Contents
Botanical characteristics of cumin
Cumin is a biennial plant belonging to the Umbelliferae family. The plant does not grow more than 1 meter in height. Cumin has a powerful spindle-shaped root. On a smooth stem are next leaves, which are smaller and smaller in size from the bottom of the stem to the top. In the first year of life, only a basal rosette of leaves is formed in cumin, and in the second year a stem is formed. Each shoot has one flower inflorescence.
Caraway flowers are small in size, white in color, consisting of 5 petals. The fruit of cumin is an oblong-shaped vislocarp, which, when ripe, breaks up into 2 semi-fruits. At the time of fruit ripening, the stem first becomes brown, and then completely dries out.
Cumin blooms from early to mid-summer. Fruit ripening occurs at the end of summer, but only in the second year of the plant’s life. Cumin is distributed throughout the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Siberia and Central Asia. The plant prefers sandy and loamy soil. Cumin grows in forests, meadows, forest edges and roadsides.
Growing cumin
The plant loves fertilized soils and lighted places. Cumin is able to endure any frost, so it does not even need to be covered for the winter. Cumin is propagated by seed. The plant develops best if the seeds are sown in the spring, since the topsoil still contains a lot of moisture, and cumin loves moist soils. Before sowing cumin, superphosphate and potash fertilizers must be added to the soil, adding most of the humus. Given the fact that cumin seeds germinate slowly, they should be soaked in water for 2 days, remembering to change the water from time to time. When the seeds germinate, they need to be dried. Before sowing seeds, the soil is dug up again. Seeds are planted 2, 3 or 4 cm into the soil, it depends on the very structure of the soil. Shoots will appear after 3-4 weeks.
Seedlings may be rare due to the low amount of moisture in the soil. When 2 true leaves appear on the seedlings of cumin, if the planting is thick, thinning is done. By the end of summer, the plant will have up to 15 leaves.
Caring for cumin is easy, as it is enough to water regularly, weed weeds and loosen the soil.
Useful properties of cumin
Cumin has a property that increases the motor and secretory functions of the stomach. The plant is used as a diuretic. However, most often cumin is used as an antispasmodic drug that acts on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Caraway fruits are recommended for nursing mothers, because they have the ability to increase (for nursing mothers, the article will be very useful: how to increase lactation?). Due to the content of essential and fatty oils in cumin, the plant is used as an aphrodisiac in the presence of atony of the stomach. Cumin has carminative and laxative properties, so it is used for flatulence and constipation.
Cumin is one of the oldest spices used by man. It has long been proven that the seeds of the plant produce a powerful healing effect, so they are used not only for food. Cumin is popular both in folk and official medicine. It is used for atony and intestinal disorders, accumulation of gases, dyspepsia. Plant seeds relieve fatigue, increase immunity, remove stones from the kidneys and bladder, relieve pain in rheumatism and gout, destroy parasites.
Cumin is useful for improving memory. For this, 3 g of seeds are taken along with a teaspoon of honey. If you want to remove warts, acne, birthmarks or stop baldness, then black cumin seeds are mixed with apple cider vinegar. This mixture is also good for headaches. Consuming cumin seeds on an empty stomach can improve the complexion and clear the skin.
Why is oil useful? How to take it?
Black cumin seed oil is a 100% natural product with genuine quality and centuries-old traditions of its use. It is especially appreciated by connoisseurs of traditional medicine due to its unique healing properties, due to a harmoniously balanced composition. The oil has a rich spicy aroma and a slightly bitter taste, but it is believed that the more bitterness in the oil, the greater the effect will be achieved from its use.
It is obtained from the raw seeds of the plant by cold pressing. The use of this technology allows you to fully preserve all the healing properties of this unique natural product. Black cumin oil does not apply to medicines, although it perfectly helps the human body to resist various kinds of diseases.
Beneficial features. Modern research has shown that black cumin oil has many beneficial properties, especially standing out among the oils of other plants. It normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, activates the immune system, helps strengthen and grow hair, restore their original color. The oil destroys some types of pathogenic bacteria, lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood, and has a choleretic effect. It is a powerful antioxidant that promotes the active removal of free radicals from the human body.
