout for new research that could point us toward another tool to help us on our healing journeys.
Black seed oil has been on my radar for some time, especially since a clinical trial was published, revealing some possible benefits for those of us with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Some readers and clients in my community have asked about black seed oil, as they have heard about it being used for its medicinal properties and have been curious about it. One Root Cause Reset member recommended it for seasonal allergies. My curiosity was piqued, and I wanted to look into black seed oil and its effects on the thyroid for this community.
Black seed oil has been touted as a “cure for everything except for death!” I personally had a chance to use it myself twice in 2018, after the birth of my son. The first time I used black seed oil was to help support lactation. Black seed oil is an herb that is safe to use while breastfeeding. It’s actually considered a galactagogue, which means it can help increase milk supply.
Around four months after the birth of my son, I started to experience hair loss and new food sensitivities. I also found that my voice was becoming more hoarse. I tested my thyroid antibodies and they were elevated above 100 IU/mL—my Hashimoto’s was no longer in remission! (Under 100 IU/mL is considered in remission by many professionals.) While the antibodies weren’t as high as when I started my journey (over 2000 IU/ml), I was concerned. I wasn’t sure if the Hashimoto’s was flaring up, or if it was postpartum thyroiditis. Luckily, I knew a thing or two about reducing Hashimoto’s antibodies and getting Hashimoto’s back into remission (the same principles apply to postpartum thyroiditis). 😉
At that point, I tested myself with the GI-MAP test (my favorite gut test) and found that I had H. pylori, a common trigger of Hashimoto’s and food sensitivities. I was excited because I knew that treating this infection usually results in a reduction of thyroid symptoms and thyroid antibodies, but wasn’t sure about which protocol I would use, as many of the herbs I would typically use for H. pylori are not safe to take while breastfeeding. I reached out to my friend and colleague Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein, and learned that black seed oil could be used against H. pylori. That did the trick—within a few weeks, my hoarse voice was gone, my hair stopped falling out, and my follow up tests showed no more H. pylori. Even better, my thyroid antibodies were reduced! Since that time, I’ve been wanting to dig deeper into this wonderful herb and get the message out about its many benefits. (I also figured out how to get rid of my food sensitivities with another new, lactation-friendly protocol, that I will be sharing about soon.)
This article will explain how black seed oil, which has grown in popularity in the medical world, may be a game changer and get you one step closer to putting Hashimoto’s into remission. In this article, you will learn:
- What is black seed oil?
- The uses and benefits of black seed oil
- How black seed oil can encourage gut infection eradication, improved blood sugar levels, and cholesterol balance
- Black seed oil supplement recommendations
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is derived from a plant that goes by many different names. Aside from its botanical name, Nigella sativa, it is also known as black cumin or black cumin seed. However, be careful not to confuse this plant with true, culinary cumin (Cuminum cyminum), black pepper, black sesame, or black cohosh. The seeds are black on the outside and white in the middle, and produce a bitter taste.
Black seed oil is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia. Over time, it has spread further throughout the Middle East, where it is cultivated and carries with it a long history of religious and medicinal use. The earliest archeological evidence suggesting cultivation dates back to ancient Egypt and the tomb of Tutankhamen. It was also given credit for the beauty secret of Queen Nefertiti, who used black seed oil. Black seed oil is even mentioned in the Bible as the Hebrew “Ketzah,” a spice used in bread. Interestingly, the Arabic phrase for black seed oil, “Hibbatul barakah,” means “the seed of blessing.”
Black seed oil has likely been used as a medicinal herb for 3000 years or more, and its use has been documented in Ayurveda, Unani, Tibb, Siddha, and other systems of medicine.
It has historically been used as a remedy for a variety of health conditions — most notably, for inflammation, cardiovascular health, infections, and skin issues. In addition to being used for vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and the common cold, it was often prescribed as a tonic for general wellness.
