Cumin Seeds

Other Names of Cumin Seeds:

Cuminum cyminum
Kreuzkümmel
Romische Kümmel
Cumino
Comino
Kammun
Kemouyn
Jeera
Jeraka
Zeera
Sufaid
Jinten
Jintan puteh
Nigella Sativa (black cumin seeds)

Useful Parts of the Plant: Seeds, seed oil

The herb cumin is flowering plant belonging to the parsley family. Native to the Mediterranean and India, the seeds are extracted from the fruit and dried. Cumin seeds can be used whole or ground into a powder. Whole cumin seeds are very similar in appearance to caraway seeds. They are tiny and oblong in shape with a ridged surface. Black cumin seeds are another type of cumin. Black cumin seeds can be had whole or in the form of black cumin seed oil.

Cumin seeds have an important place in the culinary traditions of China, India, Cuba, and Mexico. They are extremely aromatic and are used to season and add spice to dishes such as chutneys, curries, soups, and sauces. The compound cuminaldehyde present in cumin seeds is responsible for the seed's flavor and smell. Ayurveda holds the medicinal properties of cumin seeds and black cumin seed oil in high regard. The properties of cumin have several health benefits and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.

Nutritional Information and Properties of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are a low-calorie spice with only seven calories per teaspoon. They are a great source of minerals such as iron and manganese. In fact, just a teaspoon of cumin added to your food can provide you with almost seven percent of your recommended daily intake of iron. Even eating small amounts of cumin seeds daily can add nutrients such as calcium and potassium to your diet. There are traces of vitamin B, vitamin B6, thiamin, and riboflavin present in cumin seeds. These vitamins can improve energy levels and promote healthy functioning of the brain. Cumin seeds also have small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds stimulate the appetite as well as aid in proper digestion. Stomach problems such as pain, cramps, bloating and indigestion can be cured with cumin seeds.
Cumin seeds are an excellent blood purifier.
Regular consumption of cumin seeds can reduce any inflammation of the uterus and increase milk production when lactating.
Apply a paste or cumin seeds and water to aching muscles and joint for relief from pain. The paste also cures skin conditions such as boils and itching.
Cumin seed uses also include improving oral health. Chewing on whole cumin seeds acts as a natural mouth freshener. It also heals mouth ulcers and prevents bleeding gums.
A tea infusion made with cumin seeds can treat a common cold.
The anti-carcinogenic properties in cumin seeds may prevent certain types of cancers such as stomach or liver cancers.
Black cumin seeds when mixed with garlic and honey work as a tonic for asthmatics. This concoction is an effective remedy for coughs as well.
Black cumin seed oil taken in capsule form over a period of time can improve the appearance of your hair by adding more shine and luster to it.
Black cumin seed oil can be added to your favorite face and body cream to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Black cumin seeds eaten regularly can boost immunity and improve the production of bone marrow.
Black cumin seed oil can also prevent high blood pressure and calm down the nervous system.

Other uses of Cumin Seeds

There are no other significant uses of cumin seeds besides medicinal and culinary.

Precautions/Side Effects/Warnings of Cumin Seeds

Several home remedies call for dry roasting cumin seeds before using them. Care should be taken to roast them only on a low heat or else it may cause the release of certain volatile compounds that could be harmful to health.With regards to black cumin, there seem to be no significant black cumin seed oil side effects. Just ensure that you first clear it with your doctor before you start any new herbal or medical regime. It is also always recommended that you do not go over the recommended daily dosage in order to make the most of the health benefits of cumin seeds.