I have been using black seed ( Nigella sativa) oil for a while now, as research shows that it can be very beneficial for us. I am a big advocate of natural remedies, but I also understand that not all oils are created equal. If you want to learn more about the benefits of black seed oil, I have a detailed article that breaks them down. In this article, I want to introduce BioNatal Black Seed Oil, which I have been using for a while now.
Disclosure: BioNatal Black Seed Oil was gifted to me for review. All opinions are my own, and this review will be updated as I continue testing the oil. I may also earn from affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Barefoot Basil! Full Affiliate Disclosure
TL;DR
I found BioNatal’s Ethiopian black seed oil more pleasant to take than previous oils, with a strong peppery taste, visible seed particles and an easy-to-pour bottle. I like BioNatal’s in-house production and published laboratory reports. The brand reports thymoquinone levels up to 4.64%, the highest on the market. After just over a week of use, it is too early to judge health benefits, but my first impressions are great.
Why I wanted to try BioNatal
Previously, I used black seed oil with 2.6% TQ, so when I saw that BioNatal produces oil with a much higher thymoquinone content, up to 4.64%, I wanted to test it out.
What caught my attention the most was their in-house production, and I love how the brand explains every step. From sourcing seeds to cleaning, cold pressing, storing and bottling. I was also intrigued by Ethiopian black seed oil, as it seemed to have different properties than Egyptian and Turkish varieties.
What is different about Ethiopian black seeds?
Some studies found that Ethiopian black seeds have higher levels of antioxidant compounds and better oxidative stability than samples from other countries. Some Ethiopian black seed oil samples also had higher levels of thymoquinone (3).
Does Ethiopian origin guarantee a better oil?
Ethiopian origin alone does not guarantee a better oil. The seed variety, growing conditions, maturity at harvest, storage and extraction process can all affect its composition(1)(2). For me, sourcing is a useful starting point, but I also want to know how the finished oil is produced and tested.
BioNatal’s quality claims: what could I verify?
I appreciate how much information BioNatal shares about its production, from sourcing and cleaning the seeds to pressing, storing and bottling the oil.
Producing it in-house gives the brand direct control over these stages. Its published laboratory reports are also useful.
How I tested BioNatal black seed oil
I have been testing BioNatal black seed oil for over a week now, and I’ll update my observations after a few weeks/month of use. I have missed a few days because I have been travelling, but this is a good reminder to get some black seed oil capsules so I don’t miss any days of use.
My experience: taste, texture and daily use
I am not new to black seed oil, so I was not shocked by the potent taste of BioNatal’s black seed oil. But I found it more pleasant than my previous oils. Yes, it is bitter, but it tasted like very strong pepper. After taking a teaspoon of it, I washed it with a bit of water and could feel a subtle warmth in my throat. With the weather getting colder, I like the warming feeling I get from it.
Black seed oil has quite a strong, peppery smell, but after a while, I just get used to it and quite like it. But if you don’t like the peppery taste, you could try their Organic Black Seed Oil Softgels.
As this oil is unfiltered and has a lot of sediment, you need to shake the bottle before consuming it. I was surprised to see that it looked different from the oils I used before. The previous oil was smooth, brownish in colour, while this oil looks like olive oil with many black bits in it. On the spoon, it looks greenish, see-through in colour and has many parts of seed in the oil.
I like that the oil is unfiltered and still contains fine seed particles, giving it a more textured feel than the smoother oils I have used before.
I am not too precise with measuring; I just don’t exceed a teaspoon each day. The bottle is very easy to pour the oil into without making any mess.
As I am used to black seed oil, it is very easy to fit it into my daily routine. I normally take it in the morning with a glass of water to start the day well. I do not feel any digestive issues, so I don’t take it with food. But if you have a more sensitive stomach and are not used to potent tastes, you might want to take it with food. However, make sure not to heat the oil, as it will lose some of the beneficial properties.
Overall, even if this oil is more potent, it does feel more subtle in the taste and smell.
Did I notice any changes since starting to use Bionatal’s black seed oil?
I need to take it for longer to see significant improvements; however, some of the things would need to be measured with a blood test. It would be quite hard to notice effects on cholesterol or blood sugar. After just over a week, it is too early for me to conclude benefits. I have noticed feeling less hungry during the day when I take it in the morning, although I cannot tell whether the oil is responsible.
Is it worth the price?
BioNatal Ethiopian Black Seed Oil is not cheap, but I do think that the price is justified. The quality of the oil and packaging is great, and it does last for a very long time, as you only need to take a teaspoon a day.
What I like about BioNatal is that it is made in the US and Germany and is shipped from their warehouses there. So no matter if you live in the US or Europe, you should get the oil very fast. My bottle arrived quickly and was packaged safely, without unnecessary packaging.
It is definitely one of the cases where paying a bit more is worth it for the quality.
FAQ about BioNatal’s Black Seed Oil
Is BioNatal’s oil certified organic?
BioNatal sells organic Black seed oil sofgels, but their Ethiopian black seed oil is GMO-free, not organic.
Does every bottle contain 4.64% thymoquinone?
No, as black seed oil is a natural product and each batch can have a different TQ percentage. According to the brand, thymoquinone goes up to 4.64%, with variation between batches.
Why is there sediment?
There is sediment in BioNatal’s oil because the brand offers unfiltered black seed oil, as seed particles contain many beneficial components. BioNatal purifies their oil manually to make sure approximately 5% of sediment is left in your bottle.
How should this particular oil be stored?
You should not expose the oil to the sun or heat. I store it in the fridge, and I remember to take it out when I open the fridge door, which ensures that the oil is away from the sun and heat. You can keep it in a cupboard, but away from the stove.
If you have more questions about BioNatal Ethiopian Black Seed Oil, you can find the short video answers on their website https://www.bionatal.co/pages/faq-videos
My final verdict
I really like this BioNatal black seed oil because I know what I am consuming, and I think it is a great value for good quality, high thymoquinone black seed oil.
I wish the oil was organic, but it is non-GMO, and they also sell organic black seed oil sofgels.
I will update this review in a few weeks after I use it for longer.
Health Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your supplements, medications, or treatment plan, particularly during perimenopause or if you have an existing health condition.
Why trust this review? Here's how I research, test, and score every product.
References
- Neunert, G., Kamińska, W., & Nowak-Karnowska, J. (2025). Evaluating the Thymoquinone Content and Antioxidant Properties of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seed Oil During Storage at Different Thermal Treatments. Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010377
- Khaĭkin, E. L., Chrubasik-Hausmann, S., Kaya, S., & Zimmermann, B. (2022). Screening of Thymoquinone Content in Commercial Nigella sativa Products to Identify a Promising and Safe Study Medication. Nutrients, 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173501
- Abdel-Razek, A. G., Hassanein, M., Moawad, S., Farouk, A., Badr, A., Shehata, M. G., Siger, A., Grygier, A., & Rudzińska, M. (2024). Assessment of the Quality, Bioactive Compounds, and Antimicrobial Activity of Egyptian, Ethiopian, and Syrian Black Cumin Oils. Molecules, 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29214985
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition coach and menopause coaching specialist. Combining current scientific research with her own experience of perimenopause, she writes evidence-based articles, practical guides, and in-depth product reviews to help women over 40 make informed decisions about nutrition, strength training, recovery, supplements, non-toxic living, and wellness products.