Uses and Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Many of the medicinal properties of black seed oil are attributed to the compounds it contains, including thymoquinone (TQ), tymohydroquinone (THQ) and dihydrothymoquinone (DHTQ). The plant also contains many other active components, including thymol, alkaloids, saponins, and terpinenes.
The largest active component, TQ, makes up 30-48 percent of the essential oil of black seed oil, and offers the main biologic and pharmacologic effects. Thymoquinone is an antioxidant and antihistamine. It is also antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, and can modulate the immune system. It has been shown to protect the stomach lining, liver, kidneys and brain. Data shows TQ to have a low level of adverse effects and no serious toxicity.
Black seed oil also contains the antifungal compounds thymol and THQ.
The compounds found in black seed oil, which have been studied in animals and humans extensively, have also been found to protect the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system. Furthermore, it has demonstrated antidiabetic, anticancer, and antiasthmatic properties.
Black Seed Oil Benefits for Hashimoto’s
Black seed oil shows promise for positively influencing thyroid health and lowering thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). It may also play a role in addressing some of the individual root cause issues that contribute to Hashimoto’s, including gut health, blood sugar imbalances, and metabolic health. Let’s explore some of the recent evidence in further detail.
Thyroid Function
Although there is a lot of data on black seed oil, there has been little study in the Hashimoto’s population until a 2016 Iranian study looked at the therapeutic use of black seed oil in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Participants between the ages of 22 and 50 received either 2 grams per day of black seed oil, or 2 grams per day of placebo, for eight weeks. Participants were also treated with levothyroxine from 6 weeks prior to the study, through the end of the trial.
At the beginning of the trial, there were no significant differences between the two groups. At the end of the eight week trial, the group receiving the black seed oil saw a reduction in weight, as well as in waist and hip circumference, compared to the placebo group.
During the trial, serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels reduced from an average of 6.42, to 4.13 in the group receiving the black seed oil. Serum T3 also improved from an average of 0.92, to an average of 1.06. Both of these changes were statistically significant. (Anti-TPO antibodies were also reduced during the study, though this change was not considered to be statistically significant.)
This study also had a meaningful impact on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels and plays a specific role in the normal function and development of thyroid cells.
The study’s authors primarily attribute the positive changes to body composition and thyroid function, to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of thymoquinone.
Infections
Besides impacting the thyroid directly, black seed oil may play a role in addressing the root causes that contribute to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Often, infections can trigger autoimmune thyroid disease, and treating infections can reverse the condition.
Black seed oil is well demonstrated to have antibacterial properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a cause of potentially life-threatening staph infections that may be present in the imbalanced gut flora of people with autoimmunity. The constituents TQ and melanin found in black seed oil and may show promise in cases where an alternative to antibiotics is desired, or the bacteria has become resistant to antibiotics.
The antibacterial properties of black seed oil may also play a role in the treatment of H. pylori, a bacterial infection in the stomach that is common in those with Hashimoto’s. TQ acts as a biofilm disruptor, meaning that it can break free from the protective coating that H. pylori uses to protect itself, allowing antibacterial components to reach the H. pylori bacteria and eradicate it. What’s more is that black seed oil has been shown to be gastro-protective in both human and rat studies. One rat study specifically looked at gastritis in rats with hypothyroid function and found that low thyroid function can be a trigger for gastritis. It also found that black seed oil can play a therapeutic role by inhibiting free radical generation and increasing levels of antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress in gastric tissue.
Candida is another infection that may play a role in the development of Hashimoto’s. In this case, Candida is a fungus that can overgrow in the digestive system and other areas of the body. (Click here to read more about Candida and Hashimoto’s.) Given that the active constituents in black seed oil of thymol, TQ and THQ are well known for their antifungal effects, black seed oil may be an antifungal option in the treatment of Candida.
Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Balance
Blood sugar imbalance, and even diabetes, are common co-occuring conditions in people with Hashimoto’s. I often recommend stabilizing blood sugar as the first, or one of the first, interventions when addressing your thyroid symptoms.
