Last updated: November 27th, 2019
Black seed oil is wonderful for anxiety. It will make you feel like a Buddhist monk.
I’ve used black seed oil extensively. And, I will always keep a bottle of black seed oil on hand, because it’s natural, effective, and unbelievably healthy for you.
Did you know that black seed oil has been used for thousands of years, too?
Black seed oil (which is also commonly referred to as Nigella sativa, kalonji oil, or black cumin) – was recommended by the Prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago. The Prophet Muhammad referred to black seed oil as a “prophetic medicine,” and claimed that black seed oil is a “cure for all diseases except death.”
So, while black seed oil has been known to fight cancer and infections, restore hair loss, improve the condition of your skin, and provide so many other health benefits, this article mostly focuses on the benefits of using black seed oil for anxiety.
Just keep reading to find out why black seed oil is the world’s oldest (and most effective) anxiety remedy…
Contents
What is black seed oil?
Black seed oil is one of the oldest and most useful medicines that nature has given us.
The ancient Egyptians described black seed oil as a “panacea”, which refers to a cure for problems and diseases.
Research shows that black seed oil is a truly unique substance, because there are very few natural remedies that can treat such a wide range of ailments like black seed oil can…
To put it simply, black seed oil is a very potent oil extract. It’s an oil that’s been squeezed and compressed from black seeds. Black seeds come from the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to Asia.
If you want to improve your mood, help your body fight against disease, and significantly reduce your level of anxiety, then you need to get familiar with black seed oil.
What does taking black seed oil feel like?
Most people report positive results from black seed oil. Most people agree that taking black seed oil feels like a potent mood booster.
I fall into this camp, to where I absolutely LOVE black seed oil, because it gives me excellent anti-anxiety benefits without any noticeable downsides.
However, there’s another group of people that report phenomenal results from black seed oil.
Some people claim that using black seed oil:
- Totally disintegrates negative thought patterns
- Provides strong mood elevation and energy support, similar to using ashwagandha for anxiety
- Makes you feel like superman or superwoman
Of course, there’s also a small group of people who say that black seed oil doesn’t work for them (for whatever reason). But, this is pretty rare.
The bottom line is that most people who try black seed oil continue to take it, because black seed oil actually works for anxiety, and makes you feel really great.
Why is black seed oil useful for anxiety?
Two of the most important benefits of black seed oil is that it can improve brain function and nerve function.
Black seed oil has been shown to promote anti-anxiety effects in studies done on rats. Numerous researchers also agree that black seed oil can produce anxiolytic effects in humans, too.
For example, some people report experiencing “great emotional strength” or “extreme confidence” after taking black seed oil.
This is because thymoquinone (TQ), one of the main components in black seed oil, has been described as an opioid receptor stimulating compound.
One review shows that the TQ found in black seed oil significantly crosses the blood brain barrier, and demonstrates the following actions in animal studies:
1-Protection against ischemic brain damage.
2-Reduction of epileptic seizures and associated cerebral oxidative injury.
3-Reduction of morphine tolerance and associated oxidative brain damage.
4-Anxiolytic effects and reduction of immobility stress-associated cerebral oxidative injury.
5-Reduction of diabetes-induced cerebral oxidative stress.
6-Reduction of cerebral oxidative injuries induced by noxious exposures including toluene, lead and ionizing radiation.
As you can probably imagine, the TQ component of black seed oil is quite beneficial to the brain and body. Especially when you suffer from anxiety.
Another randomized, placebo-controlled study of 48 healthy adolescent males confirms that black seed oil almost always works for anxiety over a long enough timeline:
Over the 4 weeks study period, the use of NS [Nigella sativa] as a nutritional supplement [has] been observed to- stabilize mood, decrease anxiety and modulate cognition positively.
This study suggests that it can take up to four weeks of consistent black seed oil consumption to notice a “significant variation” in mood, anxiety, and cognition. Four weeks might seem like a long time, since this suggests that you might need to take black seed oil for up to one month to notice significant results.
But, the anti-anxiety effects of black seed oil are extremely consistent and reliable. Good things do take time to work.
Plus, some people feel the anti-anxiety effects of black seed oil beginning on day one. Everyone responds a little bit differently to black seed oil.
Black seed oil could benefit you immediately. Or, you might have to take black seed oil for one month to experience the full effects. Either way, you’ll be in pretty good shape.
The other magical health benefits of using black seed oil
Besides just helping you with anxiety, black seed oil has also been known to:
- Help with autoimmune conditions (primarily by fighting inflammation)
- Prevent allergies (thanks to antihistamine properties)
- Fight against diabetes
- Reduce the size of tumors
- Fight cancer
- Improve hypertension (i.e. lower your blood pressure)
- Reduce stress
- Improve PTSD
- Reduce or eliminate panic attacks
I told you black seed oil works for almost everything.
