The saying “…too much of a good thing is a bad thing” tends to apply to kalonji. Kalonji oil, while having to be taken in balanced or in prescribed doses, has a number of beneficial uses. However, when dosage recommendations are exceeded, a number of side effects may crop up that you may need to correct.
What are the side-effects of Black Seed/Kalonji Oil?
Here follow a few potential side effects of overdosing on black seed oil and what you can do about it:
- Black seed oil should be avoided when pregnant or while breastfeeding or taken in small quantities. This is because it may stop the uterus from contracting.
- Younger children should only be given kalonji oil if prescribed by a healthcare practitioner.
- People with a bleeding disorder should take the proper precautions before using black seed oil or capsules because it may decrease blood clotting.
- Diabetics should be cautious not to use black seed oil in excess because it could potentially lower your blood sugar levels and cause hypoglycemia. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before using.
- Please use with caution if suffering from low blood pressure because black seed oil has a blood pressure reducing the effect. Taken in excess it may reduce your blood pressure below healthy limits.
- If you know you need surgery, please stop taking kalonji oil or capsules approximately two weeks before the time. Kalonji may increase your risk of bleeding during surgery and interfere with blood pressure control and anesthesia.
- Always do a test patch before using black seed oil directly on your skin. Some people are prone to allergic dermatitis or rashes. Even if it works for you, only use small quantities at a time.
- Taken internally in higher than prescribed doses, kalonji could cause stomach upsets, constipation, vomiting, and other gut issues.
- Talk to your healthcare practitioner about dosage if you suffer from hypotension, i.e. high blood pressure. The use of black seed oil may interfere with your medication if taking any and cause a significant drop in blood pressure.
- Always keep black seed oil away from your eyes and mucous membrane as it may cause irritation.
Please ensure that you keep black seed oil away from heat or the light. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and shady place.