Black seed is the common name for the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. This plant is a small shrub with green leaves and white and purplish flowers. It grows worldwide, but most commonly in southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and southwest Asia. It’s also known as nigella, black cumin, fennel flower, black caraway, Roman coriander, Habbatul Barakah (Arabic), and Tikur azmud (Amharic).

Black seed can be ground into a powder supplement. Researchers have studied black seed powder to explore how it can help manage conditions such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, obesity, fatty liver diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Most people take 1-2 grams of black seed powder daily for 8-12 weeks. But talk with your doctor before taking black seed powder as a supplement. Don’t take it to manage any condition unless your doctor recommends it.