Black seed oil has demonstrated potential as an anti-diabetic agent and may play a supportive role in increasing insulin sensitivity (decreasing insulin resistance) in both animal and human studies. In a 3-month clinical trial with 94 diabetes patients, the black seed oil group experienced reduced blood sugar, both fasting blood sugar and post-meal blood sugar. A three-month average of the patients’ blood sugar (referred to as Hemoglobin A1C) also showed a significant reduction during the black seed oil trial period. Additionally, insulin resistance was reduced and beta cell function increased. (Beta cells are the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.) The trial used dosages of 1, 2 and 3 grams of black seed oil per day, and the 2 gram per day dose was the most effective.
In a review of seven clinical trials, black seed oil showed promising results in improving glucose and lipids in Type 2 diabetes. Oftentimes, improvements in blood sugar go hand in hand with improvements in lipids, or cholesterol. This seems to be the case in the studies that have looked at metabolic health in relation to black seed oil.
A review of the data from the Iranian study regarding the use of black seed oil for Hashimoto’s uncovered that, not only did the trial group receive the benefits to lowered TSH, antibodies, improved T4 to T3 ratio, weight, and anthropometric measurements (body composition), but they also saw an improvement in serum lipids. LDL cholesterol and triglycerides decreased, and HDL cholesterol significantly increased in the study group compared to the group receiving the placebo over the 8-week trial. The study suggests that there are benefits to using black seed oil as an adjunct therapy in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Side Effects
The claims for the use of black seed oil are quite widespread and range from improving liver health, to helping with asthma, as my Root Cause Reset participant suggested. Overall, black seed oil seems quite safe to use.
In the clinical trial of black seed oil with Hashimoto’s, nausea and itching were observed, and no other side effects were noted.
Black seed oil is processed through specific enzyme pathways in the liver and therefore, at least theoretically, could interact with medications that use the same pathways. It is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning a new herbal supplement, to check for the possibility of interactions.
Black Seed Oil Supplements
Black seed oil supplements are available in a variety of forms that may be beneficial for different uses. The most common therapeutic dose in the studies reviewed for this article was 2 grams per day. Human studies of black seed oil range from 8 weeks to 12 months of use. Safe doses go as high as 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is recommended to use black seed oil consistently for at least 8 weeks before re-checking thyroid, blood sugar or cholesterol lab work.
I haven’t found too many high quality companies that are making Nigella sativa supplements, and I am thinking of making one myself.
In the meantime, here are a few options to consider:
- Capsule: A capsule might be the easiest way to take black seed oil orally. I like this product from Life Extension that combines black seed oil with curcumin for synergistic anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. (Note: This product is not recommended for those who have gallbladder issues or gallstones. Please also consult with your practitioner before taking this if you are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, or if you have a bleeding disorder.)
- Powder: When possible, I like to take a whole foods approach and use the whole cumin seed. These can be ground fresh into powder and added to smoothies or other foods. Remember that the seeds have a bitter flavor, so you’ll have to experiment with the combinations that taste the best to you. Look for grounded black cumin seed options like this this one. A 2 gram dosage can be measured with the scoop that is usually provided.
- Liquid: Black seed oil itself can be taken orally in liquid form, such as this cold-pressed version from Kiva. Approximately ½ teaspoon contains a 2 gram dose. The oil can also be added to a carrier oil and massaged into the scalp for hair benefits, or applied directly to problem areas of the skin.
Takeaways
I find black seed oil to be incredibly interesting, with an intriguing history and science behind it. It seems to hold some promise as one piece of the thyroid health puzzle in its ability to balance thyroid hormones, treat infection, and stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol. Since the studies in people with Hashimoto’s are still quite limited, it would be wonderful to see more research on this topic, in the years to come. If I come across any other important studies, I will be sure to write about them on this blog.
For more information regarding addressing your personal root causes of Hashimoto’s, see my book Hashimoto’s Protocol, and for recipe ideas that are thyroid supportive, check out Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology.
