Cumin is one of the most famous seasonings in the world. Its other names are nigella, black coriander. Its seeds are used for baking, sauces, marinades and alcoholic beverages. It has a special taste and aroma, has many useful properties. There are several varieties of plants. Among them, black cumin stands out for its special properties and unique qualities . What are the healing properties of caraway seeds and their use?
Cumin composition
From ancient times, healers knew about the healing properties of the plant and used it in the treatment. Cumin contains many useful substances. The plant contains:
- beta-carotene - a powerful antioxidant that helps fight infectious processes in the body and strengthens the body's defenses;
- Vitamin A, which affects the formation of skin or mucous membranes;
- Vitamin B1, able to strengthen the cell membranes, which prevent the penetration of free radicals into them;
- Vitamin B2, which takes part in the formation of red bodies, which contain hemoglobin and are responsible for the transfer of oxygen to cells;
- Vitamin B4, which helps to remove cholesterol from the body;
- Vitamin B6, which is involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which gives the body energy for motor activity and respiration;
- vitamin B9, which improves liver function;
- Vitamin C, which enhances the fight against viruses and infection;
- vitamin E, which reduces the risk of cancer;
- vitamin PP, which can expand the vessels of the brain and lower blood pressure.
In caraway seeds there are macro- and microelements that help the normal course of biochemical reactions in the body:
- calcium strengthens bones and teeth;
- magnesium helps to normalize the functioning of muscles (with cramps - reduces their frequency);
- potassium has a positive effect on heart rate;
- iron is involved in the formation of hemoglobin;
- zinc is the basis of bone tissue;
- copper improves the skin, making them strong and elastic;
- selenium is involved in the production of the hormone testosterone, which affects potency in men.
Caraway seeds contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
The unique composition of the plant allows its use in folk and official medicine. What are the healing properties of cumin seeds?
The benefits of caraway seeds
Since ancient times, people knew about the beneficial properties of black cumin and used in the treatment of many diseases. In the countries of the East, caraway seeds have been used for more than 3,000 years and are considered sacred. Here, the inhabitants consumed the green part of the plant and its seeds. In ancient Rome, women rubbed seeds in a mortar, so that their aroma spread throughout the dwelling. This has contributed to improving appetite in children. Especially rich in the healing properties of caraway seeds with black seeds. It is also used as a spice at present, adding to drinks and dishes.
The use of caraway seeds as a seasoning
Despite the healing properties of cumin, it is also widely used as a seasoning for cooking. It is worth noting that many people don’t like seeds, added as a whole, because of their specific taste. In ground form, seeds in bakery products, salads and chips are perceived with pleasure and are readily eaten. When preparing dishes from sour cabbage, a bag of caraway seeds is used. Place it during cooking, and before ready, take out and thoroughly mix the cabbage. In this case, seasoning does not affect the taste of the dish, and the healing properties of black cumin will be used to the full.
The use of caraway seeds as a seasoning is suitable for meat, fish, pilaf, salads and for pickling herring. In India, it is fried in a dry frying pan or with the addition of vegetable oil. Caraway seeds are added to stews in the cuisines of Germany and Austria.
An excellent mixture for seasoning all types of cheese can be made as follows: mix salt, caraway seeds and black pepper. Cumin is added to pastries, and winemakers use it in the preparation of certain alcoholic beverages. The dish, in which seasoning is present, is currently numerous and they are widespread.
How to choose and store caraway seeds
Black cumin should be used for food and for treatment. He comes from Asia. Caraway is sometimes called the black queen of seasoning. It is important that it is fresh and harvested in ecologically clean areas. It is better to buy caraway seeds in specialized departments of the store or pharmacies. The flavor of the seeds should be specific, a bit like nutmeg or pepper. The taste is pleasant, the color is dark. Caraway has a trihedral, slightly elongated shape.
