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Cumin: Why is it the miracle spice?

Credit: Flickr/Charles Haynes
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Cumin, which comes originally from Asia, has been used for more than 5,000 years.  Why has this spice been so popular?  Well, because it is a miracle spice.  As well as being brilliant for flavouring dishes, cumin is also known in herbal medicine for its carminative, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory qualities.  It is often recommended if you suffer from digestive difficulties, flatulence and abdominal pains.  However there are many other instances where you can turn to cumin for help.

1 /  Bloating and intestinal gases

Do you struggle with trapped wind and a bloated stomach.  These digestive issues are never nice for you and those around you.  However cumin could become your lifesaver in these situations.  Some foods more than others cause a bloated stomach, intestinal gases and sometimes a sore stomach.  This can include foods that are rich in sugar and starch or fatty oils.

Exercise helps to reduce problems with trapped wind and bloating.  However you can also complement these sporty activities with a glass of water that is mixed with a tablespoon of cumin.  (The taste is very bitter but the effect is almost instantaneous.)

You can also prepare a herbal tea by using 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to 1 cup of water.  Now boil up the mixture and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.  If you would like to avoid having embarrassing digestion problems you can drink a cumin herbal tea before your meal or regularly use cumin in your dishes.

Credits : iStock

2 / Help combat constipation

Cumin can help unblock the pipes.  If you want to get rid of temporary constipation all you need is a cumin infusion.  Follow this recipe: Place 20 g of cumin seeds into 200 ml of boiling water for a few minutes and then filter and drink this mixture two times per day after your meal.

Credits : iStock

3/ Curing a cold

There are lots of remedies that can help cure a cold.  One of these natural remedies involves cumin.  The many essential oils in the seeds act like a disinfectant and help to combat viral infections that cause a cold.

Credits : iStock

4 / Help during your period

Cumin is an emmenagogue which is useful at increasing blood circulation in the uterus and helping during menstruation.  Cumin also helps when producing milk when you are breastfeeding.  You can drink one or two herbal infusions per day. As a precaution don’t use this remedy when pregnant.

Credits : iStock

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