156 asiaSpa India March-April 2016
V
VITAL SIGNS
THE SPICE
OF VARIETY
From adding a distinct flavour to
food to aiding in digestion and giving
your skin that much needed glow,
versatile cumin is a tiny multi-
faceted wonder
W
ith its warm flavour and
pungent aroma, cumin is
commonly used Indian and
Mediterranean cuisines. This
crescent-shaped seed of the
Cuminum cyminum plant, a member of the parsley
family, is available in three colours – amber, white and
black (amber being most common). Besides flavour,
cumin is loaded with a score of medicinal properties.
In fact, the Sanskrit name for cumin, jeera, means that
which helps in digestion. The seed, as a whole as well
as in its powdered form, boosts immunity and helps
treat piles, and is an excellent source of iron. It is an
elixir for the skin with its high Vitamin D content.
Add a few seeds to boiling water, let it cool and bathe
with it to get rid of itchiness. Make a face pack using
ground cumin and turmeric powder – it will help keep
skin healthy, treat boils and work as a disinfectant.
Wonder seed, isn’t it?Why
cumin?
Aids in digestion
Treats boils and
itchiness
Adds flavour
to food