Oil can be used for preventive purposes and as a tonic. It works gently and delicately. If you drink at least one teaspoon of oil during the day, then such a useful supplement can normalize the metabolism in the human body and increase its defenses. The benefits of black seed oil have been proven time and again by scientific studies, and many people know about it from their own experience.
Composition. The composition of the oil includes a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. According to experts, such acids in such a percentage are found only in seafood and nowhere else. In addition, the oil contains vitamins A, E and D, beta-carotene, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and other macro- and microelements that contribute to the normalization of the functions of all systems of the human body. The oil also contains phospholipids, amino acids (including arginine), flavonoids, mono- and polysaccharides, phytosterols (camperstine, beta-sitosterol, etc.), alkaloids, tannins, saponins, enzymes, essential oils (up to 1,4 %).
Application Black cumin has been cultivated in the countries of the East for over 3000 years, and for the same amount of time a person has been using the oil of this unique plant to treat various diseases. Even the famous healers Hippocrates and Dioscorides mentioned in their medical treatises about its amazing healing properties. According to Avicenna, this oil helps to increase the vital energy of a person, helping to overcome fatigue and overwork.
Modern scientists have revealed the fact that the oil actively stimulates the production of bone marrow and has a positive effect on the functioning of the thymus gland, which is very important for the normalization of human immunity. It is also an excellent prophylactic to prevent the occurrence of blood cancer.
Black cumin oil also contains hormones that help with infertility and increase potency. It is used for flatulence, diarrhea and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, it facilitates breathing in bronchial asthma and stuffy nose, treats cough with SARS and flu.
It is one of the few natural oils that are ideal for treating oily skin and easily deal with acne, enlarged and clogged pores. It is good for fungal infections, various skin diseases and allergies.
Contraindications. There are not so many contraindications to taking oil. It is not recommended for use in case of individual intolerance, pregnant women and people who have undergone organ transplants. With external use of black cumin oil, in some cases, local skin irritation and an allergic reaction may occur.
For weight loss. To maintain the health, beauty and youth of their body, ancient Greek women used cumin oil. Nowadays, this oil is also very popular among those who want to lose weight. To achieve the best result, it is recommended to take it 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening, 1 teaspoon 15 minutes before meals. If you add 1 more tablespoon of honey to this and drink 1/2 cup of boiled water, then the effectiveness of the oil will increase even more.
To lose weight, you need a special scheme for 2 months. According to this scheme, you can’t eat before taking the oil, after taking it, at least half an hour must pass before eating. In the first month, all carbohydrates (sweet, potatoes, flour) should be excluded from the diet and oil should be consumed in the following order:
1 week – 1 teaspoon of oil and a glass of water before breakfast;
Week 2 – 1 teaspoon of oil and a glass of water before breakfast and dinner;
Week 3 – 2 teaspoons of oil and 2 glasses of water before breakfast;
4 weeks – 1 teaspoon of oil and a glass of water before breakfast.
In the second month, water is excluded from this scheme and, at the same time, fats are removed from the diet to the maximum. Their use should be no more than 20 grams per day. It is also necessary to monitor the dosage of black cumin oil.
1 week – 1 tablespoon of oil without water;
2 weeks – 2 tablespoons of oil without water;
3 weeks – 2 teaspoons of oil half an hour before meals 3 times a day;
Week 4 – 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 glass of water 2 times a day.
In the warm season, the oil is used as a dressing for salads, and in the cold season, it can be seasoned with sauerkraut. Naturally, the usefulness of this unique product directly depends on its quality. The oil should be free of sediment, floating flakes, and white streaks near the neck. To take it, you must use a wooden or plastic spoon. Depending on the manufacturer, the dosage regimen and dosage may be different, as a rule, this is indicated on the package.
How to use? For preventive and therapeutic purposes, as well as to increase immunity, it is recommended to take oil in the following dosage:
children (from six years old) – only half a teaspoon per day;
adults – 2 times a day: in the morning on an empty stomach one teaspoon and one in the evening.
Oil is recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach 15-20 minutes before meals. It is washed down with either half a glass of water, in which a tablespoon of honey is dissolved, or half a glass of carrot juice. The duration of the course is usually 3-4 months. The course can be repeated with a break of 2 months.
