Cumin - what is it? Many suggest that caraway is another name for dill. But this opinion is erroneous. Let's take a closer look, what kind of plant is it, where cumin, oil is used, what are the benefits and harm from them?
Cumin - what is it?
The birthplace of caraway seeds is Egypt. This is a small plant from the parsley family. The Egyptians used it not only as a spice, but also as an ingredient in the process of mummification. The Greeks and Romans also consumed caraway and appreciated it as one of the main seasonings.
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that caraway seeds contribute to love and fidelity, so at weddings they always served drinks from this plant, which were eaten with unleavened bread.
Currently, it grows mainly in hot countries, especially in India, North Africa, China and South America. This spice is primarily associated with Indian cuisine and is used mainly throughout India.
Caraway is a small umbrella plant. Its seeds are from three to six millimeters in length. They have a striped brown pattern.
This plant is freely available in the West, although it is not a traditional European spice.
Features of aroma and taste
Caraway seeds have a strong, heavy and warm, spicy-sweet aroma. As for taste, it can be described as sharp, powerful, sharp and bitter.
Where is cumin used?
Cumin is mainly used to add flavor to dishes. Food with these spices is widespread in Indian cuisine, as well as in the culinary arts of the Middle East, Mexico, Portugal and Spain. Grilled stew, as well as lamb and chicken dishes, are especially popular with him. It also goes well with rice, beans, eggplant, beans.
The plant is one of the components for creating a seasoning such as curry, as well as other spicy spicy mixtures.
Also, it can often be found in herbal medicine. In traditional herbal medicine, this plant is used as a diuretic to treat stomach upsets and flatulence. It is believed that it contributes to a healthy digestive process. Cumin stimulates menstruation and can also be added to rinses to treat laryngitis. Poultices from it are used to treat breast or testicular tumors. In Ayurvedic medicine, caraway seeds with ghee are smoked to relieve hiccups.
Caraway seeds: benefit
Characteristics of caraway as a drug:
- diuretic;
- stimulating digestion;
- antispasmodic.
Cumin oil is a good source of iron, manganese and other vitamins and minerals.
With diarrhea, indigestion, hoarseness, colic, tunnel syndrome, morning sickness, medicines containing caraway seeds are often used. The benefits of such funds are manifested almost instantly.
Doctors also recommend cumin for women during pregnancy and lactation. The benefits in this case are as follows: reducing nausea and increasing the amount of milk.
Cumin is also used to stimulate appetite.
Here are a few more examples of the benefits of caraway seeds:
- extract reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides;
- helps protect the liver from toxins;
- helps in the treatment of drug addiction.
Harm from caraway seeds
Like any other products, cumin can lead to various complications. He will be harmed by people who have at least one of the following diseases:
- ulcer;
- gastritis;
- gallstones
- problems with heart;
- diabetes.
This means that patients are contraindicated to use tinctures and decoctions with caraway seeds. But you can eat dishes a little seasoned with it.
Black cumin
Not much different from ordinary spiced black cumin. Harm him a little less. That is why it is used for medical purposes.
Black cumin - what is it? This is a plant that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Its oil is saturated with potent active biological substances, vitamins and minerals, which are very necessary for humans.
Medicines containing black cumin oil are used for the following purposes:
- dissolution of stones in the gall bladder and kidneys;
- increased performance;
- the destruction of worms;
- cold treatment;
- sputum excretion;
- rheumatism treatment;
- skin cleansing;
- preventing the appearance of new moles;
- increased immune defense;
- leprosy treatment;
- diarrhea treatment ;
- removing poison from a snake bite;
- decrease in the size of lymph nodes;
- increased visual acuity;
- solid tumor treatment;
- treatment of chronic headaches;
- vascular blockage treatment;
- calming the nervous system;
- improved lactation;
- wart removal;
- treatment of dyspnea;
- getting rid of a cold
- increased potency.
Black cumin (what it is, you already know) is used not only for decoctions, but also for compresses.
And the aroma from a few drops of black cumin oil set on fire helps with repelling mosquitoes and other unpleasant insects.
As for dosage, an adult norm for children can do real harm. Therefore, it must be reduced by about two to three times.
It is strictly forbidden to use caraway seeds for people who have undergone an organ transplant operation, as well as those who have serious heart problems.
With all the useful properties of caraway seeds, it should be remembered that everything is good in moderation. Therefore, try not to overdo it with seasonings during cooking, and if you decide to consume caraway seed oil, first consult a general practitioner.