You can store seeds with other seasonings. After purchase, it should be poured into a separate jar and closed with a lid. It is not recommended to store them in direct sunlight - vitamins are destroyed, and the healing properties of caraway seeds are reduced. Caraway seeds remain for 3 years.
The healing properties of cumin
Possessing medicinal properties and contraindications, caraway is widely used in the treatment of many diseases. The main beneficial properties of seeds:
- Strengthening immunity. Due to its qualities, cumin helps to increase the body's defenses, therefore it is used in the fight against viruses and bacteria. It is useful to people who have had surgery or serious illnesses.
- Seeds increase mood, improve performance and stamina. They are necessary for people engaged in heavy physical labor.
- Cumin is recommended for insomnia, nervous tension and irritability. It has the properties of an antidepressant, reduces the manifestations of hysteria and irritability.
- Cumin is able to cleanse blood vessels, lower cholesterol. The plant prevents the development of varicose veins and atherosclerosis and helps with their treatment.
- Seeds are able to alleviate the condition of a woman with menopause, reduce pain during menstruation. They help with various problems that arise in the genital area of men and women. Reception of caraway seeds by the male sex is an excellent prevention of prostatitis.
- The plant helps lower blood pressure and improves heart function.
- Due to its healing properties, cumin cleanses the kidneys, improves them activity. The plant has a mild diuretic effect.
- The ability of caraway seeds to increase hemoglobin in the blood is known.
- Caraway, which is part of the eye drops, improves the condition of the eyes and reduces their lacrimation.
- The help of seeds with allergies is effective, including allergic conjunctivitis and a runny nose, bronchial asthma.
- Due to its beneficial properties, seeds can increase milk production in women during lactation.
- Plant seeds can cure cough, as well as chronic bronchitis and asthma.
- Cumin has an antitumor effect.
- Useful seeds for anemia and gastritis with low acidity.
- Helps reduce headaches and ear pain.
- Thanks to its healing properties, black cumin improves the appearance of oily skin.
- Seeds contribute to the healing of wounds, sutures and tissue repair. They are used in the postoperative period, but not during organ transplantation.
- Cumin is able to freshen breath.
- Seeds can help in the fight against helminths.
The plant is used to prevent diseases of the gums, skin and against hair loss. Even in antiquity, many representatives of the fair sex used it when caring for the body and facial skin. In cosmetology, many preparations based on cumin have been created.
The healing properties of caraway seeds are used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. To improve appetite, before eating, you need to chew half a teaspoon of dry seeds. Cumin helps in the treatment of flatulence, constipation and colitis.
Currently, scientists have conducted research and proved that seasoning inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps with autoimmune diseases.
Features of essential oil
Caraway seed oil is a high-quality product with unique properties. It has a rich aroma and a slightly bitter taste. The oil is made from raw plant seeds by cold pressing, which allows you to save most of its positive qualities.
The oil contains fatty acids that can cure many diseases. It includes vitamins A, E and D, nutrients that positively affect many body systems. Rich in essential oil:
- polysaccharides;
- tannins;
- amino acids;
- alkaloids;
- enzymes.
Due to its medicinal properties, cumin oil is widely used for the prevention of various diseases.
Many manufacturers in the manufacture of hair and skin care products include cumin oil. He gained wide application in massage creams for cellulite, as well as in mixtures for wrapping.
Sometimes caraway seed oil is used as an independent remedy, adding to shampoo or balm. In this case, precautionary measures must be taken because the product is concentrated and may cause skin irritation.
The healing properties of black cumin oil
Special studies have found that essential oil can:
- improve the digestive tract;
- relieve itching in the anus, hemorrhoids and chronic constipation;
- strengthen the body's defenses;
- it protects against the development of cellulite and the occurrence of edema due to the fact that normalizes lymph flow and blood circulation;
- effectively reduces pressure if taken in the morning and evening on an empty stomach, 1 teaspoon;
- oil can refresh and soften the skin of the face;
- strengthen hair, reduce hair loss and prevent the appearance of gray hair;
- increase appetite;
- slow down the premature aging of the skin of the face and protect against ultraviolet radiation;
- eliminate dandruff and have a positive effect on the scalp;
- reduce the manifestation of flatulence;
- improve metabolism;
- protect the skin from peeling and drying;
- cleanse the body of free radicals.
