Many people are accustomed to perceive cumin only as an aromatic seasoning, which may be appropriate in the preparation of a dish. However, the properties of this spice are much wider, due to which the plant is often used for medical and even cosmetic purposes. What exactly is remarkable for caraway fruits, what benefits they can bring to the body and what needs to be done for this - read in this article.

What is caraway seeds?

Cumin refers to perennial or biennial plants that form seeds after ripening. They are used by man for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from cooking to improving skin conditions. The flowering of small, five-petalled white flowers can be observed in June-July, and the fruits appear not earlier than the end of July, and then, only in the second year of growing the plant.

The most common option is ordinary caraway seeds, although black, brown, Roman and Korean varieties, which are not so common, are no less demanded. The aroma of caraway seeds resembles a pleasant anise and fennel mixture and goes well with the smell of cardamom and other similar spices. Perhaps due to this feature, plant seeds are used in the manufacture of cheeses, pickled vegetables, harvesting legumes and daily cooking of the first and second courses.

Did you know? Archaeologists found caraway seeds during excavations of Egyptian tombs, and it was during the time of the ancient Egyptian civilization that the first letters with the mention of this spice were created. This means that the spice was used by man as early as 4000 years BC. e.

Calorie content and chemical composition of the plant

The main value of any type of caraway is its rich composition, which includes about 100 different components.

The most useful of them include such components:

• lipase;
• flavonoids;
• tocopherols;
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B9);
• alkaloids;
• enzymes;
• tannins;
• essential oils;
• micro and macro elements in the form of calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, phosphorus.

Cumin properties

The rich chemical composition of the plant explains its wide healing potential, therefore, in the absence of contraindications to the consumption of spices, it will become a useful addition to any dish. To verify this, just look at the list of advantages and possible disadvantages of caraway seeds.

Benefits and healing properties

With proper preparation of raw materials and their competent combination with other ingredients, cumin can be used to treat a variety of diseases, and with the approval of doctors, many pharmaceutical drugs based on it have been made.

• Such formulations can be used by those who suffer from the following problems:
• disruption of the digestive tract and activation of fermentation in the stomach (except for serious diseases with obvious contraindications);
• problems with sleep and nervous system;
• congestion in the bladder or increased swelling due to other reasons;
• bronchospasm and dry cough, with limited withdrawal of sputum;
• violations of the normal functioning of the reproductive system;
• limited salivation and related problems (for example, the appearance of bad breath).

Important! The collection of fruits for subsequent use for medical purposes should be carried out in the early morning or after sunset, which will prevent the shedding of the most suitable, mature specimens in central umbrellas.

In addition, popular plant varieties (common and black cumin) have excellent antioxidant properties, reducing acidity in the stomach. Black cumin oil is recommended for progressive multiple sclerosis.

Harm and contraindications

In most cases, products and medicines with caraway seeds are well tolerated by humans, however, in some situations, individual spice intolerance and other side effects from its use are possible, associated with ignoring existing contraindications.

• So, do not use seeds and plant extract for those who:
• ill with an ulcer (stomach and duodenum), especially in the acute stage;
• has gallstones;
• suffering from diabetes;
• underwent surgery to replace organs;
• has a tendency to thrombophlebitis and thrombosis.

In addition, the effect of caraway seeds on the functioning of the heart has not been fully studied, therefore, to prevent possible undesirable consequences, it is better not to use spice for people who have serious diseases of this organ or have survived a heart attack. Pregnant women and nursing mothers can consume this spice, but only in moderation and in the absence of other contraindications.

Cumin application

Most often, caraway is used for culinary purposes, however, the plant is often found in medicines and even cosmetic products for skin and hair care. In each of these cases, there are reasons and methods for using the spice, which you should know about before using it.

In cooking

For the preparation of various dishes and preservation, the usual, black and brown caraway varieties are best suited, they have a slightly bitter taste with a tart aftertaste. In the aroma of spice, you can smell the smells of several other spices at once: black pepper, nutmeg and even strawberries, and in oriental cuisine caraway seeds often replace hot pepper, acting more gently on the digestive system.

Important! If you fry caraway seeds in a frying pan before use (1-2 minutes are enough), the aroma of the spice will open with greater force, which is explained by a more active release of essential oils when exposed to heat.

Sometimes black cumin (presented in the form of small sesame seeds) is added to pies, cereals, vegetable and meat dishes, and can also brew tea, prepare decoctions, infuse beer and vodka. Soups, okroshki and caraway seeds with caraway seeds always have an attractive aroma and can become an unusual addition to any table.

Common caraway seeds are an excellent ingredient in salting vegetables, preserving and pickling, and not only vegetable, but also meat products (for example, it is added to corned beef from pork or minced meat).

