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Cumin
Cumin
Cumin is a spice that has culinary as well as medicinal uses. Cuminaldehyde is an important chemical present in Cumin that is responsible for a number of health benefits.
Cumin helps in weight management as it increases metabolism and also manages cholesterol levels in the body. Drinking cumin water in the morning helps in weight loss. It is good for the management of anemia as it is a rich source of iron. Cumin is also beneficial in managing blood pressure as it helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Adding cumin seeds to your daily diet helps prevent digestive disorders like indigestion and flatulence due to its carminative property.
Applying Cumin oil on the skin helps in various skin problems due to its antifungal property. Cumin seed powder along with honey can also be applied to the skin to get rid of blackheads and dullness.
Cumin may increase the risk of bleeding if taken along with blood thinners so it should be used cautiously[2][3][7].
Cumin helps in weight management as it increases metabolism and also manages cholesterol levels in the body. Drinking cumin water in the morning helps in weight loss. It is good for the management of anemia as it is a rich source of iron. Cumin is also beneficial in managing blood pressure as it helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Adding cumin seeds to your daily diet helps prevent digestive disorders like indigestion and flatulence due to its carminative property.
Applying Cumin oil on the skin helps in various skin problems due to its antifungal property. Cumin seed powder along with honey can also be applied to the skin to get rid of blackheads and dullness.
Cumin may increase the risk of bleeding if taken along with blood thinners so it should be used cautiously[2][3][7].
What are the synonyms of Cumin?
Cuminum cyminum, Ajaji, Jiraka, Ajajika, Jira, Sadajira, Jiru, Jirautmi, Safed jira, Jirage, Safed Zoor, Jeerakam, Pandhare jire, Dhalajeera, Chitta jira, Sheeragam, Chirakam, Jilakarra, Zira, Zirasafed[1].
What is the source of Cumin?
Plant Based
Benefits of Cumin
Modern Science View
Cumin might be beneficial in managing diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs due to an increased peristaltic movement. This increases frequency of stool and results in loss of water and electrolytes. Tannins, terpenoids and flavonoids in Cumin have antidiarrheal effect. These constituents reduce the peristaltic movement. Thus, Cumin helps to reduce the stool frequency and manages diarrhea[3][6][10].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Cumin is good to control diarrhea because it improves Agni (digestive fire) and controls Vata due to its Deepan property. It also has Grahi (absorbent) property that helps to retain fluid in the intestine and reduce the frequency of motion.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control diarrhea.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Cumin in fluid retention[6].
Modern Science View
Gas formation occurs due to an impaired digestion. Cumin has carminative and antiflatulent properties. These properties improve digestion and reduce gas formation[3][4][6].
Ayurvedic View
Gas is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas formation or flatulence. Taking Cumin regularly in the diet helps to correct impaired digestion. It improves Agni (digestive fire ) and reduces gas. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control gas or flatulence.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control gas or flatulence.
Modern Science View
Due to its carminative, stimulant and analgesic properties, Cumin might be beneficial in managing colic. Apart from this, Cumin is also known to have anti-ulcerogenic property[3][6][11].
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, Colic pain is commonly known as Shula. This is due to an aggravation of Vata. Cumin helps to relieve abdominal pain due to an accumulation of gas in the abdomen. This is due to its Vata balancing property.
Tip
Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage colic pain.
Tip
Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage colic pain.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Cumin in increasing sexual desire[6].
Modern Science View
Cumin might be beneficial in managing menstrual problems like delayed and painful menstruation. Cumin seeds contain iron that is 5 times more than the daily need of an adult. It thus makes up for the loss of iron during the menstrual cycle[4][6][12][13].
Ayurvedic View
Menstrual problems like dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Cumin has the property of balancing Vata and is good to control dysmenorrhea.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage menstrual problems.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Cumin powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage menstrual problems.
How effective is Cumin?
Insufficient evidence
Colicky pain, Diarrhea, Flatulence (gas formation), Fluid retention, Increasing sexual desire, Menstrual pain, Pain due to smooth muscle spasm
Precautions when using Cumin
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Cumin may increase the risk of bleeding. So if you are on therapy of blood thinners, please consult a doctor[6].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Cumin may lower the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood sugar regularly while taking Ginger with anti diabetic drugs[6].
Recommended Dosage of Cumin
- Cumin Churna - ½ to 1 teaspoon twice a day.
- Cumin Oil - 1-2 drops twice a day.
How to use Cumin
1. Cumin Churna
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of cumin.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
2. Cumin seed essential oil
a. Take 1-2 drops of cumin oil in a glass.
b. Add lukewarm water.
c. Drink twice a day after meals.
d. Cumin Seeds Kwatha(decoction)
e. Take 4 to 8 teaspoons of kwath.
f. Drink it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
3. Cumin Water
a. Fill the water bottle with hot water
b. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cumin seeds to it
c. Let it stand for overnight
d. Drink this water in the morning to facilitates weight loss[7].
