How to Use Cumin for Digestion, Immune Health, and So Much More

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Benefits and uses of Cumin
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » How to Use Cumin for Digestion, Immune Health, and So Much More

It’s always fascinating to me to learn about the health benefits of common kitchen spices. We use ground cumin powder when we make chili, tacos, curry, or fajitas (which is often!). In fact, cumin is the star in a whole host of Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Indian dishes.

In the US, cumin is commonly used in packaged taco seasonings, but please … don’t eat those! Make a quick and easy spice mix (listed later in this post) and skip the sodium and fillers found in those little packets.

Cumin is so much more than just another spice to add to a spice blend. It has a distinct flavor that makes it a favorite for many, but of course its health-supporting properties are impressive too! I always order cumin in bulk by the pound and keep a quart-size mason jar in my spice cabinet for easy use. Here’s why:

A Little History of Cumin

Like cinnamon, cumin enjoys a long and venerable history. In fact, it’s one of the earliest herbs to be cultivated in Asia and Europe.

Originally indigenous to Egypt (the ancient Egyptians actually used it in their mummification process!), this tiny seed of a small plant belonging to the parsley family became popular in ancient Greece and Rome. Interestingly, in the Middle Ages cumin symbolized love and fidelity, and was often featured at weddings or baked into loaves of bread sent with soldiers into battle. Spanish and Portuguese colonists later introduced it to the Americas.

As with most spices, these and other cultures valued cumin not just for its scent and flavor but for its medicinal properties. Traditional texts describe its use as a diuretic, to settle the stomach, and to stop flatulence. Some cultures have used it for female health and to stimulate menstruation.

Like many herbs, cumin can be made into a poultice, especially for swelling or sore throat. I even found a reference to a remedy of mixing cumin and ghee to relieve hiccups!

Benefits of Cumin

This common spice has many uses and benefits as a remedy and has been well studied for its effects:

Source of Vitamins

Cumin is considered a good source of iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and B6, as well as beneficial amino acids.

Improves Digestion

Some research shows cumin may stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes and help digestion. This Cumin Coriander and Fennel Tea is my go-to for tummy aches and gas at our house. It’s also good for anyone trying to heal their gut.

Good for the Brain

One study found cumin protects against memory loss and the damaging effects of stress on the body. It stimulates the central nervous system, which has even sparked studies about its potential benefits in Parkinson’s disease patients.

Rich in Antioxidants

Another study evaluated its antioxidant content and found it more effective than other common antioxidants including vitamin C. Some lab research found that it might even have a role in fighting cancer.

May Help Balance Blood Sugar

Yet another study found cumin effective in increasing insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for diabetics. In fact, a study looking at diabetic rats given cumin extract revealed that cumin was more effective at reducing blood glucose and AGE production than glibenclamide, an anti-diabetic drug.

Yet more research found that cumin extract reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and pancreatic inflammatory markers in diabetic rats. It even seems to stop excess weight gain.

Relieves Asthma

Still more research found anti-asthmatic properties in cumin since it works as a brochiodiator and can help asthmatic patients. As an expectorant, it works to loosen phlegm and make it easier to remove.

Boosts Immunity

Mark’s Daily Apple posted a great article detailing its benefits. From this article:

Oral doses (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg) on consecutive days improved the immune response of mice with compromised immune systems due to restraint-induced stress. These effects were marked by a reduction in elevated cortisol and adrenal gland size, an increase in the weight of the thymus and spleen, and replenishment of depleted T cells. There was a dose dependent response, but all doses had beneficial effects.

Helps Colds

Natural remedies for colds often include cumin for its potential ability to speed recovery. It is a rich source of vitamin C and iron, both of which can help recovery. The essential oils in cumin also make it helpful for the body in fighting an infection, and as mentioned some people find it offers relief from coughing and sneezing by drying up excess mucous.

TIP: Mix a little cumin powder with a little raw honey for a quick cold remedy.

Weight Loss + Detox

Cumin can even help with weight loss. This 2014 study examined the effects of consuming 3 grams (a little less than a teaspoon) of cumin daily. Both groups followed the same nutritional counseling and reduced caloric intake by 500 calories. After 3 months, the cumin-consuming group lost 3 pounds more than the non-cumin-consuming control group.

Research contributes this to cumin’s ability to modify fatty acid production in the liver due to its protective benefits. In this study cumin protected the livers of rats from toxicity due to consuming ethanol and rancid sunflower oil.

