Medicinal properties and contraindications to the use of cumin seeds

Cumin seeds decorate bakery products, used as a spice in meat and fish dishes. Cumin gives them a distinctive, nutty, spicy taste. Moreover, it is used in prescriptions for alternative medicine and is recognized as a medicine by official medicine in Canada, Switzerland, Austria and other countries. About how the plant looks, and how to properly use its seeds for medicinal purposes, read this article.

Description and chemical composition

Cumin (Cárum) is a common name for more than 30 perennial herbs of the umbrella family. But only 10 of them are used for food. The most common is cumin (Carum carvi). The plant itself resembles a weed in appearance and grows wild along roads, glades and wastelands. It reaches a height of 50 cm. It is characterized by thin straight stems. On each of them there are 2-3 side branches of dark gray-green color. Leaves - oblong, dissected veins. Length - 6-20 cm. Width - 2-10 cm. Cumin - an early garden crop. Its seeds begin to germinate as early as April, sustaining frosts down to -5 ° C. Flowering begins in June. Characteristic umbrellas are formed on the plant. White small flowers are pollinated by bees. Seeds - oblong, elongated, ribbed visloplodies. They consist of 2 halves, which will disintegrate to achieve maturity. Their size is 3 × 2.5 mm. The color is yellow brown. The number of ribs on the convex side - 8 pcs. The concave side of the seed is smooth. In the ribs are oil channels. With this feature you can catch the spicy aroma of the plant. If you rub them in the fingers, around the characteristic odor spread. Maturation occurs in July and August. Cumin seeds are nutritious. They provide a large amount of fats (especially monounsaturated fats), proteins and dietary fiber in the diet.

Important! Due to the incomplete reflection of plant names in Russian, garden cumin (Carum carvi) is often confused with black cumin (Nigella sativa), which is not related to it, as well as with some other umbrella spices. In order not to be mistaken, pay attention to the appearance of the seeds when you buy spices.

Seed nutritional profile:

Seeds have a strong aroma. It is due to the high content of essential oil. The main components of the aromatic compounds are cuminaldehyde and cumin alcohol, therefore essential oil derived from seeds is used in skin care products. Cumin alcohol is involved in the regulation of the secretion of the sebaceous glands, effectively treats skin problems: acne, excessive oily skin. Vitamin composition of seeds is rarely considered, despite the fact that they contain large amounts of B vitamins, vitamins E, C, A. The reason is simple - we do not eat them in large quantities, which means they will have a slight effect on the daily diet .

Vitamin profile 100 g of grains:

Spice contains many healthy plant compounds, including phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. Some of them have strong antioxidant properties. They are able to remove free radicals from the body, reducing the risk of developing diseases. The oxidation of fatty acids causes clogged arteries and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Antioxidants prevent these diseases and reduce the risk of their occurrence. Seeds contain a large complex of minerals needed by the body.

100 g of product contains:

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. More than 20% of the world's population suffers from its deficit. Spice - a natural supplier of iron. It takes just a teaspoon of grains to provide the body with the daily rate of this mineral. Iron is especially necessary for children to grow and young women to make up for losses during the menstrual cycle.

The benefits of cumin seeds for the human body

The tool is taken orally or used in masks for the skin, hair, and also for anti-cellulite wrapping. It can be found in the form of extracts, tinctures, decoctions, oils, just seeds and powder obtained from ground seeds. Traditional medicine notes its high performance in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In the list of what helps cumin, traditional medicine notes gastrointestinal diseases. But in eastern countries, this list is much broader.

Did you know? Cumin can cause pale complexion. This property was used by ancient Greek and Roman students to convince the teacher that they "taught all night."

Useful properties for the digestive tract:

• the possibility of excretion of toxins from the body;
• the presence of a diuretic and laxative effect;
• removal of intestinal spasms;
• increased appetite in young children;
• elimination of toxicosis in pregnant women.

Cumin is also useful in the treatment of:

• diabetes - can improve blood sugar levels;
• pathologies of the cardiovascular system - reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood and contributes to the health of blood vessels;
• overweight.

It also reduces the risk of foodborne infections due to its antimicrobial properties, and can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Did you know? Under laboratory conditions, cumin extract reduces the signs of drug addiction in mice. About the presence of the same effect for people so far nothing is known.

For women

The seeds contain about 100 chemical compounds, including vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fatty acids, so Eastern medicine believes that it is always useful to everyone.

