Cumin: properties, contraindications and how to take it

What is cumin and what is it used for?

He cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an umbelliferous, like fennel, celery, and caraway, and is mainly known as seasoning. In addition to being an ingredient in curryit is used in soup and gazpacho recipesof vinaigrettes and dressings.

Is a herbaceous plant annual up to 40 cm. High, very aromaticwith leaves divided into filiform segments and white or pale pink flowersgathered in umbels of few radii.

It was brought to Spain by the Muslims from Upper Egypt, where it originates from, but much earlier, in classical Greece, both Dioscorides and Hippocrates already spoke of it in their writings.

In cooking and phytotherapy their are used fruitswhich contain a essential oil rich in cuminic or cuminaldehyde, pinene, as well as flavonoids. It is very popular for its digestive properties.

Cumin medicinal properties

cumin stands out for its tonic and stimulant virtues of digestion. In addition, it is considered diuretic and carminative. It is intended above all for whet your appetiteand avoid the formation of gasesthe meteorisms, the abdominal swellingaerophagy and heavy digestions.Cumin is also considered antispasmodic and slightly estrogenic. It is recommended to relieve gastrointestinal spasms and fight the intestinal parasitesNo less prominent is the use made of it to increase milk production in lactating mothersdue to its galactogenic effect.

How to take cumin

We found the cumin powderthe seeds for decoctionin tincture, fluid extract and also the essential oil pure (in bottle and capsules).

A simple way to take advantage of the benefits of cumin is to use it as a seasoning with food. The easiest thing is to use cumin powderedand better if it is freshly ground, for which it may be practical to have a grinder at home.

It is very effective to add freshly ground cumin, for example, to legume stews to attenuate the flatulent effect they may have. It also gives a touch of exquisite flavor to the raw coleslaw and makes them more digestive.

Infusion with cumin for digestion

You can prepare a carminative infusion mixing this plant with others with similar properties, such as fennel, green anise and star anise.

How to prepare it: Boil a tablespoon of the mixture for a couple of minutes in equal parts per glass of water and take it after the main meals.

cumin tea for lactation

To increase milk production in lactating mothers, an infusion is prepared with cumin powder (10 g); galega (40 g), green anise and fennel seeds (20 g each), and horsetail and pennyroyal (10 g each). From the mixture, separate a tablespoon for each glass of water.

How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes, let it rest for another 10 and drink a cup once half an hour before breastfeeding.

Cumin contraindications

It is contraindicated in case of hyperestrogenismalthough its action is soft.

Nor should it be administered essential oil to women pregnant or lactating nor children under 8 years old.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”