Black seed—also called black caraway, black cumin, black onion seed, and Kalonji—comes from Nigella sativa, a flowering shrub that grows in the Middle East, and Asia. It contains chemical compounds called thymoquinone and caryophyllene that are known to contain certain health benefits.

Black seed oil has shown promise in treating health conditions, such as high blood pressure and asthma. It also shows strong antifungal activity against Candida  — yeast that can overgrow in the body and lead to candidiasis. Black seed oil health benefits include:

Decreasing asthma symptoms: The anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil helps to reduce asthma symptoms. Its effect in reducing inflammation in the airways also helps with bronchitis symptoms.

Reducing high blood pressure: Taking black cumin seed extract for two months reduces high blood pressure in people with elevated blood pressure.

Reducing high cholesterol: Taking black seed oil reduces high cholesterol. Black seed oil is high in healthy fatty acids that help the body to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Taking oral black seed oil helps in reducing inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Reducing stomach upset: Eating black seeds or taking black seed oil is associated with relieving stomach pain and cramps. The oil can help to reduce gas, stomach bloating, and the incidence of ulcers as well. Black seed oil is also thought to have anti-cancer properties. It may help fight against skin cancers when applied topically.