Many of us know about cumin seeds from Soviet childhood. Then buns with cumin, cereals with its oil were so popular. Today, cumin is undeservedly forgotten. As well as the beneficial properties of black cumin seeds.
This spice not only improves the taste of dishes, but gives them originality. It is able to scare away insects-uninvited guests from your kitchen without harming the person himself. But in the article we will analyze in detail how black cumin is useful for our he alth. How can it be taken for these purposes. Are there any side effects and contraindications. What do people who have already tried such a herbal remedy say.
What is this plant?
Black cumin was known to the first civilizations. Its "official" name is Carumcarvi. Black cumin is a herbaceous plant, rarely a perennial. Its maximum height is no more than 70 cm. The plant is common in Asian countries, onspaces of Russian Siberia. European breeders breed cumin artificially.
Mainly black cumin is known as an ornamental plant. Its beautiful openwork leaves are valued in the design of flower beds, areas of suburban areas. And in July-August, the plant is showered with small white or pink flowers. It is often sown in the fields near the apiary, as it belongs to the honey.
As for the black cumin seeds, the beneficial properties of which we will analyze today, they are usually harvested at the end of August. It is necessary that they ripen and dry properly in natural conditions.
In addition to seeds, leafy parts of the plant are also suitable for food. They are added to salads, sauces or soups. As for the leaves, it is better to pick them and dry them in early summer - this way they will retain their original flavor longer.
About seasoning
Black cumin has many names:
- Nigella.
- Roman coriander.
- Sowing nigella.
- Black seed.
- Sedan.
- Kalindzhi.
The seeds of the plant are common as a spice. They are valued for their peculiar bitter aroma and taste. Therefore, often black cumin replaces the usual pepper. Why? Cumin, unlike pepper, does not irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach. Dishes lightly seasoned with it get an unusual exotic taste.
The use of cumin as a seasoning is very wide:
- Dough.
- Marinades.
- Soups.
- Vegetable side dishes.
- Sweet mousses and puddings.
- Cheese.
- Dairy products.
The spice pairs well with the following foods:
- Carrot.
- Rye flour.
- Beans.
- Potatoes.
- Fig.
- Pumpkin.
- Black currant.
- Celery.
- Strawberry.
- Cardamom.
- Ginger.
Cumin in history
Our distant ancestors knew about the beneficial use of cumin. It was especially valued in Asia, the Middle East. Here people were among the first to use it as a medicine.
It is known that the Prophet Muhammad claimed that black cumin will relieve any ailment. He is powerless only before his death. Muslims, heeding this advice, regularly added cumin to their food.
If we turn to the more ancient history of mankind, we will see that the Egyptians also honored black cumin. So much so that they put its seeds in the tombs of the pharaohs.
What's in it?
What is useful black cumin? You can answer this question by finding out what trace elements, vitamins and important substances are contained in the seeds of this plant:
- Vitamins B. They are "responsible" for the state of both the nervous system and the human skin.
- Vitamins of groups E and K.
- Beta-carotene.
- Essential oils.
- Complex of trace elements: manganese, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium.
- Ascorbic acid.
What is the effect on the human body?
Let's find out what black cumin is good forthe he alth of each of us. Supplementing the leaves, fruits, and seeds of this plant periodically can help achieve the following positive effects:
- Weakening of fermentation processes in the digestive tract.
- Elimination of flatulence, colic.
- Improve the condition of the oral cavity. In particular, the risk of occurrence and progression of caries is reduced. This is due to the fact that cumin increases the body's production of saliva, has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Accelerating digestion.
- Natural rejuvenation of the body by regulating the activity of cell mass.
- Reduce both nervousness and anxiety.
- Increased immune resistance.
- Antibacterial effect that helps the body's defenses to fight germs and viruses. Destroys many known fungi and viruses, among which are Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori.
- Stimulates the processes of skin regeneration, thereby prolonging its youth.
- Disrupts the formation of free radicals, and also protects the body from the effects of the latter.
- Stimulating the brain, improving memory.
- Promotes an optimistic mood, relieving tension, smoothing out the emotional effects of stress.
- Helps you become more attentive, better concentrate on the thought process.
- Stimulation of bile secretion, reduction of gastric acidity.
- Reducing pressure in the early stages of hypertension.
- Protectionliver, as well as help in its recovery.
- Restoration of hairline.
- Fight against the effects of hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
- Reducing childhood hyperactivity.
Speaking about the benefits of black cumin, it should be noted that it is also effective when used as a cough remedy. At the same time, its effectiveness (as an adjuvant therapy) is noted even with bronchitis and pneumonia.
What are the benefits of black cumin seeds? They are often used to cleanse, detoxify the body. They contribute to the removal of toxins along with metabolic products.
What diseases are treated?
