Black cumin (or black seed) oil is extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, a plant in the buttercup family. Its use dates back over 3,000 years to ancient Egypt, where it was already considered a precious product — Nigella seeds were even found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Unfiltered oil retains all its natural components, including fine sediment rich in nutrients, giving it a darker colour and a stronger flavour than filtered oil — a slight deposit at the bottom of the bottle is completely normal and a sign of quality; simply shake before use. Krauterland is a German brand recognised for rigorous manufacturing standards, awarded the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft) gold medal three times running for its unfiltered black cumin oil. Production uses mechanical first cold pressing, with no chemical solvents or excessive heat, and the oil is bottled in dark glass to protect against light and oxidation.

Also available in capsules: Black Cumin (Nigella) Oil by Dynveo.

This 100% pure oil contains no preservatives, additives, colourings or artificial flavours, with a fatty-acid profile rich in linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9), plus naturally occurring thymoquinone, thymol and carvacrol. Its taste is pleasantly spicy, slightly bitter and peppery. Use it as a finishing oil — drizzled over salads, soups or vegetable dishes after cooking, never heated, to preserve its nutritional and aromatic qualities. Many people also take it directly, 1 to 2 teaspoons a day, alone or mixed with honey.

Beyond the kitchen, black cumin oil is valued in natural skincare — massaged into skin to nourish and soften, alone or blended with argan or jojoba oil, and applied sparingly to hair ends for shine. Store the dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place away from heat, and reseal tightly after opening; once opened, use within about 5 to 6 months.

Does unfiltered oil taste stronger than filtered oil?

Yes — it has a more intense, spicier, more bitter taste due to the natural sediment and microparticles it retains. If you are new to black cumin oil, start with small amounts, or mix it with honey, yoghurt or a vinaigrette to soften the flavour.

Can black cumin oil be used for cooking at high heat?

We don’t recommend heating it, as high temperatures degrade its essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds. Use it as a finishing oil after cooking instead, and choose a more heat-stable oil like olive or coconut oil for cooking itself.

How long does a 1-litre bottle last?

At one teaspoon (about 5 ml) a day, a litre lasts around 200 days, over 6 months; at two teaspoons a day, around 3 months — an economical format for daily use, provided it’s used within 5 to 6 months of opening.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.