I recently posted a video on the benefits of black seed oil and why I’ve started taking it (1 teaspoon daily). I wanted to clear up some confusion about other botanicals with similar common names. Black seed oil, black cumin, and cumin are all derived from different plants, and they belong to different plant families. Here’s a brief overview of each one:
Black seed oil: Black seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, which is also known as black caraway or fennel flower. The plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to southwestern Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including respiratory issues, digestive problems, and skin
disorders.
Black cumin: Black cumin is derived from the seeds of the Bunium bulbocastanum plant, which is also known as black caraway or blackseed. The plant belongs to the Apiaceae (carrot, celery, angelica) family and is native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. The seeds have a pungent, bitter taste and are commonly used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. Black cumin is sometimes confused with black seed oil, but they come from different plants.
Cumin: Cumin is derived from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, which belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant is native to the eastern Mediterranean and is widely cultivated in the Middle East, India, and other parts of Asia. The seeds have a warm, earthy flavor and are commonly used as a spice in many cuisines around the world. 
In summary, black seed oil comes from the Nigella sativa plant, black cumin comes from the Bunium bulbocastanum plant, and cumin comes from the Cuminum cyminum plant. They all belong to different plant families and have different flavors and uses.
As you can see, the common names of these plants are sometimes used interchangeably and that can quickly become confusing! So I always recommend double checking the exact botanical names and identifying particular species when making an herbal plan for someone, or when talking about medicinal benefits.
2 Responses
Hi there, may this message find you well.
Thank you soooo much this article, because it breaks down the truth and the differences between these herbs.
If it’s not too much trouble could you recommend an actual product for black seed oil. All I see on the market is black seed oil with cumin. I just want black seed. I hope this makes sense.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Hey there Evelyn, thanks so much for your inquiry and I’m glad that you found this post informative. One brand I like for pure black seed oil is Heritage (you can purchase it from my dispensary at a special price). A lot of brands will label them “black cumin seed” but look for the species “Nigella sativa.” This will the the black seed plant.