Scientific name
Cuminum cyminum L.Family
Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)Origin
Italy (Alps).Parts Used
Fruit drug (improperly called cumin seeds)Chemical constituents
- Essential oil (carvone and limonene).
Cumin in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Cumin
The fruits of cumin contain an essential oil with antispastic activity on the digestive and digestive tract, capable of reducing the formation of gaseous bubbles (even in infants).
Cumin is therefore used in cases of aerophagia, meteorism and flatulence.
Popular tradition also ascribes emmenagogic and galactogogic properties to cumin.
Cumin is also widely used in perfumery, and as a flavoring for toothpastes and mouthwashes; as a skin stimulant, it is included in the formulation of massage oils and ointments.
