Alternatives to Black Seed Oil

The seeds of Nigella sativa, when pressed, yield an ancient herbal remedy: black seed oil. The seeds, which have a strong bitter taste and smell, also are commonly called black cumin. Herbalists traditionally prescribe black seed oil for its anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Scientists from the Czech Republic have documented the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil in the Journal of Medicinal Foods and Iranian researchers reported in the American Journal of Otolaryngology its usefulness in treating allergic rhinitis. Other recent studies indicate that a black seed oil compound, the phytochemical thymoquinone, also may have cancer-fighting attributes.

Chamomile

• Chamomile is pretty as well as medicinal.

  German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), an annual, contains the compound quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine. Herbalists have long recognized its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Its perennial relative, English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), while not of the same species, shares many of these same properties.

Echinacea

• The purple flower of the echinacea plant blooms is native to central U.S.A.

  Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia), which also contains quercetin, is a chamomile relative with similar antihistamine properties. Uses include treating upper respiratory infections.

Fennel

• Fennel is a perennial herb native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean.

  Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) contains quercetin as well, frequently recommended by herbalists for use as an expectorant. Young children and people with a seizure disorder should not use fennel.

Thyme

• Thyme is both a culinary and a medicinal herb.

  Several recent scientific reports document the antihistamine and antiseptic properties of thymol, the primary compound in common thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Research indicates that thyme strengthens the immune system. Pregnant women should not use thyme medicinally because it acts as a uterine stimulant in large quantities.

Basil

• Basil is native to India, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

  Basil (Ocimum basilicum) contains the compound (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which blocks inflammation by activating the cannabinoid CB2 receptor. It is a member of the mint family and, like many of its relatives, is an effective antiseptic and antibacterial.

Red Reishi

• Red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as Ling Zhi in Chinese, is a medicinal mushroom that contains lanostane-type triterpenoids, powerful antimicrobials. Ganoderic acids in the reishi contribute to its antihistamine, antiviral and cancer-fighting properties.

Ginger

• Ginger is the is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale.

  Herbalists recommend ginger for mild digestive complaints, but recent research documents the powerful antiviral properties of this common plant, as well as its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginkgo Biloba

• Another name for ginkgo biloba is maidenhair tree.

  Ginkgo biloba has fan-shaped leaves that turn butter-yellow in autumn. It has strong antioxidant properties due to its flavonoid and terpenoid content.

Garlic

• People have used garlic throughout history for culinary and medicinal purposes.

  Garlic (Allium sativum) contains allicin, which has powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Doctors in World Wars I and II used garlic to prevent gangrene and to treat dysentery.