Cumin or cummin are seeds of a flowering plant native to India. Cumin seeds are very fragrant and somewhat bitter in taste. These seeds are used as a spice in many different cuisines in many different ways. The are used whole, roasted, powdered etc. Cumin seeds are warm in nature hence they keep the body warm in winter season. Cumin is known as jeera in India, this name is derived from the Sanskrit word jira which means “that which helps in digestion” It is used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda. It is usable both internally and externally. In Southern India, especially Kerala, people drink jeera water on daily basis. Jeera is boiled in water, steeped, strained and consumed. People in South India drink this water regularly, instead of the normal distilled water. Cumin seeds are of great use and benefits for health. Here are some of the benefits of cumin seeds.

1. Treatment Of Boils, Pimples And Acne

Increased toxin levels in our body leads to dysfunctions. Boils are one such dysfunction. Regularly consuming cumin seeds flush out the toxins, keeps the skin blemish and debris free and maintains good health. Cumin is also a good source of Vitamin E, which helps to get a clean and clear skin. It is anti-fungal in nature and is rich in antioxidants. Topical application of cumin paste helps to soothe the skin, remove all the blemishes and thus revives your skin.

2. Fights Signs Of Ageing

Being rich in antioxidants, cumin seeds fight free radicles and cellulite thus protecting the skin from signs of ageing like dark spots, sagging, fine lines and wrinkles. The Vitamin E prevents premature ageing.

3. Aids Digestion

As mentioned above, cumin is also called jeera which in Sanskrit means ‘that which helps in digestion” The sages and vaidyas of ancient times used jeera to cure any digestion related anomaly. Jeera fights acidity, heartburn, vomiting, indigestion, gases, bloating, and all similar digestion related problems. A glass of jeera water every day is said to stimulate the acid secretion in our intestines and hence improve digestion.

4. Beneficial For Pregnant And Lactating Women

Cumin seeds are very rich in iron thus they fulfil the optimal iron requirement in pregnant woman and their foetus. They also provide the requisite amount of iron to lactating women, which then reaches the newborn babies through their milk.

5. Fights Anaemia

Being rich in iron it also increases the haemoglobin and red blood cell count thus fights anaemia.

6. Hair Care

Rich in nutrients, cumin seeds, are very useful for hair growth. They strengthen the hair roots and cuticles thus reducing hair loss and enhancing hair growth. It adds shine to your hair, making them black, lustrous and shiny.

7. Beats Constipation

Being rich in dietary fiber, cumin seeds aid gastric activities and stimulate the enzymes and intestines which leads to secretion of enzymes and acids that help to digest and excrete the digested food. It is very beneficial for digestive disorders like piles.

8. Regulates Blood Pressure

Cumin seeds are a great source of potassium, which helps to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body. Jeera also helps in treating other heart-related diseases, thus is used by heart patients to prevent further problems

9. Relieves Asthma And Cold

Jeera is one of the most used home remedies for treating asthma and cold. It is anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anti-bacterial in nature. Thus, it helps to soothe swelled up organs. If you are suffering from a cold, boil some water and add ginger and cumin seeds to it. Let it steep. Strain and drink. Drink this tea 3-4 times in a day to relieve from cold related problems.

1. Improves Immunity

As cumin seeds are very rich in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicles, impurities, boosts metabolism and reduces unnecessary skin growth, which in turn provide a better and improved immunity

This perhaps is the reason why our mothers have been adding cumin to every dish they prepare. Who thought, such a small seed would have such great benefits!

To benefit more out of cumin seeds, click here.