Cumin: The Ayurvedic Spice that Heals from Within

Cumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-flatulent properties. It is also a good source of iron.

Here are some Ayurvedic tips using cumin:

• Improving digestion
  Mix 1/4 teaspoon of cumin seed powder and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder on a glass of buttermilk. Consume this once daily.
• Reducing bloating
  Boil 2 cups of water then add a teaspoon of cumin. Once boiled, reduce the amount of the solution to half and drink.
• Enhancing sleep
  Mix one teaspoon of cumin seed powder with mashed banana. Regular consumption before sleeping at night is recommended.
• Losing weight
  Mix one teaspoon of roasted cumin seed with a cup of yogurt. Consume twice daily.
• Treating sinus
  Roast and grind 100 grams of cumin seeds and mix it with 200 grams of honey. Consume daily before breakfast.
• Enhancing breast milk
  Mix one teaspoon of cumin powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of milk. Drink this nightly.

Aparna K. BAMS, MD, PhD

Aparna is one of the few specialists worldwide with a PhD in Ayurveda. Born into an Ayurvedic family which operates a traditional Ayurvedic Panchakarma hospital in Kerala, India, she grew up observing her father, the renowned Dr Padmanabhan.