I wish you all the best on your healing journey!
Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you tried a black seed oil supplement? If so, what has been your experience?
P.S. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get a free book chapter, recipes, Thyroid Diet Starter Guide, and notifications about upcoming events and my latest research. You can follow me on Facebook, too, for more updates!
References
- Sahak M, Kabir N, Abbas G, Draman S, Hashim N, Adli D. The Role of Nigella sativa and its active constituents in learning and memory. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016; 9(6). doi: 10.3390/nu9060625
- Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, Khan SA, Najmi AK, Siddiquie NA, Damanhouri ZA, Anwar F. A review on the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2013; 3(5): 337-52. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1
- Ijaz H, Tulain UR, Qureshi J, Danish Z, Musayab S, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Khan KK, Zaman M, Waheed I, Kahn I, Abdel-Daim M. Review: Nigella sativa (Prophetic Medicine): A review. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2017; 30(1): 229-234.
- Darakhshan S, Bidmeshki Pour A, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A, Sisakhtnezhad S. Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacological Research. 2015; 95-96: 138-58. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.03.011
- Taha M, Azdiz A, Saudi W. Antifungal effect of thymol , thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone against yeasts, dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds isolated from skin and nails fungal infections. Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2010; 28(2): 109-126. doi: 10.4314/ejbmb.v28i2.60802
- Farhangi M, Dehghan P, Tajmiri S, Abbasi M. The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016; 16: 471. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1432-2
- Bakathir HA, Abbas NA. Detection of the antibacterial effect of Nigella sativa ground seeds with water. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;8(2):159–164.
- Abdel-Sater KA. Gastroprotective effects of Nigella Sativa oil on the formation of stress gastritis in hypothyroidal rats. International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology. 2009; 1(2); 143-149.
- Bamosa AO, Kaatabi H, Lebdaa FM, Elq AM, Al-Sultanb A. Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2010;54(4):344–354.
- Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara R, Golzarand M, Ghaffari MP, Diafarin K. Nigella sativa improves glucose homeostasis and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2017; 35: 6-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.08.016
- Farhangi MA, Dehghan P, Tajmiri S. Powdered black cumin seeds strongly improves serum lipids, atherogenic index of plasma and modulates anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2018; 17(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s12944-018-0704-x
The Life Extension product says do not take if you have gall bladder problems or gall stones. What if you have no gall bladder?
Cynthia – thank you for reaching out. <3 Please understand, I am not able to advise on whether the Life Extension black seed oil supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor. <3
Can you cook with black seeds, like you would with cumin after grounding into powder?
Tameka – thank you for reaching out. Yes, you can add this to your foods. Check out the article above near the bottom for my product recommendations. <3
Any thoughts on why 2 grams was more effective than 3 grams?
Do you think that combining with honey increases its effectiveness in treating H. Pylori?
Thanks for always being an excellent health resource!
Ariana
Ariana – thank you for reaching out. Great question! I cannot say how effective 3 grams would have been as the study was done using 2 gram. I am also not able to comment on the effacacy if combined with honey. Black seed oil has an incredible history behind it. It holds some promise with thyroid health in its ability to balance thyroid hormones, treat infection, and stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol. I am hoping to see more research on this topic in the coming years.
After reading this article last night, I remembered I had bought black cumin seed oil a few months ago and had it in my pantry. I had 1 tsp, hoping it would help my possible Hashis flareup where my hair is noticeably thinning the last month. Imagine my horror this morning when I noticed a worm-like thing in the toilet (sorry!). I wondered if the black cumin seed oil might be the reason, so I googled it and found it is known for its anti-parasitic use, especially to rid the human body of worms. Eeek. Just 1 tsp could do that?? Thought I’d pass it on. Its something I wasn’t expecting!!
Kathy – thank you so much for sharing. <3
Kathy, curious if it ended up helping your hair/blood levels?
