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Supplements

Black seed (kalonji)

کلونجی · Nigella sativa
Weak evidence

Culturally important and broadly safe, with early and low-quality mood evidence.

This is information, not medical advice. This page is information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription, a diagnosis or a recommendation to take anything, and none of it replaces a doctor who knows your history. Supplements are not harmless because they are natural: they interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy, and a few can cause real damage. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything here, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have a liver, kidney or heart condition, or take any regular medication. Never stop a prescribed antidepressant to try a supplement instead.

What it is

The small black seeds used across Pakistani cooking and in prophetic medicine, taken as seed, powder or oil.

What the research says

Small trials in students and in some medical conditions report improved mood and reduced anxiety, and there is better evidence for blood pressure and blood sugar. The mood studies are few, short and mostly of low quality. Treat the claims as early, not established - which is not a dismissal of a food eaten here for centuries.

What studies have used

Studies used roughly 500 mg to 2 g daily of seed or oil.

Recorded because a person who has decided to try something will find a number somewhere, and a forum's number is worse than a trial's. It is not a recommendation, and the right amount for you depends on things only a doctor who knows your history can weigh.

Who should be careful, and what it interacts with

Generally well tolerated as food. Can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, so take care alongside medication for either. May thin the blood before surgery. Avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy.

In Pakistan

In every kitchen and every pansari shop, and inexpensive. Oil quality varies enormously between sellers.

Before you take it

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take, prescription and herbal both. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a liver, kidney, heart or thyroid condition, ask first. And if what brought you here is that you have been feeling low or frightened for weeks, that deserves more than a supplement — ask us anything, anonymously, or talk to us on WhatsApp.

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