Cumin (Binomial Name : Cuminum cyminum)
January 3, 2015

Cumin (Jira), binomial name Cuminum cyminum, it is an aromatic seed, is a long elongated seed with light yellowish brown in color with slight bitter taste. It is an essential ingredient in South Indian dishes used to add flavor for the curries. Cumin is popular in other parts of Asia, Mexico, Spain, and in Middle Eastern Countries as well. It grows in most hot places, especially India, North Africa, China and the Americas. India produces 70% of the world’s production and the Jira water is a popular drink in South India, which believed that it enhances appetite, taste sensitivity, digestion, strength, and lactation.
In Tamil language, it is called Jiragam and the Siddha Medical System uses powdered cumin seeds for its medicinal preparations (Decoction, Fermented decoction, tablets) for thousands of years for treatments of digestion problems, cold, pain and fever.
It has excellent source of iron which is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and also plays a key role in keeping your immune system healthy. It is also has good source of vitamin B1,vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, copper and Manganese.
Some of the many benefits of Cumin include:
Anti-aging
Vitamin E in cumin triggers anti-ageing process within the body
Anti-carcinogenic
protects from the development of stomach or liver tumours
it is helpful for treating colon and breast cancer
Ant-fungal
It is rich in vitamin C which helps to cure cold and other respiratory problems
Anti-oxidant
It can help to strengthen your immune system and increase your body's fighting power against infection
Improves stamina
Digestion
Cumin stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption
Relief for chronic indigestion
It cures enlargement of skin and colic in stomach
It cures flatulation
Chewing few cumin seeds daily helps relief from constipation , gas, bloating and heaviness issues
It helps in maintaining proper blood content levels in the body
It helps to treat anaemia
It eliminates the worms, which are present in the intestines
It strengthens the stomach, liver and intestines.
It increases the capacity of production of mothers milk and the flow
Its oil is effective for eczema
It helps to relieve from menstrual pain
It decreases the temperature level in the body
It helps regulate the sleep pattern, especially for people who suffer from insomnia.
It helps to have healthy menstrual cycle for women of all age groups
Cumin seed with sugar cures acidity
Drinking cumin water relieves burning sensation of the palms and soles
The above information is to share the knowledge of Traditional Siddha Herbs and do not serve as a medical advice.