All about Cumin > Medicinal Properties

From Past…

Pliny recognized its digestive properties and advocated including cumin seeds in the daily diet.
Gerard recommended sewing up a little sachet filled with equal parts cumin seed and sea salt, heating it in a pan sprinkled with vinegar and applying it to the joints to relieve pain. This sachet is also excellent, he said, for treating pneumonia and other bronchial and lung inflammations.
Its essential oil was used in perfume-making.

To Present…

Stimulant - Infusion 2

1. boil 1 tbsp. cumin seeds in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes;
2. let infuse one hour;
3. strain and drink hot

Carminative - Infusion 1

1. boil 1 tbsp. of cumin seeds in one cup of water for 5 minutes;
2. let infuse 10 minutes;
3. strain and drink hot

Digestive - Infusion or Liqueur
a traditional non-alcoholic aperitif from India

1. Place in a saucepan:
   - 4 tbsp. crushed cumin
   - 4 sprigs of mint
   - a piece of ginger, grated
   - a pinch of salt
   - ½ c. sugar
   - the juice of 1 lemon
   - 1 litre tamarind water
2. Let simmer over low heat for a few minutes until the sugar and salt are dissolved;
3. let infuse for 24 hours;
4. strain and keep in a cool place.

Reduces abdominal pain - poultice
recommended for the liver, stomach, etc.

1. soak 3 tbsp. cumin seeds in hot water for 2 hours;
2. drain and remove the excess water with paper towels;
3. crush in a mortar or with a rolling pin;
4. add 1 tsp. flour and a few drops of the soaking liquid, enough to form a paste;
5. spread on gauze or cheesecloth and apply to the stomach.

-Reduces muscular spasms - Infusion 1 and 2