AYURVEDIC BENEFITS OF CUMIN

Cumin or Jeera as it is popularly known in India has a history of over 5,000 years old of use.We often forget the significance of something that we use on a regular basis and cumin happens to be one of them. Generally Cumin is the first ingredient used in Indian cooking, it is an excellent source of iron, manganese and other vitamins and minerals. Research shows that cumin has antioxidant properties, helps in digestion and protects against memory loss among many other things.

According to Ayurveda, cumin is one of Nature’s best overall tonic. In Sanskrit, cumin is known as Jiraka, which means “that which helps digestion”.

Latin name: Cuminum cyminum
Synonyms - Deerghajeeraka, Gaurajeeraka, Ajaji, Sitajaji, Kanajeeraka, Dipyaka.
Regional names - Marathi - Jire, Hindi - Jeera, Guj. - Jeerun,
Tam. - Cheerakam, Tel. - Jelakari, Kan. - Jirige, Mal. - Jorekam, Eng- Cumin seed
Parts used - Seed.
Energetic Principles –Pungent, bitter, sweet / pungent / hot
Attributes – light, slightly oily and penetrating.
Chemical Constituents- Contains  cuminaldehyde, protein, carbohydrate, minerals, vitamins.
Action on Doshas : K - V -

Common healing properties of Cumin:

• Digestive
• increases concentration
• enhances memory
• reduces cholesterol
• weight loss
• relieve stress
• aphrodisiac
• pain reliever
• detoxify liver
• reduce menstrual cramps
• increases lactation in new mothers

Use of Cumin in various diseases:

Being bitter,pungent and due to a pleasant appetizing smell, it acts as taste enhancing.
Due to pungent post digestive effect and hot potency it acts as fire stimulant and digestive.
It absorbs micro waste products from colon and hence acts as binding agent.
It is wormicidal as it eliminates vitiated Kapha present in the intestines.
It is useful in vomiting as it eliminates vitiated Kapha and removes irritation of stomach.
Being oily and fire stimulant it increases appetite and eliminates constipation

Cumin Doses - Powder 1 to 3 gm.
Cumin can be taken in either roasted, raw or powdered form. Of the three types of seeds, black cumin has more potent medicinal values. Take precaution not to burn the seeds while roasting them; seeds should be roasted on low heat until they become warm to the touch and release a nice aroma. This will help prevent any loss of medicinal properties of the seeds.

Ayurvedic Cumin preparations

Ayurvedic remedies with cumin/ Jeerak:

Cumin is an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants and anti-flatulent properties and is a great remedy to cure constipation, gas, bloating, heaviness etc.
-- Chew a few cumin seeds to cure constipation.
-- Mix half a spoon of powdered cumin into a glass of pomegranate juice to get relief from IBS.
-- Mix equal amounts of powdered cumin and cardamom and take this three times a day to get relief from bloating due to gas.
-- Make cumin tea with a piece of ginger to boost weak immune system affected by common cold. To maintain the immune system you can also replace normal water with cumin water by boiling one tsp cumin in 5 liters of water and drinking that instead.
-- Cumin is an excellent source of iron for people with anemia.
-- Consumption of cumin also helps regulate sleep pattern, especially for people who suffer from insomnia.
-- Add powdered cumin to boiled water, allow it to cool and add a pinch of cardamom to it. Gargle with this water to keep your mouth fresh and free from any smell or mouth diseases.
-- Consumption of cumin has also been known to helpful to people suffering from respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma.
-- Face pack of the paste mixed with powder of sandalwood and curcuma is useful for reliving the problem of acne. This face pack also improves the complexion.

Precautions during use of Cumin:
Consumption of cumin may not be suitable for everyone, some people have been know to have allergic reactions.