Here we get acquainted with the useful properties and contraindications, reviews of black cumin. It's time to find out what diseases he can fight against.
In general, black cumin is a very versatile natural medicine. Due to the many useful properties, the features of its components have a beneficial effect on a complex of vital processes in the body.
In particular, black cumin seeds are widely used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gallbladder, intestines, liver, stomach. Products based on them eliminate increased fermentation in the intestinal tract, bloating and diarrhea. It is noted that they contribute to better healing of ulcers in stomach diseases. By eating food flavored with black cumin, you help the process of digestion and absorption of food in your body.
Black cumin is also known as an anesthetic. It is an assistant against headaches and joint pains. It also helps relieve painfor colds, acute infections affecting the upper respiratory tract.
Is black cumin good for skin? Yes, its properties allow the seeds of the plant to be used to treat a range of skin conditions:
- Psoriasis.
- Eczema.
- Dermatitis.
- Ringworm.
- Furuncles.
- Eels.
- Warts.
- Leucoderms.
- Non-healing wounds and sores.
It is also used in the treatment of oral problems - periodontal disease, chronic inflammation of the gums, stomatitis and toothache.
The importance of black cumin seeds for the heart and vascular system is great:
- Increasing the elasticity of capillary walls.
- Relief of vasospasm.
- Normalization of blood pressure.
- Improve circulation.
- Preventing blood clots.
Note the following properties of cumin:
- Reduce blood sugar.
- Additional treatment for dissolving kidney, bladder and gallstones.
Here are the benefits of black cumin seeds. The use of the plant is not at all limited to home treatment and folk remedies. The product is widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetology. The oil obtained from cumin seeds is especially valued here. It is added to all kinds of creams, balms, shampoos, masks, including those known for their rejuvenating effect. Why exactly oil? It has the highest concentration of beneficial elements of cumin.
Properties forwomen's and men's he alth
Let's consider in detail how black cumin is useful for women. If there are problems with the menstrual cycle, then herbal medicine is recommended in the form of drinks or dishes with the inclusion of black cumin. It is also useful for hormonal levels - it allows you to prolong sexual activity.
The beneficial properties of black cumin for men are similar - eating the plant also allows you to prolong your intimate life. With the help of spices, problems with potency are effectively solved without harming other organ systems.
Black cumin proved its effectiveness in the case of problems in the premenstrual period, various manifestations of menopause. If the mother consumes black cumin during lactation, the volume of milk will increase. It doesn't do any harm to the baby. Moreover, the use of the spice by the mother has almost no effect on the taste of the milk.
Shown to take seeds both in the last stages of pregnancy and in case of kidney problems. Cumin helps to remove excess fluid from the body without any he alth consequences. It is also used as an additional treatment for a group of endocrine diseases.
How useful is black cumin for men and women who want to lose weight? It helps to cleanse the body, normalize metabolic processes in it. And often the cause of obesity is precisely in a disturbed metabolism, "cluttering up" the body with toxins and slags.
Cumin is also useful as a component of home cosmetic masks. Allows you to restore the skin, restore youthful elasticity and evenget rid of small wrinkles.
Negative he alth effects
We reviewed the beneficial properties of black cumin. There are also contraindications to its use. The first here is an individual intolerance to greens, seeds or plant oils. But, judging by the reviews, black cumin causes allergies only in rare cases. Sometimes when applied externally, redness appears on the skin.
Speaking about the beneficial properties of black cumin seeds, contraindications to their addition to food, we also denote he alth problems in which the spice will negatively affect the body:
- Low blood pressure.
- Problems with the digestive tract. In particular, a tendency to constipation.
- Hypotonicity of muscles.
- Excessive blood clotting.
- Chronic kidney disease.
If red spots suddenly appeared on your skin after the introduction of cumin into the diet, then the use of seasoning should be suspended until the causes of the allergic reaction are clarified. If it was cumin that caused it, it should be discarded.
It is also not recommended to use components with a shelf life of more than 8-10 months. In this case, the product already contains practically no valuable components. But such a shelf life does not affect the taste of cumin as a seasoning.
How is it used for food purposes?
If you got acquainted with useful propertiesblack cumin, contraindications to its use, then you probably want to know how you can take this plant, add it to food.
The first way is decoctions. Both from the leaves and from the seeds of the plant. For the best effect, they should be crushed before brewing. Such "flour" can also be added to your favorite dishes, pastries. In addition to nutrition, it can also be included in creams, ointments for joints - this will make medicines more effective.
It is difficult to extract oil from cumin seeds at home. But you can buy cumin oil in a pharmacy, supermarkets, order in online he alth food stores. It is ideal for salads, cereals, side dishes.
We know the beneficial properties of black cumin seeds (and contraindications to their use). The most successful is their addition to baking. Steam the seeds beforehand: add them to the dough or sprinkle them on top of the finished product.