Useful properties for women:

1. Extract from seeds is useful in solving skin problems. It evens out the natural balance of the skin, eliminates inflammation and rashes.
2. It can be used to combat excess weight due to antioxidant properties.
3. Prevents premature aging due to antioxidant properties. Fights free radicals that attack the skin and cause signs of aging: wrinkles, age spots and skin laxity.
4. Due to the high content of iron, the spice treats anemia, enriches the blood with hemoglobin, and also improves the supply of cells with oxygen.
5. Useful for normalizing the menstrual cycle for women of all age groups.
6. May enhance lactation.

The spice is safe to eat and to use as a medicine. There is no information about its harm to pregnant or lactating women with moderate use. But still, if you have not consumed the product before, start with small doses and watch the reaction of the body.

Important! Cumin reduces testosterone levels. It can reduce fertility in men, and in high doses. - cause miscarriage in women.

For men

Men are more likely to suffer from stress than women. Cumin helps the body cope with stress and its effects. It also improves memory due to the large set of active chemical compounds that affect the functioning of the brain.

Useful properties of seeds for men:

1. Seeds of black cumin are useful in treating hair problems: loss, thinning, death of pigment cells (gray hair).
2. The seeds of ordinary cumin prevent premature aging of the body, due to its antioxidant properties.
3. Reduce blood pressure, heals the cardiovascular system.

For kids

For children, cumin is useful as an iron supplement that is necessary for growth and the fight against anemia. It improves digestion and promotes appetite. All types of cumin have natural antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which is especially good during cold and flu season.

Did you know? The combination of cumin, black pepper and honey is considered an aphrodisiac in some countries of the Middle East.

Methods of use in traditional medicine

Folk medicine of eastern countries - India, Pakistan - is richer in recipes for the use of this spice. In regions, it grows wild and is used many thousands of years ago. In the Middle East, it is believed that "cumin helps from everything except death." It also developed many ways to eat cumin, and when it should be done: before or after meals.

Cumin from worms

The World Health Organization considers that 80% of diseases are the result of intoxication of the organism, including those associated with the appearance of parasites: fungi, protozoa or helminths. Due to its cleansing properties, the spice will remove from the body the products of their vital activity and decay. The composition of Nigella sativa includes tannins with tannic properties. Substances interact with the shell of the parasite, dissolving it. The easiest way to use the product is to grind the grains in a coffee grinder and take 1 teaspoon per day. Children - no more than 0.5 tsp. To wash down 0,5 glasses of warm water. Course duration - 3 weeks.

For skin diseases

Cumin is good for the skin. The resulting boils - the result of the accumulation of toxins. Regular consumption of this spice in food helps to protect the skin from them, due to the presence in the composition of cuminaldehyde, thymol and phosphorus, which are good detoxifying agents. They remove toxins through the urinary system, and not through boils. Vitamin E in the composition will support skin health.

Important! Absolutely any herbs with a sharp taste (spices) have anti-parasitic properties and are capable of destroying parasites of bacterial origin: fungi, viruses and yeast.

Methods of use:

1. Wipe face with vinegar mixed with ground seeds.
2. Cream with cumin also promotes rapid healing of wounds and other skin lesions. Apply to clean skin 3 times a day for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
3. Prepare a face mask: mix ground turmeric root and ground seeds in a ratio of 3: 1. Apply the product on your face and wait until it dries, rinse with warm water. After washing, soften the skin with jojoba oil.

Video: cumin in skin diseases

Cumin Seeds for Hypertension

Increased pressure is characteristic of more than ¼ of the population over 45 years of age. This affects not only the work of the heart, but also other systems of the body. High risk of high blood pressure can be reduced by making changes in the diet. Black cumin is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of hypertension. Its components relax muscles and dilate blood vessels, which helps to lower pressure. It is recommended to start taking with small doses - 0.5 tsp, increasing to 1 tsp 3 times a day.

Important! Taking black cumin seeds can reduce blood pressure by 7.66 / 4.89 mm Hg. Art.

Terms of use:

1. Pour 1 teaspoon of ground grain with 250 ml of boiling water.
2. Wait until the infusion has cooled.
3. You can decide how to drink tea. But it is better to do it in the morning on an empty stomach, after waking up.

You can cook herbal collection of several herbs. Pour boiling water and drink in the same way. It consists of equal parts: seeds of dill, black cumin, valerian root and motherwort grass. The composition is poured 1/3 cup of boiling water. Drink 3 times a day.