I appreciate your article on black seed oil. How many Life Extensions capsules would have to be taken daily to reach the 2 gram dose that seems to be most effective?
Margaret – thank you for reaching out. <3 Please understand, I am unable to answer specific medical questions, without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor. For specific questions on how and when to take particular supplements under normal circumstances, please do reach out to my team by email, they will be more than glad to help 🙂
Thank you got this information. Please can you tell me why when ever I eat anything now ( it use to be just wheat, bread etc) but now it’s ANYTHING I eat , after half an hour my stomach bloats out from under my breasts & I look 9 months pregnant. Is there anything I can do or take for this.? I am 64 years old with high cholesterol & find its so easy to put on weight! Please can you help me. Thank you . Sheralyn Taylor.
Sheralyn – thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry you are struggling with this. <3 My heart goes out to you. We know that intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut) is present in every case of autoimmunity and often precedes the development of Hashimoto’s. Symptoms of leaky gut may include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach aches, acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. According to the Institute of Functional Medicine, many people develop IBS 5-10 years before an autoimmune diagnosis. I was one of them and didn’t take my gut health as seriously as I should have. Gut problems are often caused by infections like H. pylori, parasites like Blasto, SIBO, an imbalance of bacteria, and enzyme deficiencies or food sensitivities (especially to gluten, dairy, and/or soy). Even stress can be a factor in gut permeability. Here is an article you might find interesting.
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes/
Could you recommend another brand of liquid? Oakmont Labs does not appear to be available anywhere. Thanks so much!! 🙂
Patti – thank you for reaching out. Please email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you. <3
Hi,
I have mild psoriasis on my scalp and I have been using Black Seed oil for about 6 months.
Every second day (on the day I shampoo) I rub the oil liberally on and through my scalp/hair (leave min. 2 hours) and I no longer have psoriasis!
Also, my hair is moisturised and soft!
I have a dodgy thyroid (no meds yet) so will start taking orally also
Thank you, Sally
Sally – thank you so much for sharing what has worked for you! <3
Sally Hordern, this is exciting news about scalp psoriasis. So glad you found a remedy! Do you use the oil straight or with a carrier? – Pat Porter
Thank you for this great information! I was just wondering how much of black seed oil you recommend for an H. pylori infection.
Agnes – thank you for reaching out. <3 Please understand, I am not able to advise on whether this supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor.
Thank you for this great post! I love nigella sativa, we sprinkle it on top of our traditional bread usually. How would you recommend taking? With meals or on empty stomach! Thank you
Camilla – thank you for reaching out. You should start with the directions on the bottle and adjust your dosage from there. <3 Please understand, I am unable to answer specific medical questions, without a comprehensive health assessment. For specific questions on how and when to take particular supplements under normal circumstances, please do reach out to my team by email, they will be more than glad to help 🙂
If this product could cause Cancer (black seed oil ) why producing it and sell to patients? Is that not unethical? As l much as l like what the Supplements can do to heal the patient, l am afraid of the side effects which is Cancer. Thank you.
Patricia .
Nigeria.
Buraimoh – thank you for reaching out. In the Black Seed Oil article above it states “The compounds found in black seed oil, which have been studied in animals and humans extensively, have also been found to protect the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system. Furthermore, it has demonstrated antidiabetic, anticancer, and antiasthmatic properties. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please feel free to email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you. <3
Hi Dr Izabella
Regarding The dosage that u used to treat H-pylori
I’m assuming it’s also
2 grams for 8 weeks ?
Thx for sharing ur experience:)
Joju – thank you for reaching out. Please understand, I am not able to advise on the black seed oil dosage that would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor. Here is an article you might find helpful as well:
HASHIMOTO’S AND GRAVES’ REMISSION AFTER HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-graves-remission-after-helicobacter-pylori-eradication/
What is this oil supposed to taste like. I have some and it tastes like fuel oil smells. Awful!
