Cumin in Herbal Medicine: Cumin Property

Scientific name

Cuminum cyminum L.

Family

Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Origin

Italy (Alps).

Used Parts

Drug consisting of fruits (improperly called cumin seeds)

Chemical constituents

Essential oil (carvone and limonene).

Cumin in Herbal Medicine: Cumin Property

The fruits of the cumin contain an essential oil with antispasmodic activity on the digestive and digestive tract, capable of reducing the formation of gaseous bubbles (even in newborns).

Cumin is therefore used in case of aerophagia, meteorism and flatulence.

The popular tradition ascribes to the cumin also properties of emmenagogues and galactogogues.

Cumin is also widely used in perfumery, and as a flavoring for toothpastes and mouthwashes; as a skin stimulant, it is inserted in the formulation of oils and massage ointments.

Biological activity

The use of cumin has not obtained official approval for the treatment of any kind of disorder.

However, the essential oil extracted from the fruits of the cumin (which very often are mistakenly called "seeds") seems to be endowed with some therapeutic activities. More precisely, carminative, antispasmodic and antifungal properties are ascribed to the aforementioned oil. In particular, with regard to the latter property, several studies have been conducted which have shown the potential efficacy of this product in countering the production of mycotoxins (which can contaminate food) by micro-organisms such as Aspergillus ochraceus . Given the encouraging results obtained, these studies hypothesize a possible use of essential oil of cumin as a safe preservative in both pharmaceutical and food products.

Cumin in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, cumin is used as a remedy for digestive disorders, diarrhea and colic, especially in the veterinary field.

In Indian medicine, however, cumin is used in the treatment of leprosy, eye disorders, diarrhea and kidney stones, as well as an abortive remedy.

Cumin is also exploited by homeopathy with indications for the treatment of flatulence, digestive problems, gastrointestinal pain and intestinal infections. Furthermore, homeopathic cumin remedy is also used to promote milk secretion in breastfeeding mothers and to promote menstrual flow. Indeed, cumin and emmenagogue properties are also attributed to cumin (properties that have not been confirmed by adequate clinical studies).