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Cumin
Cuminum Cyminum is an herb that grows to about a foot tall and is native to countries such as India, China, Mexico and the Mediterranean. Seeds of the plant are harvested by hand and are yellowish brown in color. Pink and white flowers blossom from the plant during the hot summers from a three-to four-month-long planting period. The seeds give out a peppery flavor that is widely used in Mexican dishes, Indian cuisines and Middle Eastern food. Some southern Chinese cooks also make use of cumin to give distinct flavors to their dishes. Cumin comes from the same family as caraway herbs, only with a stronger flavor and coarser texture.
Although quite ordinary in appearance, the health benefits of cumin are extraordinary. Ongoing research is expected to reveal even more benefits of the seeds, but for now, here are the top ten advantages given by cumin:
- Builds healthy blood – This herb is especially rich in iron, which makes a great natural supplement for blood health and an antidote for anemia. The seeds increase iron making the blood richer in hemoglobin which is needed to transport oxygen to all parts of the body.
- Strengthens the immune system – The seeds strengthen the body’s natural immunities because of its powerful antioxidant properties.
- Good for prenatal health – Supporting healthy prenatal development in pregnant women, the herb is also believed to make childbirth easier and also supply milk to nursing women. Because it is rich in iron, it also is a healthy herb for women during their menstrual cycles.
- Treatment for insomnia – When being combined with a ripe banana, the herbal medication can induce a peaceful sleep.
- Aid in memory loss – The herb improves memory and overall mental function, which can also speed recovery from amnesia.
- Improves digestive function – Cumin seeds relieve common digestive ailments such as flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion and nausea and is believed to stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes.
- Treatment for cancer – Recent studies reveal that the herb slows the growth of breast and colon cancer cells by use of its strong radical scavenging activity. Scientists have found out that the herb contains anti-carcinogenic properties that are the key to preventing cancer.
- Helps fight colds and respiratory ailments – A tonic made out of the seeds has been traditionally used to treat colds, fever, coughs and sore throats.
- Improves kidney health – When the herb is combined with caraway seeds and black salt, it provides and effective treatment for renal colic.
- Promotes healthy metabolism – The seeds boost metabolic rate and help facilitate the absorption of the nutrients in the body.
Many herbal practitioners claim that cumin is one of nature’s best body tonics. Aside from its seeds and powdery form, cumin oil is used in western society to flavor desserts, condiments and alcoholic beverages. Some even use it as fragrance for perfumes, lotions and creams. With cumin being such a regular flavor put in our daily foods, people should be aware of the high-medical value that the seeds can provide. No matter if the seeds are used for a specific ailment to cure, the small plant definitely has great contributions as a tonic for the body.
