Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to south and southwest Asia. Nigella sativa grows to 20–30 cm tall, with finely divided, linear leaves. The flowers are delicate, and usually colored pale blue and white, with five to ten petals. The use of medicinal plants to help treat various diseases is a practice that’s as old as mankind. For example, the Egyptian medical book known as the Ebers Papyrus, written in 1550 B.C., details the use of 700 different plant species for therapeutic purposes.

DESCRIPTION
Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant native to southwest Asia (commonly called black cumin). Also known as black cumin seed oil or kalonji oil, nigella sativa oil is an amber-hued oil used in cooking and is said to offer a range of health benefits. One of the key components of black seed oil is thymoquinone, a compound with antioxidant properties.

COMPOSITION
Nigella sativa seed oil contains anethole, p-cymene, limonene, carvone and thymoquinone. Seed oil consists of four saturated fatty acids (17.0%) and four unsaturated fatty acids (82.5%). Linoleic acid (55.6%), oleic acid (23.4%) and palmitic acid (12.5%) are its major components .

BENEFITS
Uses for Black Seed Oil. Black seed oil is touted as a remedy for conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, headaches, high
blood pressure, digestive disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, black seed oil is said to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight infections.

Culinary uses – Uses of black seed oil include drizzling over salads and adding to juices or shakes. It can be taken on its own by consuming a teaspoon of it. When used for eating, remember that you should not cook the oil because heat may damage the valuable compounds.

Black seed oil can be diffused to help with asthma attacks. A study published in the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal notes that black seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties that show promising results against asthma inflammation.

As with any supplement, pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their doctor to see if black seed oil is right for them before using it.

With topical use, black seed oil can cause an allergic rash in some people. Therefore, it is vital to test it on a small patch of skin first to ensure that it does not trigger a reaction.

People must also take care to keep the oil away from the eyes, nostrils, and other sensitive body parts.

Swallowing black seed oil can sometimes lead to digestive problems, such as stomach upset, constipation, and vomiting.

To get the safest and most beneficial black seed oil, always choose high-quality, organic black seed oil that is 100-percent pure, therapeutic grade, and USDA certified.

Dosage

• Recommended dosage is 1 tsp (5ml) 2X daily for a 150-pound person.
• A typical dose of the oil is 2.5-5 ml 2X daily.
• As crushed or powdered seeds, the dosage is typically about 1 g per day.
• The active ingredient, thymoquinone, given to advanced cancer patients was tolerated up to 2.6 g/day.
• The essential oil can contain up to 30% of thymoquinone.

Pros

• Solid evidence for reducing allergies
• A safe antihistamine
• Evidence against bacterial, fungal, and viral, and parasitic infections
• Black cumin seeds can likely help reduce slightly increased blood pressure and blood lipids
• The evidence for weight loss benefits, reducing inflammation and pain is still limited

Cons

• Black cumin seed oil can lower blood sugar. Although this can be beneficial, diabetics should consult with their physicians before they start supplementing.
• Black Cumin Seed oil is not safe to use during pregnancy

SOURCES :
https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-black-seed-oil-89421
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322948.php
https://selfhacked.com/blog/black-cumin-seed-nigella-sativa-top-scientific-benefits
https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/black-seed-oil.aspx