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of cumin.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
2. Cumin seed essential oil
a. Take 1-2 drops of cumin oil in a glass.
b. Add lukewarm water.
c. Drink twice a day after meals.
d. Cumin Seeds Kwatha(decoction)
e. Take 4 to 8 teaspoons of kwath.
f. Drink it with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
3. Cumin Water
a. Fill the water bottle with hot water
b. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cumin seeds to it
c. Let it stand for overnight
d. Drink this water in the morning to facilitates weight loss[7].
Benefits of Cumin
1. Skin disorders
Cumin contains Vitamin E in abundance. The essential oils present in this have disinfectant and anti-fungal properties that prevent various skin problems and keep the skin young and glowing[4].
2. Endodontic infections
In case of persistent (continuous) endodontic (inside the teeth) infections, cumin has strong antimicrobial activity against the oral bacteria that have even failed the endodontic treatments[5].
Cumin contains Vitamin E in abundance. The essential oils present in this have disinfectant and anti-fungal properties that prevent various skin problems and keep the skin young and glowing[4].
2. Endodontic infections
In case of persistent (continuous) endodontic (inside the teeth) infections, cumin has strong antimicrobial activity against the oral bacteria that have even failed the endodontic treatments[5].
Recommended Dosage of Cumin
- Cumin Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Cumin Oil - 1-2 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Cumin
1. Cumin Seeds Powder Face Scrub
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of cumin seed powder.
b. Mix it with honey and Massage gently onto the face and neck.
c. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin infections, blackheads and dullness[5].
2. Cumin Oil with coconut oil
a. Take 1-2 drops of Cumin essential oil.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and apply on the skin or hair.
c. Use this three times a week for better results.
a. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of cumin seed powder.
b. Mix it with honey and Massage gently onto the face and neck.
c. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin infections, blackheads and dullness[5].
2. Cumin Oil with coconut oil
a. Take 1-2 drops of Cumin essential oil.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and apply on the skin or hair.
c. Use this three times a week for better results.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Cumin water can be beneficial in weight loss, indigestion and also regulates your metabolism. A person can drink it early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Cumin water is good as it helps to control flatulence, bloating and reduces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Daily consumption of Cumin water also helps manage weight.
Modern Science View
Yes, animal studies suggest that Cumin prevents colon cancer caused by colon-specific carcinogen. Cumin increases the excretion of bile acids and neutral sterols. It inhibits the enzymes that damage the colon mucus membrane. Cumin also inhibits the release of toxins[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin has anti-diabetic effects. Cuminaldehyde and Cuminol in Cumin reduces the blood glucose levels and increases insulin secretion. Cumin is also known to have good antioxidant property. It protects the pancreatic β-cells and reduces the risk of diabetic complications[3][14].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Regular intake of Cumin helps to correct impaired digestion and reduces Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin reduces the level of fasting cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL). It protects the cells by preventing lipid peroxidation due to its anti-oxidant property[3][14].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Cumin improves Agni and corrects impaired digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and prevents the build-up of bad cholesterol.
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin has immunomodulatory property. It helps to enhance the immunity by stimulating the T cells and Th1 cytokines (immune cells)[3].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Cumin helps to enhance immunity. This is due to its Balya (tonic) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin has anti-epileptic activity. Cumin oil not only attenuates seizures but also has significant analgesic effect[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin has anti-osteoporotic activity due to the presence of phytoestrogens. Cumin reduces the excretion of calcium through urine. It strengthens the bones by increasing the amount of calcium in them[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin helps reduce blood pressure. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
It reduces blood pressure by making nitric oxide more available in the blood. Nitric oxide relaxes narrowed blood vessels and lowers blood pressure[14].
It reduces blood pressure by making nitric oxide more available in the blood. Nitric oxide relaxes narrowed blood vessels and lowers blood pressure[14].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin seeds can help in managing anaemia. Cumin seeds contain iron that is 5 times more than the daily need of an adult. Being a rich source of iron, Cumin should be used as an additive for anaemic people[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin might be helpful in weight loss. It helps to reduce triglycerides, bad cholesterol (Low density Lipoprotein, LDL) and increases good cholesterol (High density lipoprotein, HDL) which further helps to reduce fat mass[15].