Cumin seeds for weight loss

Cumin is effective in the fight against excess weight. It is enough to take it for 20 days to begin to even get rid of body fat. Calories are burned faster due to the acceleration of metabolism. And diuretic properties complete the picture, removing excess water from the body. Spice also improves the digestion process, prevents bloating and reduces flatulence.

Important! For those who have inflammations on the skin, you can mix the composition with honey and apply the application on the inflamed area. Those whose skin is prone to acne, it is recommended to mix the composition with low-fat yogurt.

How to use cumin for weight loss:

1. Pour water 2 tbsp. spoons of seeds for the night.
2. Bring the morning infusion to a boil.
3. Filter it to remove the kernels.
4. Pour ½ lemon juice into the broth.
5. Drink on an empty stomach in the morning for 2 weeks.

You can also mix 1 teaspoon of ground cumin with 1 tbsp. spoon yogurt. Take daily to combat obesity and as a means of preventing various diseases.

Other uses:

1. Mix 3 g of ground seeds with water and 1 teaspoon of honey, and then drink.
2. Cook the vegetable soup and add 1 teaspoon of cumin at the end of cooking.
3. Add it to the usual boiled brown rice. This will improve the taste of the dish and will contribute to weight loss.

Contraindications and harm

In addition to a number of benefits, cumin also has side effects.

General warnings:

1. When used in large quantities can cause heartburn and belching.
2. The presence of potassium affects the blood clotting, so it must be taken with caution by people suffering from hemophilia, or those who are to undergo surgery in the body.
3. Oversupply can cause drowsiness.
4. Cumin lowers blood sugar levels, so diabetics need to control blood composition.

Important! A suitable dose of cumin depends on several factors, such as a person's age, health status. It is recommended to determine the personal dose for therapeutic purposes, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it to that indicated in the recipe.

Other uses of cumin seeds

Cumin is sold in the form of seeds, powder, essential oil, as well as in the form of capsules, extracts and tinctures. The most popular use is for culinary purposes. Due to the large volume of essential oils, it is also used as a flavoring agent in the tobacco industry, soap making and cosmetics.

Cooking

The most popular use of spices: curry, stews, vegetable dishes, meat and fish. It is in demand as a decoration for bakery products and cheeses. Before use, the seeds are fried. From this they have a nutty taste.

Ways to use spices in the kitchen:

1. Add in citrus marinades to meat or poultry.
2. Use for rubbing beef or lamb before frying or baking.
3. Use barbecue sauces and marinades.
4. Add to the dough, baking bread, muffins or muffins.
5. Sprinkle them with omelet or cheese dish.
6. Fry with onions to flavor vegetable dishes from legumes on a tomato base.
7. Add to flavor rice.
8. Combine with fried potatoes and other vegetables.
9. Use in hot sauces and always in chili.
10. Stir in yogurt or sour cream as a sauce for vegetable salad.

Cosmetology

In cosmetology, oils derived from cumin are used. Oils can be essential and base. Essential - very concentrated. They are supplied in small bottles and are applied in drops. Baseline is needed as a basis for masks, compresses, and various blends. Due to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, caraway oil is used to ensure healthy hair and skin.

Did you know? Cumin has always been a valuable spice. In ancient Rome, it became a symbol of frugality and greed. Both Marcus Aurelius and Antoninus Pius, emperors with a very greedy reputation, received nicknames in which cumin was mentioned.

How to use butter:

• for moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin;
• for the treatment of skin inflammation and acne;
• to restore balance to the scalp;
• to enhance hair growth and strengthen the hair follicles;
• to combat baldness and premature gray hair;
• for anti-cellulite wraps;
• for aromatherapy;
• for anti-cellulite massage.

Video: black cumin face mask

Cumin seeds storage methods

Traditionally, cumin is stored in a sealed container to preserve essential oils and flavonoids, which tend to volatilize in the open air. Capacity is stored in the absence of contact with direct sunlight. Such a neighborhood will destroy the vitamins that are in the spice. It is unacceptable to keep oils near fire sources due to the property of esters that are easily flammable. If the humidity at the place of storage does not exceed 10%, and the temperature is + 7 ° C, the seeds will retain their properties for 3 years.

Find out how black cumin is useful for humans.

But in a modern apartment this is impossible, therefore the shelf life of seeds is not more than 1 year, and ground powder is not more than 3 months. Grind the seeds into powder immediately before use. If you are not yet using cumin in the kitchen, we advise you to start doing this. Its rich vitamin and mineral base will be used both in your culinary delights and as a remedy.

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