Some people even apply black seed oil topically, and find that it works extremely well as an acne treatment.
Or, you could mix black seed oil with equal parts extra virgin olive oil, and massage this mixture onto your scalp. This little remedy can improve the appearance of your hair, help with dandruff, and possibly even restore hair loss.
I could list another 100+ health benefits of using black seed oil, because there are still so many more benefits that black seed oil can provide you with.
But, I think you get the picture.
You basically need to have black seed oil in your medicine cabinet, because black seed oil is one of the few all-purpose solutions that heals so many of your pains and problems.
The best sources of black seed oil
There are plenty of black seed oil products on the market today.
For example, you can can find:
- Plain black seeds
- Black seed oil capsules or softgels
- Liquid, cold-pressed black seed oil
I prefer organic, cold-pressed liquid black seed oil, because you can determine the quality of liquid black seed oil quite easily.
If you use black seed oil capsules, then you have to be extra careful about the brand that you choose, because capsules can easily “hide” low-quality black seed oil.
But, this is why I generally recommend that you use high-quality liquid black seed oil (as listed below)…
Black seed oil source #1. Kiva Black Seed Oil
Kiva Black Seed Oil (Amazon) is the black seed oil that I currently use. This black seed oil works great for me, and it also works great for the family members who I’ve personally recommended this product to.
I initially chose this black seed oil after plenty of research, because I found that Turkish black seeds are some of the best in the world.
Kiva Black Seed Oil is imported directly from Turkey, and packaged in the USA. So, this black seed oil provides you with the best of both worlds.
This black seed oil is also raw, organic, and cold-pressed. It has a potent and spicy flavor, so I know that the oil is high-quality. It tastes very pure.
And, the anti-anxiety results that I experience with this black seed oil are superb.
Based on my experience, and the experience of family members, this is the most reliable black seed oil that I’ve been able to find.
Black seed oil source #2. Heritage Store Black Seed Oil
Heritage Store Black Seed Oil (Amazon) is another top-quality black seed oil.
This is a pure, organic, cold-pressed black seed oil from a long-standing brand.
The Heritage Store’s black seeds come from Israel, which is another trustworthy geographic region for black seed harvesting.
Interestingly, Heritage Store markets itself as more of a health and beauty brand. So, many people purchase this black seed oil to improve the appearance of their skin and hair.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!
But, keep in mind that this product is perfectly safe for topical and internal use as well. This black seed oil is kosher, halal, and certified organic. So, you can use this black seed oil however you like.
Black seed oil source #3. Life Extension Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgels
Life Extension Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgels (Amazon) is the product that I recommend using if you prefer swallowing tasteless softgels, rather than guzzling down weird-tasting oil.
I’ve always trusted the Life Extension brand. And, Life Extension’s Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgels are reliable and effective.
You should try these softgels if you have a sensitive stomach, or if you don’t like the taste of strong liquid oils.
You won’t even be able to taste these softgels. And, you’ll still experience all the anti-anxiety benefits of consuming high-quality, organic black seed oil.
How to take black seed oil and achieve the best results
Most people take just one teaspoon of black seed oil twice per day. Morning and night. Sounds pretty easy, right?
Just keep in mind that good black seed oil tastes like spicy pine needles.
Don’t worry. Black seed oil is supposed to taste really pungent. This is how you know that your black seed oil is really good quality.
You’ll get used to the slightly unpleasant taste.
Remember that you’re taking black seed oil for your anxiety and long-term health. Not to satisfy your taste buds.
If you need a chaser, I recommend chasing black seed oil with raw honey or bee propolis. (You can find bee propolis listed in my article on Superfoods for ADHD).
Here’s another word of warning: If you suffer from chronic fatigue or a candida infection, there’s a chance that you could experience a herxheimer reaction after taking black seed oil for the first week or so. This just means that if your body desperately needs to detoxify, then you will temporarily feel bad, and then you will feel a whole lot better shortly thereafter. This is a totally normal (and healthy) reaction to have. It makes sense when you think about it. Because when your body is removing toxins, you will naturally feel the negative effects of this process. But, once those toxins have been cleared from your system, you’ll feel like a million bucks.
Final thoughts
There are hundreds of articles that rave about the amazing health benefits of black seed oil.
But, this is one of the few articles that’s laser-focused on the benefits of using black seed oil for anxiety.
If you suffer from anxiety, then you will almost certainly benefit from taking black seed oil every single day. Some people experience mildly positive results. And, some people experience phenomenal results.
You’ll just have to try black seed oil for yourself, and see how your unique system responds to it.
Either way, I have a feeling that you’re going to like the stuff.
Can black seed oil help Scleroderma suffering
Hi Loretta.
