Synopsis

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

Black seed (Nigella sativa) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Unani, Ayurveda, and traditional Arabic medicine, for various respiratory ailments such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys report that black seed oil or its seeds have been used as a remedy for soothing coughs and relieving congestion. The seeds contain thymoquinone and other volatile oils, which are believed to contribute to their therapeutic effects in folk medicine.

Modern scientific evidence for black seed’s efficacy in treating general cough is limited and mostly preliminary. Some small clinical studies and animal research suggest that Nigella sativa may have anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and bronchodilatory properties, which could theoretically benefit respiratory conditions. However, these studies often focus on asthma or allergic airway inflammation rather than uncomplicated cough. Comprehensive, high-quality clinical trials directly investigating black seed’s effectiveness for general cough are lacking.

In summary, black seed's use for cough is primarily rooted in traditional practices, and while some early scientific findings are promising, the overall evidence remains limited and insufficient to draw firm conclusions about its efficacy for this specific condition.

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