Herb library

Cumin

Cuminum cyminum

Cumin, Cuminum cyminum, is a warm, fragrant seed used at the kitchen table and in simple household remedies. It is traditionally used for digestion and as a warming carminative in teas and steam inhalations.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used after heavy or rich meals to ease digestion and to relieve feelings of fullness.
• •A long-standing household remedy for mild digestive upsets and flatulence when brewed as a tea or added to broths.
• •Traditionally used as a warming steam or inhalation for colds and congested chests, often combined with other warming herbs and spices.

Simple preparations.

• •Cumin tea: Crush 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds lightly, steep in 1 cup of boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, strain and sip warm after meals, up to 3 times a day.
• •Cumin and ginger infusion: Combine 1/2 teaspoon crushed cumin seeds with 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger in 1 cup boiling water, steep 10 minutes, strain and drink for digestive comfort.
• •Steam inhalation: Add 1 teaspoon crushed cumin seeds to a bowl of hot water, cover head with a towel and inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes to ease mild nasal congestion.

Cautions.

• !May cause skin irritation or contact allergy in sensitive people when applied topically.
• !Large amounts taken internally can be warming and may upset a sensitive stomach or aggravate heartburn in some people.
• !Avoid giving honey-based preparations to children under one year of age.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking regular medications, check with your doctor before using concentrated herbal preparations or using cumin as a regular medicinal remedy.

Often kept beside.