Hypertensive patients can use the following mixture: 100 ml of cumin oil, lemon juice and honey must be mixed and taken on an empty stomach every morning and evening, 1 tablespoon. The mixture must be kept in the refrigerator.
black cumin treatment
Black cumin has been used as a medicine for over 3000 years. Since 1959, various research institutes have been conducting research to identify the beneficial properties of this plant. Black cumin is an almost indispensable natural product for gaining health, strengthening immunity and recuperating a person after a long and debilitating illness. In folk medicine, it is used to treat a huge number of different diseases.
Treatment of cancer with black cumin. In the process of studying black cumin at the Cancer Center, scientists came to the conclusion that the substance thymoquinone, obtained from the plant, can not only slow down the development of cancer cells, but also reverse the process. Most of the research has been done on pancreatic cancer, which is an intractable form of the disease.
Scientists believe that thymoquinone changes the genetic code of cancer cells, which leads to their destruction. Based on the data obtained, they intend to develop a drug for the treatment of liver diseases.
According to the results of another group of researchers, black cumin reduces the incidence of skin cancer by 34%. At the same time, cumin treatment is much easier to tolerate than biochemistry, which affects the bone marrow and the number of blood globules. Cumin prevents the side effects that occur during chemical treatment.
Treatment of prostatitis with black cumin. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. The main cause of the disease is a bacterial infection. An inflamed or infected prostate causes painful urination and ejaculation. If the disease is not cured in time, then there can be serious consequences. Prostatitis is in third place after cancer and benign hyperplasia and accounts for more than 25% of genital ailments in men.
The main causes of prostatitis are constant hypothermia, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sexual abstinence, untimely urination, bad habits and a number of accompanying diseases of the genitourinary system. There are several effective ways to treat this disease with black cumin:
1. It is recommended to lubricate the lower back and scrotum with plant oil daily, while making rotational movements. Rub the oil in until it is absorbed into the skin.
2. One tablespoon of black cumin oil must be mixed with a spoonful of honey, a teaspoon of dry chamomile and diluted in 100 ml of warm water. Then the remedy must be filtered and taken several times a day.
Treatment of hemorrhoids with black cumin. The formation of hemorrhoids leads to chronic constipation, physical inactivity, heavy physical exertion and, most importantly, a sedentary lifestyle. Unpleasant sensations, burning and itching in the anus create knotty veins. Later there are stitching sharp pains and bleeding during bowel movements. Black cumin can help improve the patient’s condition. It stimulates digestion and has an antihistamine effect.
In the treatment of hemorrhoids, a cream is used, which is prepared from the ashes of the burnt seeds of the plant. To prepare such a cream, you will need 30 g of seeds and 15 ml of black cumin oil. Seeds should be fried in a pan until “burnt”. When they cool down, it is necessary to grind them into powder, and then add it to cumin oil. The drug should be applied to the anus twice a day after a bowel movement. After four weeks of use, the patient’s condition will improve significantly.
Treatment of psoriasis. Among other things, black cumin is widely used in cosmetology. It is effective in the treatment of various skin diseases, including psoriasis. A small amount of black cumin oil is applied daily to the affected areas of the skin. However, it can be mixed with other oils, such as sesame or walnut.
However, there are cases when the use of oil causes a backlash and contributes to a greater formation of rashes. If within one week after the use of the drug there is no improvement, then cumin oil is not suitable for this type of skin and it is best to consult a doctor about this.
With infertility – a fairly effective remedy, tested by many women. The composition of the oil contains hormones that help increase potency and can cure infertility. Due to the high content of various useful substances in cumin oil, the drug improves potency and libido, normalizes the production of testosterone and has a beneficial effect on the process of spermatogenesis. Regular use of black cumin helps to cure male and female infertility.
black cumin seeds
Healers of antiquity believed that black cumin seeds healed almost all diseases. Today, scientific research confirms that with their help it is possible to cure many diseases of children and adults, up to cancer.
Black cumin seeds are large, black, pyramidal in shape. They are quite pleasant in taste and have a refreshing effect, they taste like fennel or dill. This refreshing property of the seeds is widely used as a remedy for rotting and fermentation in the intestines.