Good for Bones

Cumin had anti-osteoporotic effects on rats that rivaled medication but without the negative effects. More research is needed but it is generally considered a safe remedy.

Pretty impressive benefits for an herb found in spice packets at the grocery store! If you don’t already use cumin in your cooking, there are many ways to use it!

Ways to Use Cumin

This pungent spice has a plethora of culinary uses but it is so much more than just a spice! Try these many uses to get the benefits daily!

Culinary Uses

There are endless ways to use this spice in the kitchen. It is vital to these spice blends:

In a pinch (no pun intended) when I don’t have a spice blend made, I sometimes use just plain cumin to flavor tacos or fajitas and we hardly miss the other spices!

Adding cumin to omelets and egg scrambles also works well, or try it as a dry rub on meats before grilling. Sprinkle on veggies before roasting or add to some rice for a taco-flavored rice blend.

Skin Care

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind but cumin is also great in skin care recipes. Specifically, it makes an excellent face scrub when mixed with honey. It is naturally antibacterial and lightly exfoliating to scrub away impurities. A rich source of vitamin E, it also helps the skin repair damage and stay young looking.

Essential Oil

It isn’t one of the most common essential oils due to its extremely pungent scent, but cumin essential oil is a great thing to keep in the remedy cabinet. Diluted, it can be used externally to calm the stomach. Or add a drop to a diffuser blend to ease nausea and purify the air.

Detoxification Tea

Add this CCF detoxification tea to your routine for the digestive and weight loss benefits.

Where to Buy Cumin

Of course you can purchase this amazing little spice at most grocery stores, but just make sure it is a high quality one. I normally order it here because it’s organic and tastes great!

Cautions and Risks

Cumin is a culinary herb and is generally considered safe and non-toxic even in moderate doses. I add it liberally to food and the taste buds are generally a great guide on the proper amount to consume.

At medicinal high doses there are some potential effects. It may decrease testosterone in very large doses so men may not want to consume large amounts for long periods of time. It is used in high doses to start menstruation so caution should be used with large doses in pregnant women as there may be a risk of miscarriage.

Due to the blood sugar, brain, and immune effects listed above, anyone with a medical condition should absolutely consult a doctor before using larger than culinary amounts of this spice.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Pfleghaar, D.O., FACEP, ABOIM. Dr Jennifer is a double board certified physician and is now working in Emergency Medicine and has an office in Ohio practicing Integrative Medicine. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Do you use cumin? What is your favorite dish or recipe that uses cumin? Share below!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

51 responses to “How to Use Cumin for Digestion, Immune Health, and So Much More”

  1. Laxman Nandwani Avatar
    Laxman Nandwani

    My pitta and vata levels are high.
    Can I consume cumin , ginger , tomato , carrot , capsicum , carrots , black pepper , coriander , beetroots , asofoetida , turmeric .
    Thanks

  2. Elaine Tippmann Avatar
    Elaine Tippmann

    I just want to comment that if we could read all the cautions for pharmaceuticals, we would rebel that they offer these for our bodies. How can the “powers that be” claim a flu vaccine is good with all the ‘dirty’ ingredients? Forgive me for climbing up on the soap box…I have worked the health care industry for such a long time that my wage is awesome…for a laboring girl. In 2013, Colorado passed a bill making flu vaccines mandatory and my corporation threatened termination if we would not get vaccinated. It is that season again and I still am at a loss to value any other occupation but to love and care for the elderly and sick. Every other career pales in comparison to the rewards and the rewards$$$. How did our government become this?

  3. Nandwani Avatar

    My pitta and vata levels are high. Please suggest some remedies. Thanks.

  4. Nechamah Avatar

    I use Lots of Cumin in Zhug- a middle eastern mixture of fresh cilantro parsley and garlic with cumin and fresh hot peppers. I grind it up in Apple cider vinegar to preserve it. It is amazing and healthy I also sometimes add fresh turmeric to add to its healthy profile. I eat it is salad every day

  5. Dalia Avatar

    I’am Mexican and my mother cook with cumin for a lot of dishes, my fav is fajitas, salsas and love ground meat with potatoes , the key is to smash fresh whole cumin and garlic in the molcajete add water and salt pour in your dish (any dish, could be eggs, fajitas , ground meat and potatoes etc) and let it cook slowly.. the smell is amazing !!