In addition, caraway kvass, known as a good prophylactic against colds and viral ailments, enjoys considerable popularity. A healthy adult can consume absolutely any dishes and drinks based on the plant described, but children, pregnant and lactating women should carefully choose them, trying to reverse focus only on foods with a low spice content. With its dosed use, the risk of unwanted adverse reactions will be minimal.

In folk medicine

In folk and traditional medicine, cumin is used as an effective choleretic, analgesic, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant, with a good antiseptic effect. Spice can help with kidney diseases and urinary disorders, but only if the problem is not characterized by the presence of large stones in these organs. The seeds of the plant will be no less useful for colds, bronchial asthma and even sexual disorders, for the elimination of which they prepare infusions from crushed root.

Did you know? The healing properties of black cumin oil are mentioned in the Qur'an. The Prophet Muhammad called him a cure for all diseases (except death), which is why today in Muslim countries they worship this product.

If there is a violation of the throughput of the biliary tract, it is appropriate to use an infusion (not tincture) of seeds, which significantly improves digestive processes and helps to remove mucus from the bronchi. Good auxiliary ingredients in this case are ginger root, cinnamon and lemon juice, which after mixing are poured with boiling water and insist for at least 2-3 hours.

A decoction of 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds and 400 ml of water helps to increase the lactation of lactating women, and when combining plant oil with honey, it is possible to reduce flatulence, and even in children. The easiest option for making a healing drink based on caraway seeds is a decoction of 1 tbsp. tablespoons of seeds and 1 cup of water, boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. The finished product will help get rid of the accumulated gases and relieve the pain in the stomach associated with flatulence.

In mastitis, warm cakes are prepared from crushed caraway seeds, for the effectiveness of which the main ingredient must be mixed with fresh peppermint leaves and rye flour, after which the resulting composition is steamed with water and create cakes applied to the chest once a day (preferably at night). Lotions of cumin oil can be used for gout and rheumatoid pain, significantly relieving the discomfort associated with diseases.

Spice is also effective in the treatment of colds, especially if they are accompanied by a runny nose and stuffy nose. Drops from the seeds of black cumin and vegetable oil fried and ground in a coffee grinder will help ease breathing. However, such a tool is not suitable for everyone, therefore, in order to prevent an allergic reaction, first make sure that the body reacts to cumin.

In cosmetology

For cosmetic purposes, caraway seed oil is mainly used, both of the black variety and of the common plant. In its pure form, it is an excellent remedy for various skin problems, in particular, acne, psoriasis and dermatitis of various origins.

Important! To enhance the positive effect of caraway seeds on the skin and hairline of the body, it is worth combining its external use with ingestion. However, with the slightest discomfort, redness or itching of the skin, you will have to abandon the improvement of appearance in this way.

Regular application of the composition to damaged areas of the skin contributes to their rapid regeneration, since its constituent substances have wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Some women use caraway products in the fight against wrinkles and aging skin, but before applying such a tool in the form of masks or compresses, it is worth cleansing the face of cosmetics and other contaminants.

Auxiliary components in this case are jojoba oil, almonds, olives, and a peeling mask can be prepared from caraway oil, oat flour, honey and egg yolk. In addition, caraway seed oil dissolved in cool water perfectly eliminates facial swelling, for which 15-20 drops of the substance must be mixed with half a glass of clean liquid. Cleansing and refreshing the skin in this way will achieve a radiant and healthy appearance.

Caraway seed oil will be equally useful for weakened and excessively dry hair, because with regular use of masks, the hair will become more shiny and smooth. You can purchase the product at any pharmacy, especially since today it comes in convenient bottles with a dispenser. The easiest way to use caraway seeds for cosmetic purposes is to add oil to standard hair and body care products: 5-10 drops of an oily composition are usually enough for one small bottle (up to 100 ml).

Storage methods

Features and storage conditions of caraway seeds depend on its type. If we are talking about dry seeds, then they should be poured into a clean cloth bag or disinfected jar, with a hermetically sealed lid. It is desirable to contain plant oil in a glass vessel of dark material, and place the fresh root in a cellar or refrigerator.

In any case, sunlight should not fall into the storage place of the workpiece, and it is advisable to keep temperature indicators at + 10 ... + 15 ° C for oil and not higher than + 25 ° C for dry seeds. Shelf life is from several months to three years, which again depends on the type of product.

Cumin is a good solution for enriching the body with useful substances and eliminating existing problems of internal organs or skin, but you should never forget about a sense of proportion, so start using oil or the seeds from the lowest doses, gradually bringing them to the required values ​​(no more than 2 g per day for an adult).