Janette – thank you for sharing. I am so sorry. It does have a bitter taste. You may want to check with the company that you purchased if from and see what their recommendation would be. <3
If one has gallstones, is there also a concern with using the powder or the oil, or is it only a concern with the Life Extension supplement?
Frances – thank you so much for reaching out. I am not able to advise on whether the powder or oil versions of the black seed oil would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor. <3
Hi Izabella
I’ve been taking 2 gramms of black cumin seeds for 2 months
My TSH was 2,87, TGab 4,3, AT-TPO 305,7 before I started
Now TSH is 2,84, TGab 3,2, AT-TPO 214
Hope it will encorage some of your readers
Vera – thank you so much for sharing what has worked for you! <3
What form are you taking?
On an emty stomach ??
Did it raise your FT3 as well? Your FT4? Thanks!!
Hi Dr. Wentz,
I bought a bottle of black seed oil after reading this but then I remembered that I have borderline low blood pressure. Is it safe for me to take as I read that black seed oil helps to lower blood pressure.
Kim – thank you for reaching out. <3 I am not able to advise on whether black seed oil would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor.
Thank you for reminding us to think about what we are putting into our bodies. I have had a variety of health challenges from childhood and was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis after being tested for Lupus. Eliminating MSG from my diet has helped a great deal. Presently, I have one kidney remaining at stage 3 CKD. I am thinking the oil might be a welcome addition to my life plan. I will speak to my D.O. and hope to write a positive update in a few months so that I can continue my work through the nonprofit I started but stalled during the loss of my kidney & current battle. I have a lot of living to do! Thank you for all you do.
Tricia – thank you so much for sharing your journey! <3 I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.
Thank you for this very informative article. I was on a Neem protocol for Candida overgrowth. After adding 2-3 grams of ground black seeds to my daily routine, I noticed the Neem having more effect. I have not re-tested yet, so not sure what the results will be.
I did choose to freshly grind my black seeds (in a coffee grinder) to avoid the risk of seed oil becoming rancid. But, from your article, it seems that is not a concern?
Great article! I tried this supplement about a year ago and so wanted to like it, but it seemed to throw my body off-balance. I started having hormone symptoms like night sweats. Any idea why that might be? (I’m on HRT for medical menopause.)
Kelley – thank you so much for your support! <3 I am so sorry you did not have a good experience with the black seed oil. Black seed oil is processed through specific enzyme pathways in the liver and therefore, at least theoretically, could interact with medications that use the same pathways. It is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning a new herbal supplement, to check for the possibility of interactions.
Hi Dr. Izabella
I have 3 questions. I know this oil is suppose to balance your blood sugar, but will it balance your blood pressure as well to be within normal limits whether your blood pressure is usually high or low? Also, I have read that this oil is good for those with RA and thyroid issues, but do you know if this helps with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus, MS or any connective tissue disorder? I only say this because my doctor says its best to suppress the immune system, but was wondering if black seed oil will do the opposite. He’s never heard of this oil. Lastly, it says that it can protect your organs like your kidney, does this mean preventing kidney stones from forming?
Thank you.
Jocelyn – thank you for reaching out. <3 Please understand, I am not able to advise on whether the Black Seed oil would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor.
Thymoquinone sounds a lot like the bad medicines like Cipro and the other fluroquinones.
Please assure me that there is no relationship between Thymoquinone and the fluoroquinones.
Mary – thank you for reaching out. The fluoroquinolones contained in Cipro are man made product created using fluoride. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/9-medications-toxic-thyroid/
Do caraway seeds have the same benefit?
Karen – thank you for reaching out. <3 I don’t currently have information to share on caraway seeds but, I will add it to my list of possible future articles to research.<3
If you have chemical or peripheral neurothophy, will this oil help with the pain? If you are on pain meds, should you stop your pain meds before taking the Black Seed oil ?
Janie – thank you so much for reaching out. <3 Please understand, I am not able to advise on whether the Black Seed oil supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor.
