Cumin is a seed that has been used since antiquity and its health benefits and medicinal uses were well known even then. Today, this seed of a small flowering herb of the parsley family might not be used as much in food preparation as it was 5000 years ago, but it`s healing properties are still treasured and used in natural and Ayurvedic healing.
This traditional herbal remedy has many uses. Cumin is a stimulant as well as a great herb for digestive disorders and even as an antiseptic of sorts. The Cumin seeds themselves are rich in iron and are thought to help kindle the secretion of enzymes from the pancreas, which can help absorb nutrients into the system. It has also been shown to increase the power of the liver`s fitness to detoxify the human body. Recent studies have stated that cumin seeds might also have anti-carcinogenic properties. In laboratory tests, this powerful little seed was shown to condense the risk of stomach and liver tumors in animals. The health benefits of cumin for digestive disorders have been well known throughout the history of Cumin plant. It can heal flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, morning sickness, and atonic dyspepsia. In this case, the seeds are boiled in water to make a tea.
Cumin is also said to help ease symptoms of the common cold due to its antiseptic properties. People often boil the seeds in tea and then drink a couple of times a day. Cumin can also be applied topically and is said to be a good salve for boils. A black cumin paste by grinding seeds with water if applied to the affected area, it gives great relief. Cumin makes a great tonic for the body even if one does not have a specific ailment to cure. It is said to increase the heat in the body thus making metabolism more efficient. It is also thought to be a powerful kidney and liver herb and can help boost the immune system. Though the appropriate studies have yet to be conducted, some believe black cumin seeds may even be able to help treat asthma and arthritis.
The health benefits of cumin include ailments like digestion, piles, insomnia, asthma, respiratory disorders, common cold, bronchitis, lactation, skin disorders, immunity, anemia, boils, and cancer. Cumin is extremely good for digestion and related problems. The very smell (aroma) of it, which comes from an aromatic organic compound called Cuminaldehyde, the main constituent of its essential oil, activates the salivary glands in the mouth (the mouth watering flavor), easing the primary digestion of the food. Due to its essential oils, magnesium and sodium content, it endorses digestion and also gives relief in stomachache when taken with hot water like aqua ptycotis and mint.
The main reason behind piles is constipation added with infections occurred in the wound in the anal tract, which again is caused by constipation. Cumin, because of its dietary fiber content and carminative, motivating, anti fungal and anti microbial properties, due to the presence of essential oils comprising mainly of Cuminaldehyde and certain pyrazines, acts as a natural laxative in powdered form, helps to heal the infections or wounds in the digestive and excretory system and speeds up digestion too.
Cumin is a stimulant as well as a relaxant at the same time. This property cannot be attributed to a single factor alone, just as causes of insomnia cannot be recognized to a single cause. But studies state that a proper intake of vitamins (particularly B-complex) and a good digestion help to stimulate a sound sleep. Cumin helps both of these. Some of the components of the essential oil are soothing in nature and have sedative effects. Presence of caffeine (the stimulating agent), the richly aromatic essential oils (the disinfectants) make cumin a perfect anti congestive combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders like Asthma and Bronchitis.
Common Cold is a viral infection, which affects the body frequently when the immune system goes weak. Again, the essential oils present in cumin act as disinfectants and thus help fight viral infections which cause common cold. Cumin also does not let cough formation in the respiratory system as it is supposed to be hot and dries up the excess mucus. Cumin is rich in iron, has considerable amount of vitamin-C, which are essential for a good immunity, and keeps infections away. Cumin is very rich in iron (above 66 mg. in each 100 grams), which is more than 5 times the daily requirement of iron for an adult. This iron is the essential component of hemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles of blood. It is hemoglobin that transfers oxygen to the body cells and whose deficiency causes anemia. So, cumin can be a nutritious stabilizer to daily diet for anemic people.
Vitamin -E is good for skin and it keeps the skin young and glowing. Cumin has this vitamin in abundance. The essential oils present in this have antiseptic and anti fungal properties. This prevents any microbial and fungal infection from disturbing the skin. Cumin itself has detoxifying and chemo-preventive properties and accelerates secretion of detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic enzymes from the glands, as it operates towards other secretions. As well as, it has nice anti oxidants like vitamin-C and vitamin-A in it, in addition to those essential oils, which, besides having innumerable other benefits, have anti carcinogenic properties too and is particularly good for cancer of colon. The benefits of Cumin are innumerable and help to heal different ailments and health problems naturally.