Since the pandemic many nutritional supplements have been explored in the treatment of COVID. Nigella Sativa, also known as Black Cumin Seed oil is one of these. It’s active ingredient thymoquinone is identified as containing properties that are anti-infammatory, immuno regulatory and supports antioxidant status. Through these mechanisms it can prevent inflammation and injury of the lungs during COVID. The FLCCC Alliance are the pioneers behind numerous protocols for supporting the health of individuals at the onset of COVID, during critical recovery of COVID and for long COVID. It is through their reporting on the benefits of that I begun to dig deeper into the alleged benefits of nigella sativa.
The most profound research that I have uncovered is regarding nigella sativa and its use as an anti-convulsant property. In a double blind pilot study titled “The effect of thymoquinone on intractable pediatric seizures” 22 children with refractory epilepsy were assessed comparing thymoquinone vs placebo in reducing seizure frequency. The study involved 22 patients receiving treatments for 4 weeks each. Here’s the summary and its findings:
“The reduction of frequency of seizures at the end of first period in comparison with the same period before the study demonstrated a significant difference between two groups (thymoquinone and placebo) (P = 0.04). Also reduction of frequency of seizure has shown significant difference between two groups at the end of second period in comparison with end of first period (P = 0.02). The parental satisfaction showed significant difference between the two groups at the end of the first period (P = 0.03).
It can be concluded that thymoquinone has anti-epileptic effects in children with refractory seizures.”
It’s prudent to mention that there are other journals to support the anti-epileptic benefits of Nigella Sativa but the subjects used were rats. The importance of the above study is that it was used with children that were not responding to medications solely but did show a marked improvement in seizure reduction with the intervention of Nigella Sativa.
Are there contraindications? YES. Even though the researchers report that ” It has been shown that thymoquinone has several therapeutic effects and no evidence of toxicity or side effects is reported.” HOWEVER, other resources report “When taken by mouth: Black seed is commonly consumed in foods. Black seed oil and black seed powder are possibly safe when taken in larger amounts for up to 3 months. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if larger amounts are safe when used for more than 3 months. Black seed can cause allergic rashes in some people. It can also cause stomach upset, vomiting, or constipation.
When applied to the skin: Black seed oil or gel is possibly safe when used short-term. It can cause allergic rashes in some people. Pregnancy: Black seed is commonly consumed in foods. But taking amounts greater than those found in foods while pregnant is likely unsafe. Black seed can slow down or stop the uterus from contracting.
Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if black seed is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Black seed oil is possibly safe for children when taken by mouth short-term and in recommended amounts by weight.
In addition there are concerns with conflicts of medications including: high blood pressure,diabetes, anticoagulants,blood pressure medications, anti-depressants and others. Please refer to this link for precuations and drug interactions.
As always, consult with a qualified practitioner if you are interesting in taking this supplement or giving it to your child.
Bringing much light,
Lynn
