Synopsis

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

Black cumin (Nigella sativa), also known as black seed, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. One of its traditional uses includes the management of headaches, including those associated with sinus congestion. In Unani and other traditional medicinal texts, black cumin oil or seeds are sometimes recommended for their purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are believed to help reduce the pain and discomfort of headaches. The seeds have been used in various preparations, such as oils, teas, and inhalations, aimed at relieving sinus-related symptoms and headaches.

From a scientific perspective, while black cumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild analgesic effects in laboratory and animal studies, direct clinical evidence supporting its use specifically for sinus headaches is very limited. Some small studies and case reports suggest that black cumin oil may have beneficial effects on allergic rhinitis and sinusitis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. However, these studies are preliminary, and larger, well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, the support for using black cumin in sinus headache is primarily grounded in traditional use with limited scientific corroboration.

More about black cumin
More about Headache (sinus)

Other ingredients used for Headache (sinus)

Other health conditions supported by black cumin

Products containing black cumin

Designs For Health Annatto-E® Synergy (formerly Annatto Tocotrienols)