10 Cumin Health Benefits - You Must Know

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Cumin is not just a spice; it is more than that. It is extensively used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties which are carminative, antibacterial, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and analgesic. It has been used to treat gastrointestinal, gynecological, and respiratory disorders, toothache, diarrhea, and epilepsy. In Charaka Samhita, it is used to treat abdominal disease, diarrhea, indigestion, cough, and piles. 

In the Indian kitchen, it is an important ingredient of garam masala and jal jeera, a refreshing appetizer Indian drink. Cumin powder is used in seasoning in Indian, Mexican, Italian, Thai, and Spanish cuisine. It is also used as a seasoning in soups, sausages, pickles, and meat, and as a flavoring agent in alcoholic drinks, desserts, and condiments.

The essential oil of cumin is used in ointments, balms, and liniments; it is also used in aromatherapy to relieve spasms, general muscular discomfort, anxiety, nausea, nervousness, and stress.

2. Synonyms

• Jarana - The fruit has digestive, carminative properties.
• Ajaji - It stimulates digestive fire.
• Deerghakam - The fruit is quite long.
• Medhyam - It is a brain tonic in action.
• Ruchyam - It improves the taste of food.

3. Vernacular Names

• Bengali – Jira
• Kannada – Jirage
• Malayalam – Jeerakam
• Tamil – Sheeragam
• Telugu – Jilakarra
• Punjabi – Safed Jira
• Assamese - Jira
• Italian - Cumino
• French - Cumin
• Arabic - Kammun

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4. Classical Categorization

• Charaka Samhita – Shoolaprasamanam
• Sushrut Samhita – Pippalyadi
• Ashtang Sangraha – Pippalyadi
• Dhanvantari Nighantu – Shatpushpadi varga
• Madanpal Nighantu – Sunthyadi varga
• Kaiyadev Nighantu – Oushadi varga
• Raj Nighantu – Pippalyadi varga
• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Haritakyadi varga

5. Types

Bhavaprakash and Kaiyadev Nighantu classified it into three types, namely, Sweta Jeerka (Cuminum cyminum Linn.), Krishna Jeerka (Carum carvi Linn), and Kalajaji (Nigella sativa linn.)

Dhanvantri Nighantu: Three types - Shukla jeeraka, Krishna jeeraka, Brihatpali.

Raj Nighantu: Four types - Gour ajaji, Shyah jeeraka, Prithvika, Brihatpali.

6. Identity, Purity and Strength

• Foreign Matter – Not more than 2%
• Total Ash – Not more than 8%
• Acid-insoluble ash – Not more than 1%
• Alcohol-soluble extractive – Not less than 7%
• Water-soluble extractive – Not less than 15%

(Source: The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India 1989)

7. Chemical Constitution 

An analysis of cumin seeds shows moisture 6.2%, protein 17.7%, fat 23.8%, crude fiber 9.1%, carbohydrates 35.5%, and minerals 7.7% per 100 grams. Their mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins C and A. Their calorific value is 460.

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8. Ayurvedic Properties 

• Rasa (Taste): It has Katu (bitter) taste.
• Virya (Potency): It is Ushna in nature (hot).
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): It is Katu (bitter) taste.
• Guna (Qualities) – Laghu, Ruskha.

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9. 10 Cumin Health Benefits

For Amnesia - Licking 3 grams of black cumin seeds mixed with 12 grams of pure honey helps to get rid of amnesia.

For Boils - Take black cumin powder, mix with water, and make a paste, applied over the boils. 

Common Cold - Dilute cumin water is an antiseptic beverage and is very useful in the common cold and fever.

Digestive Disorder - A decoction of 1 tsp of cumin seeds boiled in a glass of water and mixed with 1 tsp of fresh coriander leaf juice and a pinch of salt, taken twice daily after meals is an effective remedy for diarrhea. 

Insomnia - 1 tsp of fried powder of cumin seeds mixed with the pulp of a ripe banana taken at night induces sleep.

Piles - 60 grams of the black cumin seeds, of which half are roasted, are ground together and 3 grams of this powder should be taken with water.

Breast Milk Increase - A decoction of cumin seeds mixed with milk and honey, taken once daily.

Renal Colic - Black cumin seeds mixed with caraway seeds and black salt are useful in renal colic. 

Acidity - Intake of ghee, processed with a paste of cumin and coriander seeds gives relief.

Aphrodisiac - Cumin mixed with black pepper and honey is beneficial.

Bronchial - Mix cumin with dried mint leaves, which helps to clear nasal passageways.

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10. Dose

Powder - 3 to 6gm.

11. Ayurvedic Formulations

Jeerakadi modaka, jeerakadya churna, jeerakadyarista, jeerakadyataila, hingwastak churna, dhatri rasayana, yogaraj guggul.