Evidence supporting the use of: Nigella seed
For the health condition: Colic (children)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nigella seed (Nigella sativa), also known as black seed or kalonji, has a longstanding history of use in various traditional medical systems, particularly in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African cultures. Traditionally, it has been employed to address a variety of ailments, including digestive complaints such as flatulence, indigestion, and infant colic. Folk medicine practitioners have often recommended Nigella seed oil or preparations to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort in children, believing it to have carminative and antispasmodic effects. However, scientific research specifically investigating Nigella seed’s efficacy for treating colic in children is extremely limited and largely anecdotal. There are a few laboratory and animal studies suggesting that Nigella sativa may have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that could, in theory, help with gastrointestinal spasms seen in colic. Despite this, high-quality clinical trials in infants or children with colic are lacking. Therefore, while its use is justified by tradition, current scientific evidence does not robustly support Nigella seed as an effective or safe treatment for colic in children. Parents should exercise caution and consult healthcare providers before considering its use in this context.

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