The thymoquinone (active ingredient) in black seed oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
So, to answer your question, I think there’s a chance that black seed oil can help with scleroderma. But, I’m not entirely sure how much of an impact it will have.
I know that diet can play a major role in autoimmune conditions. So I would focus on diet first and foremost.
Then, once your diet is in check, you might want to use black seed oil as well.
Thanks so much for your comment. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello,
Thanks a lot for your web. Recently I’ve been taking the black seed oil and it actually works very well, I fell so relaxed and I am working much better. The problem is that after taking it, I have diarrea so I cannot take it any more. I fell so bad, it was working so well, it was the first time that I took something for my anxiety, what other plant can I take that has the same effects for the anxiety. I need it so much I have my last exams of the University in some days I need to foucus. Thanks a lot for your advices! You really help people!
Hi Stefan (I love the name),
I’m really happy to hear that black seed oil worked very well for you. Yes, it’s kind of surprising that a natural product like black seed oil can actually help with anxiety issues.
But, that’s really unfortunate to hear that the black seed oil gave you diarrhea.
I agree that black seed oil is strong on the stomach. Have you tried taking black seed oil with food? Are you drinking green vegetable juices (smoothies) to improve your gut health?
If you can improve your gut health, I think there’s a chance that your gut will respond better to black seed oil in the future.
As for similar plants…the closest one is probably ashwagandha, or maybe even rhodiola rosea. These are “adaptogenic” plants, meaning that they can help you when your brain is undergoing high levels of stress (like for dealing with University).
Here’s an article that I wrote about ashwagandha:
http://adhdboss.com/ashwagandha-anxiety/
I wish you the best of luck man.
Is it possible that the diahreah is a symptom of the body detoxing?
Yes, this is a really good point Elize.
I totally forgot that the diarrhea may be the result of the black seed oil detoxing his body.
More specifically, he may have a candida infection, and the black seed oil could be killing the candida.
This is most likely a Herxheimer reaction.
Yes it is !
Hey Stefan,
It’s ok if ur stomach is little disturbed by taking black seed oil it’s actually cleaning ur instenstines…I also faced the same problem wen initially started taking 1 tsp morning and at bed time but after almost 2 weeks it got better !…this means it’s actually working on u !…..good luck
Awesome tip Jodat, thanks for that 🙂
I have been taken Black Seed Oil for a few months now. Pay attention to what you eat. Black Seed Oil cleans out your system more or less depending on what you eat. If I eat process foods, it comes right out. Like my body it saying STOP get rid of that junk, however if I eat healthier fresh foods my body does not react so fast.
There are many benefits with Black Seed Oil, I believe you have to be ready to give up some of the junk if you start taking it. Otherwise your body will just push it out for you.
I completely agree with you Deneal.
I also feel more “sensitive” to the foods that I eat while I’m using black seed oil.
I’ve been taking black seed oil for almost one year now, and I’ve become extremely careful about the foods that I put in my body.
And like you said, if you do happen to eat processed foods, then black seed oil will have that detoxifying effect on your body.
Agree with you.
My brain and my body functions way better. It’s like I am a new person.
Try CBD oil for your anxiety, plenty research on the net. Neil
Thank you Neil.
Sometimes with natural medicine, one can feel good right away and for a while, and then suddenly later on, begin to experience detox, and/or a cleansing effect; even as far as weeks and/or for a few months….been there! I’ve certainly experienced that. You can decrease the dosage and/or pace of which you consume BSO.. For example you could reduce the dose by 1/4 – 1/2 of your regular dosage for a period of time, and if you still have a problem, then add to that the reduction of days in a week that you consume it. Hopefully too, is that you have a very reputable, good, solvent-free brand of BSO. I currently use Amazing Herbs and am very pleased with my results.
I just wanted to offer this insight to you and offer you hope. Best wishes and God’s blessings for your health.
Perfect tip, thank you!
Try opening a capsule and rubbing the oil on the heels of your feet. I have never taken it by mouth, only topically. I did this for the first time in October and within 2 hours I felt calmer and happier. The next morning I applied the capsule again on my feet. That evening, at a crowded grocery store, I was very aware that I had no anxiety. I felt invisible to everyone around me. I felt more confident and walked lighter and taller. For some reason I stopped taking the capsule until this morning, when I applied it to my feet again. 6 hours later I had no anxiety in an normal uncomfortable setting and also no sadness. So it works very quickly for me.
That’s amazing Sue. So happy to hear you’re getting awesome results with BSO. This is the first time I’ve heard of letting the oil absorb through your heels. Awesome!
Me and my wives pleasure ourselves with black seed oil.
Lol
Have been taking black seed oil for two months, for my arthritis. It’s a miracle oil. Not only I don’t have pain, can walk, and my whole body and my brain are functioning well.
My daughter can’t believe that her mother has so much energy at the age of 62.
Thank god for black seed oil.
