One of the most aromatic spices around the world, cumin, is however just tiny seeds, but they are powerful enough to cure a number of ailments of human beings! It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiflatulent, carminative, stimulant, and antispasmodic properties. In the southern regions (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) of the India, drinking jeera water regularly for the medicinal purposes is very famous. They say that cumin (jeera) works as the medicine, spice and food which are used in many home remedies.
Cumin’s flavour makes it a favourite for many, but its health supporting properties are impressive too! Here are the top benefits and remedies using cumin seeds:
Cumin Tea: A warming and soothing cumin tea can be prepared by boiling cumin seeds in water and allowing it to steep for 8 to 10 minutes.
CUMIN SEED REMEDIES
BLOATING – Abdominal bloating makes the stomach feel full and tight due to gas buildup in the small intestine. This can lead to stomach pain and abdominal discomfort.
Remedy: Bring 1 cup of water to boil. Add 1 pinch each of ground cumin, ginger powder and sea salt along with ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds. Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain, allow it to cool and drink it. Repeat as needed.
INDUCE LACTATION – As cumin is rich in iron and calcium, it is very good for lactating mothers!
Remedy: Mix 1 teaspoon of cumin powder in a glass of warm milk. Add some honey for taste. Drink it daily at night (after dinner) for several weeks.
FIGHT INSOMNIA – If you have difficulty enjoying sound sleep night after night, try cumin.
Remedy: Mix 1 teaspoon of cumin powder in a mashed banana. Eat it daily before going to bed. Another option is to drink cumin tea at night time. To make the tea, heat 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds on low heat for 2 or 3 seconds, add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Remove it from the heat, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Finally, strain and drink it.
RELIEVES COLDS, FLU AND SORE THROAT – Cumin is high in vitamin C and its anti-fungal properties make it difficult to suffer long from a cold if you consume it regularly.
Remedy: Make up your own cold remedy by mixing one teaspoon of ground cumin in boiling water and allow simmering for a few minutes. Let cool before drinking. For a sore throat, add some ground ginger along with the cumin.
DIABETES – According to Ayurveda, cumin also has potential anti diabetic properties.
Remedy: Dry roast 8 teaspoons of cumin seeds. Grind it into a fine powder. Eat ½ teaspoon of this powder along with water. Do this twice daily for a few months.
CONSTIPATION – Ayurveda practitioners believe that it is capable of preventing and healing severe digestive disorders like piles.
Remedy: To get relief from constipation, roast jeera seeds on a tawa till they turn deep brown. Now, cool them and grind them into a fine powder. Mix this powder with water or honey and consume it on an empty stomach.
BLOOD PURIFIER – Jeera acts as detoxifier and helps in removing extra toxins from body and promotes healthy digestion and flush out extra toxins.
Remedy: Add 2 tsps of lemon juice and a tsp cumin powder to a glass of warm water.Drink this in empty stomach.This mixture purifies blood and prevents the occurance of skin disorders like acne,eczema etc.