As a condiment, black cumin is good for sweet and sour vegetables. Perfectly complements the taste of the entire range of legumes. But in order not to spoil the taste of the dish, it is important not to miss the amount of spice. Just one pinch of seeds or crushed leaves of the plant is enough.
Acceptable dosage
In the article we get acquainted with the useful properties, reviews of black cumin. If you are interested in this natural medicine, then you need to know about its acceptable dosages:
- Adult people. The maximum allowable serving is one teaspoon of seeds, both whole and ground (in one day).
- Children over three years old. Half of the adult dose is 1/2 teaspoon. To improve the taste of the seasoning for the child, mix it with honey.
Use for he alth problems
Now let's look at the specific use of cumin for various conditions and diseases:
- Lower blood pressure. Grind the seeds of the plant into a fine powder. Pour the resulting flour with a glass of boiling water. Let the drink brew. Take every morning on an empty stomach before breakfast. Some popular advice recommends adding a couple of mashed garlic cloves. But it depends on your taste preferences, the sensitivity of the digestive tract to garlic, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take one tablespoon of menthol and 1/2 tablespoon of cumin seeds. Pour in a glass of boiling water. The drink is drunk on an empty stomach 3 times a day.
- Improvement of memory, concentration of attention, stimulation of cerebral circulation. Place 1/2 tablespoon of black cumin seeds and 1 tablespoon of dried mint leaves in a glass of water in a small bowl. Place the container on the stove, bring the contents to a boil. Pour the broth immediately, without cooling, into a thermos. Let it brew for 1 hour. Drink the infusion throughout the day, replacing your usual tea and coffee.
- Helminthiasis. Pre-roast the black cumin seeds in a pan. Grate onion on a grater. Mix 10 g of fried tin with 15 g of onion. Take every day about half an hour before breakfast.
- Toothache. Soak the cumin seeds infine powder. Add olive oil - you should get a thick paste-like mass. Apply this composition to the aching tooth.
- Sinusitis. Grind black cumin seeds into flour. Mix with olive oil. Drip this solution into your nasal passages.
- Headaches. Black cumin is good here in combination with other natural medicines. Mix anise seeds, cloves and black cumin seeds in equal amounts. Grind them to a powdery substance. Take the mixture one teaspoon before bed and immediately after waking up.
- Kidney and gallbladder stones. Consume one teaspoon of black cumin seeds mixed with honey daily.
- Diseases of the skin. You will need black cumin oil. Every day, at least 3 times a day, treat the affected skin areas with it. It is also recommended to periodically consume an infusion of black cumin seeds sweetened with natural honey in parallel with this treatment.
- Cough (helps better expectoration). One tablespoon of seeds is poured with a glass of boiling water in a small ladle. Place the container on the stove - boil it for 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth. The drink is drunk before each meal, 100 ml, at least three times a day.
- Throat diseases. Pour a teaspoon of cumin seeds with boiling water, let it brew, then strain, cool to room temperature. Gargle with this solution periodically.
- Cold. It is recommended to do inhalations with black cumin. Pre-crush the seeds, pour boiling water. Let it brew for about 10minutes. After that, remove the lid, lean over the container, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 15 minutes.
- Otitis. Take an onion and make a small hole in the top with a knife. Gently pour one teaspoon of cumin seeds into it, then place the cut off top back. Bake the onion in the oven. Squeeze the juice from the still hot onion. After cooling, drip it into the affected ear at least three times a day.
- Insomnia. Another useful use of black cumin. Here it is recommended to prepare such a drink: for one cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of pureed black cumin seed and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix well. Drink shortly before dinner.
- Elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol. Pound to powder 1 teaspoon of black cumin and 1 tablespoon of dried yarrow. Pour in one glass of liquid honey. Mix thoroughly, refrigerate. This remedy is taken 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach, before breakfast.
Reviews
In conclusion, we present useful reviews about black cumin. Most of all, it is valued as a folk remedy for improving the functioning of the digestive tract. Those who have tried this method note that problems such as bloating, flatulence, and stomach discomfort are gone. They periodically drank infusions of black cumin, added it to food instead of pepper.
Black cumin is also noted as an excellent remedy for colds and runny nose. In particular,inhalations, gargling, drops with cumin and vegetable oil. They are very effective at the first sign of illness.
There are a lot of reviews that mention black cumin oil. First of all, for the excellent cosmetic effect. It makes the skin more elastic, velvety.
As for black cumin as a remedy for male and female diseases, there is no clear opinion. Most of the reviewers used it in combination with medication, so they cannot judge what exactly helped them improve their condition.
Black cumin is not only a kind of seasoning, but also a universal remedy for auxiliary, home treatment. Many of its uses are explained simply: cumin is rich in a whole complex of vitamins, trace elements, minerals.