It has oil and a good choleretic effect. The properties of cumin for medicinal purposes are used not only in Asian countries, but also in Europe.
Instructions for use of cumin oil
Plant oil is used not only for external use, but also for internal use.
Outwardly, it is used in the treatment of bronchitis, chronic cough and bronchial asthma. Cumin oil can be mixed with olive in a ratio of 1: 5. It is necessary to rub the back and chest well together with the inhalation procedure with oil for 15 minutes.
It is effective to keep 1/2 a teaspoon of the product in your mouth: then there will not be a trace of coughing. You need to do this procedure until the symptoms of the disease disappear.
In the treatment of psoriasis, rashes on the body are lubricated with oil to reduce itching and irritation.
Caraway seed oil has healing properties, and there are minor contraindications: for example, you should not use it if you have insomnia: it can increase the activity of the body.
For cleansing, you need to take the drug on a teaspoon 2 times a day on an empty stomach. Usually, treatment lasts for 3 months, and then a break of 1.5 to 2 months is taken. After this, the oil intake can be continued again.
With infertility and prostatitis, the drug is taken orally. The dose is from 1-2 teaspoons to 2-3 tablespoons per day until the effect is obtained.
To improve digestion, reduce pain and bloating, drink oil with milk. A glass will need 0.5 teaspoon of the product and a spoon of honey.
According to reviews, the medicinal properties of caraway seeds are used for weight loss; they include in the diet not only oil, but also seeds.
Cumin for weight loss
For a greater effect, along with oil for weight loss, a decoction of cumin seeds is used. You can chew on an empty stomach the seeds of a plant to normalize metabolism, the appearance of a diuretic and laxative effect.
Cumin will give the body vitamins and minerals. Seeds effectively suppress cravings for sweets. If you use them constantly, then the desire to eat something sweet will disappear.
The broth is prepared in the following ratio: 2 teaspoons per 0.5 liters of water. Boil it for 10 minutes, then insist for several hours. It is recommended to drink a decoction of 0.5 cup three times a day 30-40 minutes before a meal.
Despite the medicinal properties of caraway seeds, he has contraindications. Therefore, you need to drink the broth with caution.
When using seeds to combat extra pounds, be sure to observe moderation in food. If fatty and high-calorie foods are present in the diet, it will be difficult to achieve results.
Contraindications for taking caraway
Black cumin has medicinal properties and contraindications. The restrictions include:
- Pregnancy. Due to the presence of biostimulants in the composition of caraway seeds, a woman may begin premature birth. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is better not to take it.
- With gallstone disease or gastritis, colic in the gallbladder and discomfort in the stomach can occur.
- Pathology of the heart, heart attack. When taking caraway, blood circulation improves, so there is a load on the heart.
- Thrombophlebitis. When using caraway seeds, blood can thicken, especially with a tendency to disease.
- Individual intolerance. In this case, before starting the procedure, you can test a small area of the skin for an allergic reaction.
- Lactation period. It is not recommended to take cumin during breastfeeding, because of its ability to cause an allergy in the baby.
- Diabetes. Patients who suffer from this disease are not recommended to use seeds because they can increase blood glucose levels.
- People with asthma should not use cumin because of the risk of coughing.
This product, along with other seasonings, is an active allergen. Therefore, it is better to add it to dishes in limited quantities, mixed with other seasonings. Do not mix and consume caraway seeds with pineapple, guava and citrus fruits, which can significantly increase the secretion of gastric juice.
Black cumin has a rich composition and can be used to treat many diseases, but it has many contraindications, which must be considered before using it!