I totally agree with you Vera. Incredibly happy to hear about how positively black seed oil has impacted your life. I wish you another 100 awesome years of life ahead of you!
Is taking the black seed powder effective like it’s oil? What’s quantity of the oil is to be taken daily in the case of anxiety?
I’m not familiar with taking the black seed powder Umar. But it’s a great question!
For the black seed oil, you can just follow the instructions on the bottle 🙂 I usually take one teaspoon daily (or more sometimes).
OCD is an anxiety illness that one usually ends up taking an antidepressant or antipsychotic which both have major side effects including death. I have never heard of someone taking black seed oil for OCD, have you? If so did it help?
I haven’t heard of someone taking black seed oil for OCD either Joseph. But black seed oil is quite amazing, so you never know…
Can I use black seed oil to withdraw from an antidepressant? I am taking a low dose of mirtazapine 7.5mg and would like to completely come off them…is it safe and useful to use blackseed oil to minimise withdrawal symptoms and help with the anxiety. Thank you
Hi Ansell. While I would love to help you, that’s a medical question that I’m unfortunately not qualified to answer.
You’ll have to ask a doctor about this (traditional or Naturopathic doctor).
Please talk to a doctor before coming off of any kind of prescription medication.
Did you ever use it? I’m coming off mirtazipine too
I’ve been taking black seed oil for 3 days and I love that it is calming my anxiety. Problem is that it hurts my stomach. I’m so sad because I don’t want to stop taking it. Do you think the capsules will be more gentle on my tummy? Is stomach ache common with bso consumption?
Stomach aches should go away over time! It usually means your body is just adapting to the black seed oil! That said, if you continue having stomach aches after a week or two, definitely try the capsules. Thank you Erica!
I was reading about essential oils for skin care and stumbled across this oil and at first seemed too good to be true..I’ve suffered from severe anxiety for about 20 years and this black seed oil sounds like an amazing miracle remedy and I have to try it! The information you have posted here is very detailed and interesting, thank you very much.
Black seed oil is quite awesome and I love it. I really hope it works just as well for you too Brandi.
Can anyone advise if black seed oil makes the heel of you feet sore. I’m a health nut and I noticed my heels hurt once I take it and after drinking a smoothie. The ingredients in my smoothie are: almond milk–kale– Spinach– broccoli– fresh ginger–fresh– fresh turmic–a cinnimon stick– flax seed and banana and isopure protein. Please share
I don’t think that’s a side effect of black seed oil Miss Dee, but I suppose anything is possible. Try stopping the black seed oil and seeing if the heel pain goes away!
Can you take a few drops of the oil under the tongue so that you do not experience stomach distress?
I actually take it under the tongue pretty often. That’s my preferred method, so I can vouch that it still works that way!
I am taking blackseed oil since 8 days and it helped me alotttttt!!
Thanks a bunch ❤
That’s so awesome to hear Kiran. Thank you!
Thank you soooo much for this!!
It helped me alottttt!!
Thank you Kiran!
Does black seed oil cure muscle pain
Hm no I don’t think so. It could help with muscle pain, but I probably wouldn’t call it a cure. Still worth a try though! It’s extremely healthy.
will it kill herpes viruses?
I have no idea MK
I googled it because I felt an immediate warming sensation in my gut and a calm come over me. I have been having severe anxiety and saw how it helped me. I was dx with ADHD when I was 5-6 and I am 52 now. Still dealing with it!
That’s so awesome Jeannie. Glad to hear you’re making progress 🙂
The Herxheimer reaction can be managed by taking a smaller amount of black seed oil and slowly increasing the amount. For example, you might start off with a fourth teaspoon in the morning for two days, then increase the dosage to 1/4 teaspoon at morning and night. As you gradually increase your dosage, your body (especially your liver) has a chance to recover. You still get rid of toxins and bad bacteria, but gradually titrating your dosage up will gently cleanse your system.
Amazing tip Marie. Thanks so much for helping.
Can children take this? My son is 10 with Adhd and I dont want to put him on the Adhd medication.
Yes a little bit of black seed oil is often given to children in the Middle East regularly. It should be no big deal. Just run it by your doctor first to be safe.
in India, people use a product called Panch Phoron (meaning 5 spices). One of the spices in this mix is Black Seed….aka…Kalonji. FYI.
Hi can it cure motor neuron disease. And what usage please.
Hello please can I have black seed oil while having gastritis? Thank you
Hi Teems not sure about this one please ask your doctor for further help!
I have heart palpitations and have been diagnosed with GAD. I take ativan as needed. I also have hypertension and take Metoprolol 25mg a day. I have purchased black seed oil. I wonder if it will help my palpitations??
Does black seed oil help heal nerves
Great question April but I am unsure of that one. Experiment and report back? I’m curious to know too!