Cumin is one of the most famous spices in the world. Its other names are nigella, black coriander. Its seeds are used for baking, sauces, marinades and alcoholic beverages. It has a special taste and aroma, has many useful properties. There are several varieties of the plant. Among them, black cumin stands out with its special properties and unique qualities. What are the medicinal properties of cumin and its uses?
Composition of cumin
From ancient times, healers knew about the healing qualities of the plant and used it in treatment. The composition of cumin includes many useful substances. Plant contains:
- beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight infectious processes in the body and strengthens the body's defenses;
- vitamin A, which affects the formation of skin or mucous membranes;
- vitamin B1, able to strengthen cell membranes that prevent penetration into themfree radicals;
- vitamin B2, involved in the formation of red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin and are responsible for transporting oxygen to cells;
- vitamin B4, which helps to remove cholesterol from the body;
- vitamin B6, involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which gives the body energy for physical activity and respiration;
- vitamin B9, which improves liver function;
- vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the fight against viruses and infection;
- vitamin E, which reduces the risk of cancer;
- vitamin PP, which can expand the blood vessels of the brain and lower blood pressure.
In cumin there are macro- and microelements that help the normal course of biochemical reactions in the body:
- calcium strengthens bones and teeth;
- magnesium helps normalize muscle function (with cramps - reduces their frequency);
- potassium has a positive effect on heart rate;
- iron is involved in the formation of hemoglobin;
- zinc is the basis of bone tissue;
- copper improves the skin, making it strong and elastic;
- selenium is involved in the production of the hormone testosterone, which affects male potency.
Cumin contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
The unique composition of the plant allows it to be used in folk and official medicine. What are the medicinal properties of cumin seeds?
Benefits of cumin
Since ancient times peopleknew about the beneficial properties of black cumin and used it in the treatment of many diseases. In the countries of the East, cumin has been used for more than 3000 years, they consider it sacred. Here, the inhabitants used the green part of the plant and its seeds. In ancient Rome, women ground the seeds in a mortar so that their aroma spread throughout the dwelling. This helped to improve the appetite of children. Cumin with black seeds is especially rich in medicinal properties. It is still used as a spice today, adding to drinks and dishes.
Using cumin as a seasoning
Despite its medicinal properties, cumin is also widely used as a spice in cooking. It is worth noting that seeds added in their entirety are not liked by many people due to their specific taste. When ground, the seeds in baked goods, salads, and fried potatoes are enjoyed and readily eaten. When preparing sauerkraut dishes, a bag of cumin is used. It is placed during cooking, and before being ready, the cabbage is taken out and thoroughly mixed. In this case, the seasoning does not affect the taste of the dish, and the healing properties of black cumin will be fully used.
The use of cumin as a seasoning is suitable for meat, fish, pilaf, salads and for pickling herring. In India, it is fried in a dry frying pan or with the addition of vegetable oil. Cumin is added to stews in German and Austrian cuisines.
A perfect seasoning mix for all types of cheese can be madeas follows: mix s alt, cumin and black pepper. Cumin is added to pastries, and winemakers use it in the preparation of some alcoholic beverages. Dishes that contain seasoning are currently numerous and widely used.
How to choose and store cumin
Black cumin should be used for food and treatment. He hails from Asia. Cumin is sometimes referred to as the black queen of spices. It is important that it is fresh and collected in ecologically clean areas. It is better to buy cumin in specialized departments of the store or pharmacies. The aroma of the seeds should be specific, a bit reminiscent of nutmeg or pepper. The taste is pleasant, the color is dark. Cumin has a triangular, slightly elongated shape.
You can store seeds with other seasonings. After purchase, it should be poured into a separate jar and closed with a lid. It is not recommended to store them in direct sunlight - vitamins are destroyed, and the healing properties of cumin are reduced. Keeps cumin for 3 years.
Healing properties of cumin
Possessing medicinal properties and contraindications, cumin is widely used in the treatment of many diseases. Main he alth benefits of seeds:
- Strengthening immunity. Due to its qualities, cumin helps to increase the body's defenses, so it is used in the fight against viruses and bacteria. It is useful for people who have undergone surgery or serious illnesses.
- Seeds improve mood, improve performance and endurance. They are needed by peopleengaged in heavy physical labor.
- Use cumin is recommended for insomnia, nervous tension and increased excitability. It has antidepressant properties, reduces the manifestations of hysteria and irritability.
- Cumin is able to cleanse blood vessels, lower cholesterol levels. The plant prevents the development of varicose veins and atherosclerosis and helps in their treatment.
- Seeds can alleviate the condition of a woman with menopause, reduce pain during menstruation. They help with various problems that arise in the sexual sphere of men and women. Taking cumin by the male sex is an excellent prevention of prostatitis.
- The plant helps lower blood pressure and improves heart function.
- Due to its medicinal properties, cumin cleanses the kidneys, improves their activity. The plant has a mild diuretic effect.
- Cumin is known to increase hemoglobin in the blood.
- Cumin, which is part of the eye drops, improves the condition of the eyes and reduces their tearing.
- Seeds are effective in helping with allergies, including allergic conjunctivitis and runny nose, bronchial asthma.
- Due to its beneficial properties, the seeds are able to increase milk production in a woman during lactation.
- The seeds of the plant can cure coughs, as well as chronic bronchitis and asthma.
- Cumin has an antitumor effect.
- Seeds are useful for anemia and gastritis with low acidity.
- Helps reduce headaches and earaches.
- Due to its medicinal properties, black cuminimproves the appearance of oily skin.
- Seeds promote healing of wounds, stitches and tissue repair. They are used in the postoperative period, but not in organ transplants.
