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Cumin
 


Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a very common spice and found in many kitchens. Source


The dried, ripe fruit ("seed") is the part used both as a spice and medicinally. Cumin is often found in herbal preparations, or used for its pleasant aroma in other preparations.

Function; Reasons For Use
Like most seeds, it is the various oils and fatty acids that give cumin its particular activity. Cumin oil has been reported to have some antibacterial properties as well as larvacidal activity.

The most common medicinal use for cumin seems to be as a carminative, antispasmodic, and stomachic.





GLOSSARY

Antispasmodic
Preventing spasms.

Carminative
Agent relieving flatulence or gas.

Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.

Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.

Stomachic (Stomachics)
Agent that improves appetite and digestion.




Last updated: Apr 13, 2008


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