We’ve noticed posts about black seed oil circulating on social media. These posts claim that black seed oil, derived from the seeds of the black cumin plant (Nigella sativa), is a cure-all for every ailment – including Covid and Cancer.
Black seed oil has been used in different medical traditions as far back as 2000 years ago in regions and cultures across Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Referenced across different medical and historical texts, the quote “The black seed can heal every disease, except death” is attributed to Prophet Muhammad and is frequently used in modern day claims about the oil.
We found numerous scientific studies published in reputable journals that have explored the pharmaceutical applications of Nigella sativa, including several recently published short-term tests on Covid-19 patients. A search of PubMed (an online database of biomedical literature), for instance, yielded over 2000 results.
Nigella sativa has beneficial medical qualities as it contains several active compounds such as thymoquinone, which has well-documented immunity boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. These properties can have positive effects on a wide range of ailments. The claim, therefore, that black seed oil has multiple applications and proven medicinal properties is not inaccurate.
However, having assessed different published medical studies, we have also noted that social media claims about black seed oil can be misleadingly phrased, or lacking full information. For instance, the term “cure” or “heal” is often used broadly in the context of serious illnesses such as cancer. While animal tests and some human trials have demonstrated anti-cancer effects and observed potential for future positive development, black seed oil has not been shown to completely cure or heal cancer. We found no endorsement by medical professionals of black seed oil as a primary treatment for cancer.
The difference between a “cure” and “benefit” is subtle but important. Claims which broadly suggest that regular consumption of black seed oil might directly lead to “healing” from serious illness can be dangerous.
While some might experience health benefits from consuming black seed oil regularly, others who do so without seeking medical advice first can also experience unpleasant side effects. For instance, pregnant or breastfeeding women are not advised to consume excess amounts of black seed oil. Other reports have noted that black seed oil, if taken alongside other medications or treatments (for instance high blood pressure medication) can have negative or harmful side-effects.
In conclusion, there is strong research to support the efficacy of black seed oil as a wellness supplement and natural remedy for a wide range of health issues. However, the claim that black seed oil can heal “everything except death” is rooted in long history as a remedy and should not be taken literally or used as a direct replacement for medical treatment. Therefore, we give this claim a rating of somewhat true.
Social media posts with limited information beyond cure-all claims can catch and kickstart an individual’s interest. However is important to carry out further research and consult medical professionals before taking these claims at face value – particularly when it comes to serious illnesses.
