Common Cumin Cures Posted on January 10, 2012 by Dr.

Curry Cumin-(Cuminum Cyminum) (family Apeaceae) In the Northern America, cumin is probably known best as that savory flavor and aroma in Southwestern and Mexican cuisines. Pungent, sharp, and slightly sweet, the brown-green ground herb is also an essential ingredient in curries, chutneys, and masalas in the less familiar Indian cuisine. Cumin also holds prominence in African, Cuban, and even Chinese cuisines. The English common name cumin is relatively similar to the name for this herb passed down through cultures since the dawn of civilization, from Old English cymen, Latin cuminum, Greek (kuminon), Hebrew kammon, Arabic kammun, the ancient Semitic Akkadian kamnu, the Sumerian word gamun, all the way back to the earliest known name, the Linear B Mycenaean Greek ku-mi-no. This herb goes way back, being used by the Egyptians at least 5000 years ago, not only as a spice, but also in herbal formulas used in mummifications. Archeological excavation of Tell ed-Der in Syria found cumin seeds dated to the second millennium BC. The Greeks and Romans regarded cumin highly as one of their essential spices; it was kept in a container at the dining table much like salt and pepper today. This practice continues in modern Morocco. The Christian Bible mentions cumin in both the Old Testament (Isaiah 28:27) and the New Testament (Matthew 23:23). Evidently at one point cumin was so valuable that it was accepted by the Biblical church as tithe, in place of money. In the European Middle Ages, cumin was entwined in superstition. Cumin was carried by bride and groom during weddings as it would grant love and fidelity, ensuring a happy marriage. Furthermore, cumin was known to keep both chickens and lovers from straying, and loves of cumin bread were sent with and solders marching to battle. yurvedic practitioners regard cumin as a hot bitter, capable of removing vta and kapha dohas, while causing pitta. It is dry, astringent, and strengthening.

Cumin is native to the Middle East, East India and the Mediterranean, but is now cultivated in hot climates around the world. The common name cumin actually refers to two different plants, of differing genera: white cumin (the kind common in USA) and black cumin. Cumin is a small plant in the parsley family with pinnate leaves with slender, even thread-like leaflets and grows about a foot tall. The grain-like seeds are handpicked and can be used whole or ground, often lightly toasted.

Cumin seeds pack a variety of fragrant and medicinal chemical constituents, including fatty and volatile oils, resins, mucilage, and various proteins. The essential oil imparts much of cumins destinctive flavor and aroma. Cumin contains cuminaldehyde, carvone, cuminol, cymol and various terpenes.

These chemical constituents give cumin its many medicinal uses, many which are great home remedies: Digestive: Ayurvedic texts praise cumins carminative and digestive properties. It is said to balance disorders in the vata and kapha doshas. Lightly roasted cumin seed ground and mixed into drink improves digestion and relieves gas and bloating. Chewing a few cumin seeds before meals increases

the appetite, while chewing them after helps in digestion of the meal, prevents constipation and even prevents dental cavities.

RECIPES FOR HEALTH: Vrinda Madhava: This ayurvedic formulation is made by mixing ghee (clarified butter with solids removed) with ground cumin and coriander seeds into a paste-like consistency. This is to be eaten daily, perhaps mixed into some rice or on toast, to help alleviate indigestion, acid reflux/heartburn, peptic ulcer, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, as well as various kapha and pitta dosha disorders.

A similar alternative remedy is to make a tea with a teaspoon of cumin seeds per cup of water, seeped well. To this add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of juiced cilantro (fresh coriander leaves) and take twice daily after meals. (A large bunch of cilantro could be juiced and frozen into small cubes that could then be thawed individually when added to the daily cumin tea).

Honeyed Cumin-Mix ground cumin in honey to reduce intestinal cramping, colic pain and diarrhea due to poor digestion. Take a teaspoonful with meals as preventative or whenever discomfort strikes.

Cumin Tea-Boil a teaspoon of cumin per cup water, allow to seep for a half an hour. Consuming this infusion regularly relieves indigestion, childhood colic and flatulence.

Herb Pom IBS AID- Pomegranate juice (100%) mixed with lightly roasted cumin, ground, is said to reduce the frequency of stools and soothes the colon in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Considering pomegranates are an amazing superfood, power packed full of antioxidants, its no wonder this works well for some people. IBS is best treated under physician supervision.

Roast Cumin Ginger Buttermilk-Roast a teaspoon of cumin seed, grind. Mix this powder with a half teaspoon of fresh ginger juice and a pinch of salt in a glass of butter milk. (As a easier, pulpier alternatively use a blender to puree a inch slice of ginger into the buttermilk base.) Drink this regularly to soothe inflamed intestines and hemorrhoids.

Cumin seeds should be roasted carefully in a pan on low heat, removing when warmed, not browned, to prevent the escape of medicinal volatile compounds.

A traditional cumin poultice applied to the abdomen is said to ease the pain associated with intestinal parasites. Obviously this should be used in conjunction with internal parasite therapy whether herbal or pharmaceutical, under physician supervision. It is said that smoking cumin seeds can cure a persistent case of hiccups, although Id try other remedies first, including breath holding.

Ayurvedic traditions recommend cumin as safe and indeed beneficial to pregnant women. Morning sickness is said to be alleviated by mixing ground cumin mixed with lime juice. Drinking cumin tea daily is said to assure a good fetal development, promote easy delivery and reduce inflammation of the uterus. In addition, cumin encourages abundant milk secretion. RECIPE FOR HEALTH: Cumin Lactation Aid-A tea made by boiling ground cumin can be taken regularly by lactating women to increase breast milk production.

Nasal Issues-Cumin has traditional uses up the nose. RECIPE FOR HEALTH: Cumin Nasal Drops-Strong cumin tea mixed with some vinegar has been used as nasal drops to stop nasal drip and nose bleeds.

Skin Aid- Cumin has benefits when applied topically as well. It has been used to relieve pain and itching associated with insect stings, boils and general superficial inflammation.

RECIPES FOR HEALTH: Cumin Paste-Mix ground cumin seeds in water to a manageable paste-like consistency. This is applied to skin lesions, boils, and itchy patches. It reduces superficial inflammation and pain. Sticky Scorpion Salve-For stings from the less dangerous scorpion species (such as those sold as pets) cumin has value. Traditionally ground cumin is mixed with salt, honey, and ghee (clarified butter). This is applied to the sting and held in place by a bandage. This will reduce pain and secondary infection during the recovery process.

Oral Health-Cumin is astringent and has been used to assist healing bleeding gums, oral ulcers, laryngitis and even to simply eliminate bad breath. Chewing 10-30 cumin seeds may provide relief for hoarseness.

RECIPES FOR HEALTH:

Cumin Gargle-Make a strong cumin tea, add a pinch of cardamom and cool. Gargle with this to keep the mouth fresh and promote healing of oral issues.

Cumin Gum Rub-Briefly, lightly roast a tablespoon of cumin in a pan without oil.

Grind this to a fine powder by mortar and pestle or a clean coffee grinder. Mix in a quarter teaspoon of salt. Massage gums with this powder to strengthen and prevent the gingivitis that causes gums to bleed. Flossing regularly is necessary for healthy gums; this is not a replacement for regular dental care. Gum disease should be evaluated by a professional.

Colds-Cumin has been touted as a cold remedy. Make cumin tea, adding a slice of fresh ginger and drink regularly to ease a common cold.