|
Healing Power and Curative Properties
The fruit is a rich source of thymol. Thymol is used as an anthelmintic
against hookworm infections and also as an antiseptic in many proprietary
preparations. It is a stimulant, which increases the secretion and
discharge of urine and relieves flatulence. It strengthens the functions
of stomach and arrests any bleeding.
Digestive Disorders
Cumin seeds are very useful in digestive disorders like biliousness,
morning sickness, indigestion, atonics dyspepsia, diarrhea, malabsorption
syndrome, and flatulent colic. One teaspoon of cumin seeds is boiled in a
glass of water and the decoction mixed with one teaspoon of fresh
coriander leaf juice and a pinch of salt. This decoction can be taken
twice daily after meals as a medicine for diarrhea.
Piles / Hemorrhoids
Black cumin is beneficial in the treatment of piles or hemorrhoids. About
60 grams of the suds, of which half should be roasted, should be ground
together. Three grams of this flour should be taken with water.
Insomnia
Cumin is valuable in relieving sleeplessness. A teaspoon of the fried
powder of cumin seeds mixed with the pulp of a ripe banana can be taken at
night to induce sleep.
Renal Colic
Black cumin seeds mixed with caraway seeds and black salt is useful in
renal colic. About 20 grams of cumin seeds, 12 grams of caraway seeds and
6 grams of black salt are ground together and mixed with a little vinegar.
This mixture can be taken in doses of 3 grams every hour till relief is
obtained.
Common Cold
Dilute cumin water is an antiseptic beverage and very useful in common
cold and fevers. To prepare cumin water, a teaspoon of cumin is added to
boiling water, which is allowed to simmer for a few seconds and set aside
to cool. If the cold is associated with sore throat, a few small pieces of
dry ginger should be added to the water. It soothes throat irritation.
Problem of Breast Milk Secretion
A decoction of cumin seeds mixed with milk and honey, taken once daily
during the entire period of pregnancy, helps the healthy development of
the fetus, eases child-birth and increases the secretion of breast milk.
Amnesia
Cumin seeds are valuable in amnesia or dullness of memory. Three grams of
black cumin seeds are mixed with 12 grams of pure honey and licked to get
rid of in this condition.
Boils
Black cumin ground in water is applied as a paste over the boils with
beneficial results.
Scorpion Sting
Paste of the cumin seeds prepared with onion juice, applied over scorpion
sting will retard the frequency of upbeats.
Other Uses
The cumin seed is extensively used in mixed spices and for flavoring
curries, soups, sausages, bread and cakes. It is an ingredient of curry
powder, pickles and chutneys. It is also used to some extent in Indian
medicine as a carminative.
|