Laura's Corner

A Potent Herb for Osteoarthritis

by in Health Tips October 31, 2022

90% of people over 40 have at least some osteoarthritis. Most of them are put on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). That means that most people over 40 are on NSAIDs. The problem is, NSAIDs actually make your osteoarthritis worse because they erode the substances around the joints: they inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate joint destruction. They also cause GI bleeding and ulcers.

A safe little seed that worked would be a huge discovery. Discover this!

A few years ago, a small study of 40 people over 65 with knee osteoarthritis gave them each either acetaminophen or topical black seed oil that they massaged onto their knees. Pain intensity improved significantly more in the black seed group (Electron Physician 2016;8(11):3193-3197).

That study introduced black seed as a herb for osteoarthritis. It wasn’t a total surprise because black seed is analgesic and anti-inflammatory. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 controlled studies showed that black seed oil significantly improves inflammation as shown by reductions in C-reactive protein (Complement Ther Med 2019;45:149-155).

Now a new study has added to the evidence.

This double-blind study included 106 people between the ages of 50 and 70 who were suffering from osteoarthritis in their knees. While some of them were given a placebo, some were given 2.5mL of black seed oil (Nigella sativa) orally every 8 hours for a month.

On the visual analogue scale, pain scores went down by 9.21 points in the placebo group but by 33.96 points in the black seed group, marking a significant advantage for the herb. On the WOMAC osteoarthritis index, while the improvement was a virtually nonexistent 1.34 points on placebo, it was a significantly better 27.72 points in the black seed group. People on black seed oil took significantly fewer acetaminophen too.

The black seed group was significantly more satisfied with their treatment, and that satisfaction was won with no side effects.

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2022 Sep 17;49:101666