  6. Firdoude Avatar

    In a Sri Lankan village, they use it to control and or relieve piles or hemorrhoids -We recently moved to a small town or village closer to a town called Aluthgama. This town is just on the boarder line of Southern and the Western provinces of Sri Lanka. My wife was posted to a state school here.

    We were looking for a house in a hurry. We moved to a house in a very law income lane but closer to the school of my wife and children are studying now.

    When I got some piles related problem, the village lady from my lane has told my wife to take 2 spoonso of small or darker cumin seeds in hot or boiled water for a minute and take it. Her husband has the problem and this is their home remedy.

    Thank God! We could control this health condition (piles) almost 100 percent. We used many expensive things before and non of them was good as these.

    People can try this. Please ask us questions by email if you have any doubt. Please tell us or share your experience after using it. We all people can be benefitted.

    After trying please all give your feed backs. In locally here, we also have heard that people use some other local roots, yam and leaves in situation like this and control this condition. May be if cumin does not answer you another one can. All of them are nearly very cheap or zero cost. But need to find them in the yard , garden or forest area.

    I suffered from this condition and now found some cure cheap, good, reliable and no side effects.

    We think we movedid to this poor neighbourhood is a blessing in disguise.

  7. Sheila Avatar

    I use cumin powder,onion,garlic, ginger,fresh lemon juice, fresh coconut milk, blend and strain then add Olive oil put in my dry hair. leave in for 2 hours cover with plastic cap.then Rinse a few times with Olive oil shampoo and conditioner. air or blow dry low heat. No bad smell leave . my hair is growing like weeds.. soft ,straight and strong..use any amount in your mixed. I drink this also early morning and late night, 2 tesp full each time I am now loosing fat, my weight loss is incredible…. this is all my experience . I was useing for 2 mts now…

  8. KD Dunbar Avatar
    KD Dunbar

    Can you please list the references for the research you described? Thanks!

  9. beryl Avatar

    Can cummen help with weigh loss? Saw on Dr oz a recept of cummen fennel and
    Colijander. Mix with warm water and drink three times a week. So I want to know if it will help with weigh loss need to loose some

  10. Joanne Avatar

    I love guacamole but most people put cilantro in it and I am one of those people that find cilantro tastes a bit like soap. I recently discovered that cumin and red onion can make guacamole amazing so I can skip the cilantro. Love cumin even more now!

  11. Deseray Avatar

    I love cumin and lime cauliflower rice. I also love cumin when I make salsa and in a mexican style chicken soup.

    1. Haqee Karia Avatar
      Haqee Karia

      I am going to start addind 1 tea spoon cumin powder in mixer of 8 oz water and 1 oz pineapple juice

  12. Rebekah Avatar

    My favorite cumin recipe is chicken nuggets in a cous cous coating! This coating inclues cumin, paprika, chicken stock, mustard powder ect!

    I find if i buy cumin from a local chinese supermarker rather than the big supermarket it tastes so much better!

  13. esmine Avatar

    I have been reading about Cummin seeds for a while and just bought my first package. Can it aid in gaining weight and if so how can it be used?

  14. Charles Avatar

    Interesting comments and suggestions. Can I add cumin to home made Tabasco Sauce.

  15. Jenny Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    I am afraid that in one of your references your are mixing up cumin (Cuminum cyminum) with black cumin (Nigella sativa). The link that you’ve provided about the cancer fighting properties of cumin is actually about black cumin (Nigella sativa) and not about

    All the best
    Jenny

    1. Laura Avatar

      I saw her mention Parkinson’s and did some research since my partner has it and I adore cumin. Again, black cumin was the one being studied for it. We’ll keep eating the regular stuff, but I’ll hop down to the Asian market and get the black stuff to try. Research looks interesting and it can’t hurt

  16. brian Avatar

    good comments.interesting ill have to try it,i like the smell already,very pungent.

  17. Judy Grantham Avatar
    Judy Grantham

    I like cumin with frozen corm. I don’t follow package directions.

    Melt some butter in a pan, add corn and cumin to taste (I use 2-3 teaspoons for a couple cups of corn). Cover and heat on medium high until it begins to steam. Reduce heat to a low simmer, stir when needed and cook to taste. (I think it’s best when the corn is heated through, but still close to raw.)

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