With bloating in a child, he is given an enema from caraway water. With the accumulation of gases and pain in the stomach, a decoction made from cumin seeds with the addition of sugar is used. Flat cakes from ground seeds, mixed with rye flour and peppermint, relieve inflammation in case of mastitis, applying them to the chest. The course of such treatment is several days.
Caraway drops are used for constant lacrimation, and to increase lactation, it is recommended to drink milk in which cumin seeds were boiled (5 recipes for increasing lactation based on black cumin seeds). For the prevention of various diseases, it is advised to take black cumin seeds mixed with orange juice.
Black cumin for weight loss
Black cumin seeds are widely used for weight loss. They are very useful to chew on an empty stomach or take the oil of the plant after a meal to improve digestion. Cumin has diuretic properties and normalizes metabolism, thereby contributing to weight loss. For internal use, you can use a decoction of cumin seeds. It is prepared from two teaspoons of seeds, filled with 500 ml of water. The mixture is boiled in a water bath for at least 10 minutes, after which it is filtered and drunk 100 ml 1 hour before meals three times a day.
For external use, a mixture of cumin oil with grapefruit oil and rose oil is used. Before use, slightly warm the oil in the palms, then apply the mixture in small circular motions from the ankles to the waist. This massage can be done for 5-7 minutes. on each problem area of the body until the product is completely absorbed. The procedure should be performed before going to bed to prevent hypothermia. In addition, black cumin tightens the skin when sagging, which often happens when losing weight.
The use of cumin ordinary
Cumin is used for pneumonia, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis and prostate adenoma. The plant is often recommended for colds as a chest rub. And also cumin is used in the presence of skin parasites, for example, ticks and others.
Cumin is used for dyspepsia in children, gastritis, anemia and hypogalactia (insufficient milk production in a nursing mother). And also a decoction of cumin is recommended for the accumulation of gases in the intestines. Cumin is included in gastric, sedative and carminative fees.
A decoction of cumin seeds for colds, hemorrhoids. Take 2 teaspoons of the seeds of the plant and pour 500 ml of boiling water over them. Put on fire for 10 minutes. Strain the composition and take 1 hour before meals three times a day, 100 ml. The decoction has an expectorant effect for colds, and a laxative for hemorrhoids.
Strengthening agent from cumin. We take 200 grams of cumin seeds and grind into powder. Fill them with milk so that it covers the seeds completely. We leave for 12 hours to infuse. Next, add a little sugar and take 50 ml three times a day as a tonic.
Cumin against malaria. To prepare this medicine, you need to take two grams of the seeds and combine them with two tablespoons of Chinese bitter gourd juice. Mix the ingredients well and take as needed.
Cumin against worms. Taking 10 grams of cumin seeds, fry them in a pan without oil. Next, add 15-20 grams of onion to them. We take this medicine on a spoon in the morning on an empty stomach.
Cumin for urinary tract infections. Take cumin seeds (5 grams) and fry them, add juice squeezed from one lemon to them. Here we add 1 gram of sea salt and half a glass of water. We mix everything and take it twice a day in the morning and evening.
Cumin tincture. Take 15 grams of cumin and grind it into a powder. Next, pour the powder into a glass bottle and fill with a glass of vodka. After closing the jar tightly, put the tincture in a dark place for 2 weeks. After straining the finished medicine, it is taken 1 teaspoon each time before meals. Tincture improves digestion, cleanses blood vessels and relieves gases in the intestines.
Cumin for weight loss. Cumin has many useful substances, and one of them is that the plant promotes weight loss. Weight loss will occur due to the diuretic properties of the herb. Cumin also normalizes metabolic processes in the body and helps to get rid of constipation. For weight loss, a decoction of cumin seeds is prepared (given above).
Contraindications to the use of black cumin
Despite the fact that cumin is one of the most effective medicinal plants, it still has some contraindications. It is undesirable to take black cumin seeds during pregnancy, as they contain plant hormones that stimulate labor activity. Contraindication is also individual intolerance and hypersensitivity. It is strictly forbidden to use oil for those people who are recipients of certain organs.
In addition, with the external use of cumin-based cosmetics, side effects are possible. In this case, you should stop using them and consult a doctor.