Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), an important ingredient in chilis, curries, and ethnic dishes from around the world, is also highly valued as a medicinal herb. For thousands of years, herbal practitioners have used cumin, both as whole dried seeds and in its powdered form, to treat a wide variety of ailments.
The Top Ten Health Benefits of Cumin
What follows are ten of cumin’s top health benefits. This list is by no means exhaustive. As research continues, more uses of this popular spice are likely to be revealed.
- building healthy blood - Cumin is exceptionally rich in iron, making it a great natural supplement for blood health and an antidote for anemia. Increased iron makes the blood richer in hemoglobin, the substance that transports oxygen to all the cells of the body.
- strengthening the immune system – Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, cumin strengthens the body’s natural immunities.
- prenatal health – Cumin supports healthy prenatal development in pregnant women. It is also believed to make childbirth easier, and improves the milk supply of nursing mothers. Because it is so rich in iron, cumin is also a healthy herb for women of all ages during their menstrual cycle.
- insomnia – Cumin seeds are a highly effective treatment for insomnia. In traditional medicine, cumin seeds combined with a ripe banana are taken at bedtime to induce peaceful sleep.
- memory loss – Cumin improves memory and overall mental function, and can speed recovery from amnesia.
- digestive function – Cumin seeds improves digestion and relieves many common digestive ailments, including flatulence (gas), bloating, diarrhea, nausea and indigestion. Cumin is believed to aid digestion by stimulating the production of pancreatic enzymes.
- cancer – One of cumin’s most important uses may be in treating cancer. Recent research has revealed that cumin may slow the growth of breast and colon cancer cells. Cumin appears to act against cancer via its strong radical scavenging activity.
- colds and respiratory ailments – A tonic made from cumin seeds is used traditionally to treat colds, cough, fever and sore throat.
- kidney health – When combined with caraway seed and black salt, cumin seeds provide an effective treatment for renal colic.
- healthy metabolism – Cumin boosts the metabolic rate and facilitates the absorption of nutrients throughout the body. Many herbal practitioners consider cumin to be one of nature’s best overall body tonics.
Using Culinary Spices to Improve Your Health
Cumin is just one of a wide variety of herbs and spices that are proving to have potent medical uses. Adding cumin and other spices such as turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic, cinnamon, and other spices to your diet may heal and prevent many health conditions, while improving your overall health.
Lucy Tashman - As a writer, I draw on my background in environmental studies, natural history, botany, and herbal medicine, combined with a lifelong ...
Join the Conversation