Black Seed Oil and Honey: Should You Be Taking Them Together?

Black seed oil and honey are two natural products that have been used for centuries to promote health and wellness. Both have been studied and shown to have a range of benefits when used regularly and in the right doses. But what happens when these products are joined together and taken at the same time?

In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of the black seed oil and honey duo, as well as answer some common questions including whether they should always be taken together.

What Are the Benefits of Black Seed Oil and Honey?

Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant and is known for its rich nutritional content, including essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, namely, Thymoquinone (the compound thought to be responsible for the majority of this oil’s powerful benefits).

This cold-pressed oil can be purchased in several different forms including liquid oil, black seed oil capsules or gummies. Nigella sativa oil is also available in dropper and tincture form. Here are some of the most notable benefits of black seed oil:

Supports Immune System: Black seed oil has been shown to boost the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and diseases, and recover more quickly when infections do arise. 

Promotes Digestive Health: The anti-inflammatory compounds in kalonji oil can help alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

Supports Heart Health: Black cumin seed oil has been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which in turn can aid in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Allergies: Research has shown that black seed oil can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. Additionally, the antioxidants in black seed oil can help to protect the body against free radical damage, which is thought to contribute to the development of allergies.

Moving onto honey – the natural, golden sweeter produced from the flower nectar collected by hard working bees – we can start to see how bringing these two products together can maximize desired benefits. Honey is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the most notable benefits of honey:

Boosts Energy: Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates that can provide a quick boost of energy when needed.

Supports Healing: Honey has been used as a natural remedy for wounds and skin irritations due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Improves Sleep: Consuming honey before bedtime can help improve sleep quality due to its natural sedative effects.

Allergies: Honey has been used as a natural remedy for allergies for centuries. Raw, unpasteurized honey contains small amounts of pollen, which can help to build immunity to local allergens over time. This is known as "immunotherapy." When consumed regularly, honey can help to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, as well as prevent future allergies from developing.

Together, black seed oil and honey can offer a powerful combination for reducing allergy symptoms. By reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and helping to build immunity to allergens, both products can help to alleviate the symptoms of allergies, including itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Taking these two compounds together can also help boost immunity, general healing, improved sleep, increased energy and more.

Do I Have to Take Black Seed Oil with Honey?

Black seed oil and honey can both be taken separately and still provide health benefits. However, some people believe that taking them together can enhance the effects and provide greater health benefits. There is some evidence to suggest that the combination of black seed oil and honey can help with conditions such as allergies, skin issues, and digestive problems.

The main reason honey is taken with black seed oil, however, is to help make the oil more palatable. In general, black seed oil has a very distinct, peppery taste. Some users say it tastes like what they imagine motor oil would taste like. The good news is, honey really does improve the taste and makes it easier to take black seed oil, while also offering the added health benefits of honey.

Ultimately, you do not have to take these two together, it is simply a way to help improve the taste of the oil and as an added bonus, you reap the benefits of honey also.

What is the Best Honey to Use?

Honey can generally be lumped into two different kinds: Regular honey and manuka honey. Regular honey is made by bees who use nectar from a variety of flowering plants; this type of honey is most commonly found in grocery stores. It is known for its sweet taste and is used as a natural sweetener in many foods and drinks. Regular honey has some antibacterial properties and is sometimes used in wound care to help wounds heal more quickly.

Manuka honey, on the other hand, is made by bees in New Zealand using the nectar from the manuka bush. It is touted for its stronger antibacterial properties. The unique antibacterial properties of manuka honey are due to the high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a natural antibacterial compound. The concentration of MG in manuka honeys is up to 100-fold higher than in conventional honeys.

That being said, manuka honey has been shown to have a higher level of antibacterial activity compared to regular honey, making it a more effective natural remedy for conditions such as wounds, skin infections, and digestive issues. However, manuka honey is also significantly more expensive than regular honey, so it may not be an option for everyone. If you can swing it, manuka honey is the superior choice, but regular honey will still do the trick and offer its own set of benefits.

Closing Remarks

In conclusion, black seed oil and honey are both natural products that offer a range of health benefits when consumed regularly and in the right doses. Whether taken separately or together, both products can help support the immune system, improve digestive health, boost energy, support wound healing, and improve sleep. Honey can also improve the taste and experience of taking black seed oil. While it is not imperative the two are taken together, it is a more enjoyable way to take nigella sativa oil while adding extra benefits, especially for allergy sufferers. If you’ve never taken honey with your black seed oil, give it a try! You have nothing to lose, and plenty to gain.

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Black Seed Oil or Honey. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant research for those curious about the potential benefits of using Black Seed Oil and Honey.