Cumin Tea

Cumin or Jeera, a spice popular in the regions of India, Mexico, and the Middle East, is extensively used as an ingredient in Indian and Eastern Cuisines. Both the common and black varieties are used to prepare herbal tea that has high medicinal values.

Cumin Tea History

Believed to be first grown in Egypt five thousand years ago, it featured as an indispensable ingredient in their cuisine. Soon, its medicinal values came to be known. Cumin tea, prepared with the seeds, began to be used to speed up digestion, as a diuretic, as a remedy for sore throat and to stimulate menstruation.

Cumin Tea Benefits: What Is It Good For

Improves Digestion

Cuminaldehyde, an essential organic compound which activates our salivary glands is released from its seeds when the tea is prepared. Thymol stimulates the liver to secrete bile, and the glands to release acids and enzymes, thereby, facilitating complete digestion of food, also preventing acid reflux.

It is a carminative, providing relief to excess gas problems, flatulence and bloating. In a study published in 2004, in ‘The Indian Journal of Medical Research’ revealed that the seeds consumed either as a culinary herb or as tea, help with digestion and diarrhea.

Remedy for Insomnia

The strong aroma of the tea, apart from the vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, helps in fighting insomnia. A refreshing cup of jeera tea detoxifies the body, reducing anxiety and stress levels, hence, securing a sound sleep. In the July 2011 issue of ‘Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology’, researchers revealed that it significantly reduced stress-related biomechanical changes in rats.

Anti-Congestive and Protects against Common Cold

During the making of cumin tea, the essential oils are released and then absorbed into the body by the process of inhalation. The combination of caffeine and the essential oils makes it an excellent expectorant, which helps in loosening the accumulated mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract. A cup of cumin tea, being rich in Vitamin-C and iron, soothes a sore throat and prevents viral infections like common cold and fever

Reduces Diabetes

People suffering from Type 2 Diabetes, can gain several benefits from the consumption of cumin tea as it helps in lowering glycogen levels. Studies published in the ‘Nutrition Research’ (1998) and ‘International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition’ (2005) asserted that when cumin was introduced in the diet of diabetes-induced rats, they underwent a lowering of blood sugar levels.

Fosters Weight Loss

It reduces your cravings and fosters weight loss. In a study conducted on women by Iranian scientists at the Shahid Sadougi University of Medical Sciences found that the consumption of cumin reduced body fat percentage by 14.64%.

Remedy for Anaemia

Cumin contains more than 66 mg of iron in every 100 grams and more than 900mg per 100 grams of calcium. Such high iron and calcium content is even present in cumin tea making it beneficial for lactating mothers and women undergoing menstrual problems, and anemic patients.

As a detoxifier

Cumin tea acts as a detoxifier purifying the blood, thereby, helping in the treatment of boils. It is rich in Vitamins A and C that helps in building a strong immune system.

Black Cumin Seed Tea’s Effects on Cancer

Scientists at The Cancer-Immuno Biology Laboratory found that black cumin tea stimulates neutrophil (a type of immune cells) activity and production of interleukins (cytokines produced by leukocytes); both of these inhibit cancer growth. Experiments conducted on mice found that at least two-third of the subjects, who were induced with cancer-causing agents, resisted the disease.

How to Make Cumin Tea

• Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a vessel.
• Roast them in the heat for around 5 seconds.
• Pour 200-250ml water into the vessel and let it boil.
• Put a lid on the container. Turn the heat off after a couple of minutes.
• Allow it to sit for around 5 minutes.
• Strain it and pour it in your cup. Add honey, if you want a sweet taste.

You can make a detoxifying tea of coriander, cumin, and fennel. Add a bit of ginger and clove to make it spicier. If you’re looking to lose weight, the CCF tea will help you more than just the cumin tea.

Safety Precautions

Side Effects

It does not induce any known side effects when taken in a moderate amount. Excessive consumption may lead to heartburn, belching, and liver damage.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Can Cumin tea be used to induce labor

Traditionally, in Latin cultures, it was used to induce labor. New York midwife Elizabeth Stein, CNM asserts that there are no proven non-medical ways to induce labor naturally. It is advised to consult your doctor before using it. In early pregnancy, it may induce early labor, and can lead to miscarriage.

For nursing mothers

Cumin tea has been used in some countries as a galactagogue (foods or drugs that increase milk production). However, no clinical evidence of this has been found. The US Food and Drug Administration has labeled cumin as GRAS – ‘generally considered as safe’.

Where to Buy Cumin Tea

You can buy cumin seed tea or the black cumin seed tea from any herbal tea store near you. Several online stores offer great deals on cumin seed tea varieties. Serve a cup and get detoxified!