Ayurvedic View
Weight gain is a condition that occurs due to weak or poor digestion. This results in the accumulation of excessive fat in the body. Cumin helps to reduce weight by digesting the food and accumulated fat due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) properties. It also helps to flush this fat out of the body due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Black Cumin oil has many health benefits. Consuming it in the form of capsules might be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory diseases, diabetes and digestive diseases. It also has antioxidant, wound healing, anti-cancer, immunomodulator and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. It can also be applied topically to manage certain skin conditions like acne and burns. However, in should be kept in mind that the volatile oil from the seeds might cause toxicity at higher doses due to the presence of a constituent known as Melanthin[18-21].
Ayurvedic View
Cumin oil is generally used for topical application in conditions that occur due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas like arthritis, asthma and diabetes due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties. It also helps to manage the condition of Agnimandya (low digestive fire) due to its Ushna (hot) property which helps to improve digestion.
Modern Science View
Excessive consumption of Cumin might cause bleeding, contact dermatitis, respiratory complications as well as pose a risk of liver cancer. It might also affect blood sugar levels, fertility and sperm count if taken in high amount. Cumin also has the potential to cause adverse drug interaction with anti-tuberculosis medicines or certain antibiotics. It can also be harmful if taken in excess quantity during pregnancy[16][17].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin when applied externally helps to reduce abdominal pain. It is applied in the form of a poultice or a moist mass to relieve pain and irritation caused by worms[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cumin has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, can provide relief in case of scorpion bite[3].
Tips:
1. Crush the Cumin seeds to powder form.
2. Mix with honey, salt and butter
3. Apply to the affected area[3].
Tips:
1. Crush the Cumin seeds to powder form.
2. Mix with honey, salt and butter
3. Apply to the affected area[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, cuminaldehyde in Cumin seed oil improves oral health. It has a good antimicrobial activity against the oral pathogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans[3].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Sowbhagya HB.Chemistry, Technology, and Nutraceutical Functions of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L): an Overview. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2013;53(1):1-10.
- Ohri RK.Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update.Pharmacogn Rev.2011;5(9):63–72.
- Singh RP, Gangadharappa HV, Mruthunjaya K.Cuminum cyminum – A Popular Spice: An Updated Review. Pharmacogn J. 2017;9(3):292-301.
- Abbaszadegan A, Gholami A, Ghahramani Y, et al.Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Cuminum Cyminum as an Intracanal Medicament Compared to Chlorhexidine Gel.Iran Endod J.2016;11(1):44-50.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-635-cumin.aspx?activeingredientid= 635&activeingredientname=cumin
- Bakhru HK.Herbs That Heal Natural Remedies For Good Health.Orient Paperbacks.1990.
- Balkrishnan A.Jeera.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Pradesh M, Kumar D, Kumar P, et al. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): As a feed additive for livestock.Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies.2017;5(3):365-369.
- Sahoo HB, Sahoo HK, Sarangi SP, et al. Anti-diarrhoeal investigation from aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum Linn. Seed in Albino rats. Pharmacognosy Res.2014;6(3):204–209.
- Dash MK, Joshi N, Dwivedi L, et al. Probable Mode of action of hingvastaka churna: A critical review. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.2016;7(3).
- Mirabi P, Alamolhoda SH, Esmaeilzadeh S, et al. Effect of medicinal herbs on primary dysmenorrhoea- A systematic review. IJPR.2014;13(3):757-767.
- Jani D, Gujarathi J. Pharmacological appraisal of Cuminum cyminum L. in dysmenorrhoea: An ayurvedic approach in consideration of current evidences. IJAPR.2016;4(12):29-35.
- Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacological activities of Cuminum cyminum - A review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy.2016;6(6):46-65.
- Zare R, Heshmati F, Fallahzadeh H et al.Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women.Complement Ther Clin Pract.2014;20(4):297-301.
- Singh RP, Gangadharappa HV, Mruthunjaya K.Cuminum cyminum – a popular spice: an updated review.Pharmacogn J.2017;9(3):292-301.
- Gupta RS, Saxena P, Gupta R et al.Evaluation of reversible contraceptive activities of Cuminum cyminum in male albino rats.Contraception.2011;84(1):98-107.
- Hadi V, Kheirouri S, Alizadeh M et al.Effects of Nigella sativa oil extract on inflammatory cytokine response and oxidative stress status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Avicenna J Phytomed.2016;6(1):34-43.
- Ijaz H, Tulain UR, Qureshi J et al.Review: Nigella sativa (prophetic medicine): a review.Pak J Pharm Sci.2017;30(1):229-234.
- Eid AM, Elmarzugi NA, Abu Ayyash LM et al.A review on the cosmeceutical and external applications of Nigella sativa.J Trop Med.2017;2017:7092514.
- Kooti W, Hasanzadeh-Noohi Z, Sharafi-Ahvazi N et al.Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of black seed (Nigella sativa).Chin J Nat Med.2016;14(10):732-745.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.