Cumin is a spice that is essentially found in Asia, Africa and Europe but it is popular all across the world as a condiment to create more flavourful meals. Cumin also has excellent medicinal properties that are curative as well as preventive.
Health Benefits of Cumin
Cumin has some significant health benefits and this combined with its wonderful aroma and taste make it a chosen remedy for a number of people. It has a phytochemical compound called cumin aldehyde which enhances immunity and enables it to fight tumours, epilepsy and diabetes among other things. Let’s find out more about the health benefits of cumin.
- Good for digestion: This is one of the herbs that is extremely beneficial for the gut. It helps improve the performance of the pancreatic enzymes and augment digestion. Cumin contains ingredients that work on the salivary glands to facilitate the digestion process. A glass of jeera juice on an empty stomach in the morning could be the remedy for a weak digestive system.
- Helps in weight loss: Cumin is very effective in helping you lose those extra kilos quickly. It also decreases the level of harmful lipids in the body. A number of people have started to use cumin seeds for weight loss.
- Treats asthma and cold: It is a potent remedy for cold and asthma as it assists in softening the mucus in the respiratory tract helping to clear it away. It is also effective in boosting immunity and providing resistance against infections.
- Provides a soothing touch to the skin and prevents acne: This has a high level of vitamin E and has good anti-inflammatory properties which are very useful in treating allergies. It kills skin germs and keeps infections away. The antibacterial and antifungal properties are also very good at curing itchy skin issues.
- Can help fight cancer: The cumin aldehyde present is chemopreventive and helps fight cancerous tumours in the body, by retarding its growth.
- Enhances memory: Cumin has a bunch of vitamins and minerals like riboflavin and vitamin B6 which nourish the brain cells and provide for better and healthier functioning.
- Prevent insomnia: It provides a tranquilising feeling to ease anxiety and promote sleep. It has a sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin.
-
Cures piles: This is an excellent laxative and heals any injuries in the excretory system and provides relief from piles.
Uses of Cumin for Health & Hair
Apart from its comprehensive health benefits cumin also helps enhance the quality of your hair and skin. Jeera infused water could help keep all infections at bay by removing harmful bacteria from your skin and you can also use cumin for hair. Let’s get to know more about cumin seeds.
- Increases immunity: Cumin is a rich source of iron which contributes to enhancing body immunity. Iron is vital for pregnant women and kids. It helps improve metabolism and increases the haemoglobin content of the body.
- Good for hair loss: Black cumin seeds for hair is a popular remedy and is extremely effective against thinning of hair and prevents hair fall. A hair pack that combines equal amounts of cumin oil and olive oil/coconut oil/almond oil is extremely effective in offering protection to your hair and scalp when applied after a bath. You can use a mix of henna and cumin powder. Apply the paste to your hair and scalp. Wash it off after 30 minutes. Try this twice a week as an effective remedy for receding hairlines.
- Promotes hair shine and grows long hair: Black cumin seeds could be very useful in growing long and shiny hair. Boil 1 ½ tablespoons in a cup of water. Strain the water and add a raw egg yolk and olive oil and blend well. Apply this to your hair and scalp and wash off in half an hour. Black cumin seeds for hair is considered one of the most powerful remedies. It has essential nutrients and vitamins which assist in hair growth and quality. Use cumin seeds for hair growth and cumin seed oil for hair longevity and quality. Mix 2 parts of black cumin oil with 1 part of castor oil. Heat slightly to allow for easier blending of the 2 oils. Massage this thoroughly into your scalp, wash it after an hour with cold water and shampoo. Try this twice a week for best results. This is one of the potent black seed uses for hair.
- Helps fight dandruff: Cumin oil extract is an excellent antioxidant and can be an effective ingredient in different anti-dandruff treatment procedures. Boil 3 teaspoons of cumin seeds in 2 litres of water. Use this water to rinse your hair, this will sort out all your dandruff issues and make your tresses soft and shiny.
- Treats skin disorders: it helps remove saggy skin, age spots and wrinkles. Drinking jeera water is effective enough as its antioxidant qualities are a solution to a range of ailments.
- Effective against nausea: The antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of jeera make it a chosen remedy for nausea. Some cumin seeds and a pinch of lemon could help offer relief from the uneasiness associated with nausea.
- Good for pregnant women: This is good for women during pregnancy. It helps get rid of indigestion and constipation problems associated with pregnancy. It helps in lactation and facilitates a better delivery. A tablespoon each of honey and cumin seeds added to a glass of warm milk is therapeutic in many ways for pregnant women.
- Helps treat boils: The thymol, phosphorus and cuminaldehyde present in cumin are excellent detoxifying agents which help in treatment of boils. Apply a finely made paste of black jeera powder to your boils for immediate relief.
Side Effects of Cumin
Despite its many known health benefits cumin is also capable of producing a few side effects if the proportion is not right or if you have a pre-existing condition. Let’s find out more:
- Heartburn: Though cumin offers relief from gas it has the potential to cause heartburn as well. They force the entry of gases into the gastrointestinal tract causing heartburn.
- Belching: The action of cumin seeds intended to stop formation of or induce expulsion of the gases from the stomach and intestines may lead to excessive belching.
- Liver damage: The volatile oils can also lead to liver and kidney damage. The consumption should therefore be limited to a minimum.
- Low blood sugar levels: Consuming large amounts of cumin could lead to a drastic reduction in blood sugar levels. This might be particularly harmful if you have a surgery scheduled. Curtailing consumption at least 2 weeks before a surgery is recommended.
- Narcotic effect: Cumin has mild levels of narcotics and could cause drowsiness or nausea if the amount consumed is excessive.
Cumin is used as an effective spice to enhance the taste of cuisines globally. Its health-giving benefits are very also potent as it is a natural remedy for a number of illnesses. This is what makes it one of the healthiest drinks and inspires people to use cumin oil for hair strength as cumin seeds benefit hair in more ways than one. Do visit us at Traya and find out more from our experts about more effective ways to enhance the condition of your hair and body.
