Can You Take Black Seed Oil While Breastfeeding or Pregnant?
Food amounts vs supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Key takeaways
- Black seeds in food amounts are generally considered fine.
- There's not enough safety data on supplement doses while breastfeeding.
- Large amounts may affect uterine contractions in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Black seed is traditionally used to support milk supply, but there's little research on supplement doses during breastfeeding.[1] Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant first.
Pregnancy
Food amounts are likely fine. Larger medicinal amounts aren't recommended, as black seed may affect uterine contractions.[2]
Oregano oil
Concentrated oregano oil should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Can black seed oil increase milk supply?
It's used traditionally for this, but evidence in humans is very limited.
The bottom line
Stick to food amounts of black seed during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor approves a supplement.
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Dosage & Timing
How Much Black Seed Oil to Take Daily
Doses used in studies, translated into teaspoons and capsules.
Sources
- Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: a miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337-352.
- Tavakkoli A, Mahdian V, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on clinical trials of black seed (Nigella sativa) and its active constituent, thymoquinone. J Pharmacopuncture. 2017;20(3):179-193.