Described in an ancient text as “a cure for every disease except death,” black seed oil, also called black cumin oil, has a long history of many uses. The seeds are a traditional Middle Eastern spice used in pastries, dairy products, salads, and other foods. For thousands of years, the oil has been applied topically and taken internally for virtually any ailment, from bruises, bad hair, colds, and snake bites to headaches, indigestion, and a variety of skin conditions, including leprosy.

Since 1965, nearly a thousand scientific articles have been published on Nigella sativa, the Latin name for black seed, documenting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immune-enhancing properties. In the past few years, human studies have pinpointed some specific benefits.

Black seed oil has an unusual ability to fight bacterial infections, even drug-resistant ones such as MRSA

Taking black seed oil internally has been shown to reduce high cholesterol. It’s high in healthy fatty acids that can help you maintain healthier cholesterol levels. Examples of these fatty acids include linoleic acids and oleic acid.

Black seed oil is also thought to have anticancer properties. It may help fight against skin cancers when applied topically.

Portions of black seed oil known as thymoquinone and other seed potions were able to reduce the growth of tumors in lab rats. The oil also may help to reduce the tissue damaging effects of radiation that is used to kill cancer cells. But these results haven’t been studied in humans. Black seed oil shouldn’t be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments.

Application of black seed oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and the presence of bacteria to aid in wound healing. While it doesn’t seem to be helpful in growing new collagen fibers, it does stimulate other growth factors to help the body create new, healthy skin.

Applying black seed oil has been shown to reduce the incidence of psoriasis.