- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (west), Africa (northeast)
- Sanskrit
- Jeeraka
Asia · Herb · № 232
Cuminum cyminum
Herb · Asia
Cumin
Cuminum cyminum
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, aromatic, stomachic, stimulating, astringent, cooling; for gonorrhoea, chronic diarrhoea, indigestion, hoarseness; oil as a source of thymol against hookworms.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Seeds 3–6 g (1–2 g for hoarseness and diarrhoea).
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica and Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. Sanskrit name: Jeeraka. In herbal magic associated with protection, against theft, love, fidelity. Cumin was already used in ancient Egypt and is a basic spice in India (jeera) and Iran. Cumin water (jeera pani) is a home remedy for wind and bloating. In Unani medicine it is called zeera.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Carminative, aromatic, stomachic, stimulating, astringent, cooling; for gonorrhoea, chronic diarrhoea, indigestion, hoarseness; oil as a source of thymol against hookworms.
Preparation and amount
Seeds 3–6 g (1–2 g for hoarseness and diarrhoea).
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Strongly aids digestion and stimulates appetite, usable all year round; against nausea and diarrhoea; for irregular menstruation, spotting and clots, anti-inflammatory, beneficial after pregnancy and for breast milk; pain-relieving externally; against gas, bloating and constipation.
Preparation and amount
Fry seeds in ghee or sprinkle as (roasted) powder over savoury dishes; for nausea sprinkle on a slice of lemon and lick; for diarrhoea 1 tsp powder in warm water; boil roasted powder in water and drink; ground seed with water as a paste on painful swellings; with coriander as a digestive drink.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Protection, against theft, love, fidelity.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Compress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen