Cumin has gained notoriety as a flavorful spice commonly used in Mexican dishes like tacos. And while we love a tasty treat, we love an herb that doubles as medicine. The effects of cumin sound almost too good to be true: Cumin has been used throughout history to treat illnesses of the digestive system, for chest conditions and coughs, as a pain killer, and to treat rotten teeth. Today, cumin is commonly used as a digestive stimulator, breast-milk production enhancer, and scorpion sting soother. The popular spice is even said to support weight loss.
History & Folklore
One of the first records places cumin in ancient Egypt where the herb was revered as a popular spice and medicinal herb. Since 2000 BC, the spice was used in ancient Egypt and even the Romans seasoned their dishes with the spice already in the Roman Empire. Ancient Egyptians often used cumin to treat digestive ailments, respiratory conditions, and oral hygiene. Many of these remedies are still used today. Additionally, cumin is mentioned in the Old Testament, and, thus, thought to have been used in the Middle Ages as well. However, it is its use as a spice that is most commonly practiced around the world; especially in Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Habitat & Cultivation
Cumin is a small annual which will grow to be around one foot high. It has long narrow segmented leaves, clusters of pink or white flowers, and small oblong ridged fruits. It is the seed of the plant that is most revered in cuisine and medicine. Cumin is Native to Egypt and is still prized by Egyptians today. Now, cumin is widely cultivated in southern Europe and Asia, as well as its homeland Egypt. The seeds are gathered when the plant is ripe; typically, in late summer.
Uses
Indian Herbal Medicine used for insomnia, colds, and fevers; also scorpion stings
Breast milk taken to improve breast-milk production
Inflammations The anti-inflammatory effect has been proven for both cumin oil and cumin extract. Cumin has several ingredients that have anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is still unclear whether cumin also has this effect as an ingredient in dishes.
Weight Loss & Digestive Stimulant Cumin stimulates digestion - The active ingredient cuminaldehyde stimulates the production of digestive juices such as gastric juice, saliva and pancreas and thus stimulates digestion. Dishes that are difficult to digest, such as legumes, become more digestible when seasoned with cumin. Even with constipation or diarrhea, the spice can quickly provide relief and reduce abdominal bloating.
Cholesterol and Hypertension Cumin can prevent heart disease by both regulating high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.
Parts used
Seeds
Key Actions
Relieves gas and bloating
Constituents
Volatile oil
Aldehydes
Pinene
Alphaterpineol
Flavonoids
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 197.
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