• Family: Apiaceae
• Origin: East Mediterranean to East India
• Part used: seeds
• Medicinal Properties: Stimulant, Carminative, Anti-microbial, Astringent, Diuretic

Cumin is a flowering plant that grows to 30-50 cm (1-2 ft) tall. It has a small flower that is colored white or pink. It bears an oval fruit that is 4-5 mm long and it fruit contains a single seed. Cumin seeds are similar to fennel and anise seeds in appearance, but are smaller and darker in color, like anise seed it also has a distinct flavor and aroma. This strong, aromatic flavor is what makes cumin a popular seasoning in many dishes around the world. It is traditionally added to curries, enchiladas, tacos, and other Middle-Eastern, Indian, Cuban and Mexican-style foods. Cumin has also been used on meat in addition to other common seasonings. Before grounding, cumin seeds are often heated first on an ungreased pan to release their essential oil which is the source of it aromatic flavor.

Medicinal Benefits:

• Cumin is use for dyspepsia, diarrhea, flatulence and colic.
• Cumin is used to increase lactation and reduce nausea in pregnancy.
• Cumin may be effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Cumin may help to increase the breast size.
• Cumin poultice is use to relieve swelling of the breast or the testicles.
• Cumin stimulates the appetite.
• Cumin can help boost the liver's ability to detoxify the body.
• Cumin is may help relieve symptoms of cold due to it's antiseptic properties.
• Cumin can help increase the heat in the body thus making metabolism more efficient.
• Cumin paste is use as treatment for boils.
• Cumin strengthens the functions of stomach and arrests any bleeding.
• Cumin can help relieve insomnia.

Cumin seed tea: 1 tsp seeds is boiled in a glass of water. You can also add other herbs to this mixture to increase its healing properties.

Names of Cumin in different countries:

• French: cumin
• German: Kreuzkümmel, Romische Kümmel
• Italian: cumino
• Spanish: comino
• Arabic: kammun, kemouyn
• Indian: jeera, jeraka, jira, zeera, zira, sufaid
• Indonesian: jinten
• Malay: jintan puteh