I have read your articles and would
Like to know which is the best black sédeme oil ! Thank you for all your advice
Mara – thank you for reaching out! <3 Scroll towards the bottom of this Black Seed Oil article and you will find my recommendations.
I HAD A COMPLETE THYROIDECTOMY BECAUSE OF A LARGE GROWTH. I AM TAKING LEVOTHYROXINE AND MY TESTS ARE ALWAYS GOOD ACCORDING TO MY DR. I STILL HAVE ALL THE SYMPTOMS THAT I HAD BEFORE THE SURGERY! I HAVE ASKED MY DR, TO LET ME TRY A DIFFERENT MEDICATION BUT HE IS NOT INTERESTED! SINCE I HAVE NO THYROID, IS THERE ANT HELP FOR ME?
Margaret – thank you so much for following this page. <3 There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication which you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Did you know most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance? Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this. Sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition. Here are the links to my books:
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://amzn.to/2DoeC80
Hashimoto’s Protocol
http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq
I take Armor thyroid replacement meds. 5 days a week 150 mm and 2 days I take 120 mm will the Black pepper oil interfer with my meds
Thank you for your time.
Sharon – thank you for reaching out. <3 Please understand, I am not able to advise on whether the Black Seed oil would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor or pharmacist.
Is it safe for children to use as well?
Stephanie – thank you for reaching out. <3 Most of the interventions recommended in my book and website can be done with children, with the exception of the dosing of supplements. I do suggest that you work with a functional medicine doctor that is familiar in working with children (I only works with adults). I hope this helps!
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/database-recommended-clinicians/
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Will Black Seed Oil affect lab results? If so, how long should one wait, after stopping, before having labs drawn?
Lynn – thank you for reaching out. <3 Black seed oil is processed through specific enzyme pathways in the liver and could interact with medications that use the same pathways. It is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning black seed oil to check for the possibility of interactions.
Hi Dr. Wentz, thank you for this article. I am wondering if Black Cumin Seed Oil has been known to lower TgAb or just TPO antibodies? I have only been able to find mention of TPO in my research and in your article, and I have high TgAb antibodies as opposed to TPO.
Thank you very much.
Hallie, thank you so much for reaching out! ❤️ I don’t currently have information to share on Black Cumin Seed oil but, I will add it to my list of possible future articles to research.
Thank you for your article! I have been taking 100mcg of Synthroid for over 8 years, but after 3 months of taking 1 tsp of black seed oil per day, I now only require 25mcg. My question is, are you still taking the oil? I’m finding very little information on taking it beyond that time frame.
Collinjenn – That’s great to hear! <3 Dosing recommendations may vary between individuals. I recommend working with a practitioner to help you determine the best course of action for your needs. <3
Dr. Where this black seed oil can be get it and what is the dosis to be taken, thank you!
Marcia – thank you for following. If you check out the article above I share my recommendations there. ❤️
Dr Wentz,
Thank you for this pertinent article at this time. I was just looking for something regarding Blackseed oil and Hashimoto’s. I was just looking for something regarding Blackseed oil and Hashimoto’s. Just a question and caveat… I was wondering if you had found in your studies if it was safe to take during pregnancy since it is safe to take when breast-feeding. Thank you so much.
Kerri
Kerri – thank you for reaching out. ❤️ I do not recommend Black Seed oil supplement while pregnant or nursing, as these things have the potential to pass through to the baby. That is not to say that they are necessarily unsafe, but I have not specifically researched the supplements’ effects on pregnancy, so I am not be able to confirm their safety.
Just fyi for those with hypothyroid hair loss, did a bit of research on black seed oil recently and came across an article f detailing findings that it significantly reduces VEGF. I looked into this and turns out it is a growth factor that plays a notable role in the hair growth. Isabella, would be interested in your thoughts on this if any. In any case, something additional to consider. I used to make tea from black cumin seeds but stopped.
S.M. – thank you so much for sharing. ❤️ I don’t currently have information to share on this connection but, I will dig into that and share my findings in a future blog post!