- Cumin can freshen your breath.
- Seeds can help fight worms.
The plant is used to prevent gum disease, skin and hair loss. Even in ancient times, many of the fair sex used it in the care of the body and facial skin. In cosmetology, many preparations based on cumin have been created.
The healing properties of cumin fruits are used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. To improve appetite before eating, you need to chew half a teaspoon of dried seeds. Cumin helps in the treatment of flatulence, constipation and colitis.
Currently, scientists have conducted research and proved that the seasoning inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps with autoimmune diseases.
Essential oil features
Cumin oil is a high quality product with unique properties. It has a rich aroma and a slightly bitter taste. The oil is cold-pressed from the raw seeds of the plant to retain most of its beneficial properties.
The oil contains fatty acids that can cure many diseases. It includes vitamins A, E and D, nutrients that positively affect many body systems. Rich essential oil:
- polysaccharides;
- tannins;
- amino acids;
- alkaloids;
- enzymes.
Due to its medicinal properties, cumin oil is widely used for the prevention of various diseases.
Many manufacturers include cumin oil in their hair and skin care products. It has become widely used in massage creams for cellulite, as well as in mixtures for body wraps.
Sometimes cumin oil is used as an independent remedy, adding to shampoo or balm. In this case, precautions must be taken because the product is concentrated and may cause skin irritation.
Healing properties of black cumin oil
Special studies have found that essential oil can:
- improve the functioning of the digestive tract;
- relieve itching in the anus, hemorrhoids and chronic constipation;
- strengthen the body's defenses;
- it prevents the development of cellulite and edema due to the fact that it normalizes lymph flow and blood circulation;
- effectively reduces blood pressure when taken in the morning and evening on an empty stomach, 1 teaspoon;
- oil can refresh and soften the skin of the face;
- strengthen hair, reduce hair loss and prevent graying;
- increase appetite;
- slow down the premature aging process of the skin of the face and protect against ultraviolet radiation;
- eliminate dandruff and have a positive effect on the scalp;
- reduce manifestationflatulence;
- improve metabolism;
- protect the skin from peeling and drying;
- clear the body of free radicals.
It has oil and a good choleretic effect. The properties of cumin for medicinal purposes are used not only in Asia, but also in Europe.
Instructions for using cumin oil
Plant oil is used not only for external use, but also for internal use.
Externally it is used in the treatment of bronchitis, chronic cough and bronchial asthma. Cumin oil can be mixed with olive oil in a ratio of 1:5. It is necessary to rub the back and chest well together with the inhalation procedure with oil for 15 minutes.
Effectively keep 1/2 teaspoon of the remedy in your mouth: then there will be no trace of coughing. It is necessary to do this procedure until the symptoms of the disease disappear.
In the treatment of psoriasis, oil is applied to rashes on the body to reduce itching and irritation.
Cumin oil has medicinal properties, and it has contraindications, but they are minor: for example, you should not use it if you have insomnia: it can increase the activity of the body.
For cleansing, you need to take a teaspoon 2 times a day on an empty stomach. Usually, treatment continues for 3 months, and then a break is made from 1.5 to 2 months. After that, oil intake can be continued again.
For infertility andprostatitis remedy is taken orally. The dose is from 1-2 teaspoons to 2-3 tablespoons per day until the effect is obtained.
To improve digestion, reduce pain and bloating, drink oil with milk. For a glass you will need 0.5 teaspoon of the product and a spoonful of honey.
According to reviews, the medicinal properties of cumin are used for weight loss, include in the diet not only oil, but also seeds.
Cumin for weight loss
For greater effect, along with oil for weight loss, a decoction of cumin seeds is used. You can chew on an empty stomach the seeds of a plant to normalize metabolism, the appearance of a diuretic and laxative effect.
Cumin will give the body vitamins and minerals. The seeds effectively suppress sugar cravings. If you use them constantly, then the desire to eat something sweet will disappear.
The decoction is prepared in the following ratio: 2 teaspoons per 0.5 liters of water. You need to boil it for 10 minutes, then insist for several hours. It is recommended to drink a decoction of 0.5 cups three times a day 30-40 minutes before meals.
Despite the medicinal properties of cumin, it has contraindications. Therefore, you need to drink the decoction with caution.
When using seeds to fight extra pounds, be sure to observe moderation in food. If the diet contains fatty and high-calorie foods, then it will be difficult to achieve results.
Contraindications for taking cumin
Black cumin has medicinal properties and contraindications. To restrictionscan be attributed to:
- Pregnancy. Due to the presence of biostimulants in the composition of cumin, a woman may begin premature birth. Therefore, it is better not to take it during pregnancy.
- Cholelithiasis or gastritis may cause colic in the gallbladder and discomfort in the stomach.
- Pathology of the heart, heart attack. When taking cumin, blood circulation improves, so there is a load on the heart.
- Thrombophlebitis. The use of cumin seeds may cause blood clotting, especially if you are prone to disease.
- Individual intolerance. In this case, before starting the procedure, you can test a small area of skin for an allergic reaction.
- Lactation period. It is not recommended to take cumin during breastfeeding, because of its ability to cause allergies in the baby.
- Diabetes. Patients who suffer from this disease are advised not to use the seeds because they can increase blood glucose levels.
- People with asthma should not consume cumin because of the risk of coughing.
This product, along with other spices, is an active allergen. Therefore, it is better to add it to dishes in limited quantities, mixed with other seasonings. You should not mix and use cumin with pineapple, guava and citrus fruits, which can significantly increase the secretion of gastric juice.
Black cumin has a rich composition and can be used to treat many diseases, but it has many contraindications that must beconsider before using it!
