Cumin (cuminum cyminum) is a famous spice added to several dishes. When processed into an essential oil, the functions and benefits of cumin extend not just to adding flavor to food, but also to maintaining a healthy oral and digestive system, cleansing, and even treating infections.
Cumin Essential Oil has a strong odor, which may be remedied by mixing it with citrus oils like orange or lemon. It may be used topically, and it may also be mixed with food and water for gargling. When using the oil, however, it is important to remember to do so in small amounts.
Cumin Essential Oil has the ability to prevent bacterial infections both internally and externally. The oil is mainly beneficial for the digestive and excretory system of the body. For one, its scent whets the appetite. On the other hand, mixing the oil in drinks or food helps the digestive and excretory system work properly.
The oil also serves as a diuretic that, aside from cleansing the body, also aids in shedding off some pounds. This is because a small percent of fat is excreted when one urinates.
Cumin Essential Oil Benefits
Cumin Essential Oil is primarily known for being a stimulant and cleansing agent. Some of its other health benefits include:
- Has antiseptic properties
- Stimulates the digestive and excretory system
- Aids in digestion
- Drives gas away from intestines
- Maintains oral health
- Helps maintain a regular menstruation cycle
- Acts as a detoxifier
- Serves as a diuretic
- Soothes menstrual cramps
- May aid in weight loss
- Treats cramps and spasms
- Helps shape muscles and keep bodily systems healthy
- Relieves stress
Cumin Essential Oil Uses
- Cumin Essential Oil for Treating Infections. Cumin oil has cleansing properties that excellently serve as an alternative form of bactericide treatment. This covers both internal and external purposes. The former may come in the form of stomach pains caused by bacterial infection in the organs in the digestive system, such as in the stomach or in the colon. Cumin Essential Oil may also be used for cleaning wounds.
- Cumin Essential Oil as a Detoxifier. Unwanted toxins are unconsciously taken in the body through substances that pass through the digestive system, such as food and fluid. The oil eliminates these toxins by stimulating the excretory system to work efficiently. These toxins are removed through urine and perspiration. Cumin Essential Oil’s carminative properties, which aid in passing gas, additionally cleanses the body.
- Cumin Essential Oil for Menstrual Cramps. Another benefit of Cumin Essential Oil is that it can be used to relieve menstrual cramps. Because it stimulates the excretory system and promotes blood flow in the pelvic area, women experiencing cramps or irregular cycles may use this as a treatment.
- Cumin Essential Oil as a Treatment for Colds. Because of its antiseptic properties, Cumin Essential Oil may be taken in as a tonic and be used as a gargle in order to get rid of excess phlegm. Aside from common colds, it may also treat other respiratory diseases caused by too much phlegm, such as cough.
Cumin Essential Oil Side Effects
Exposing the oil to sunlight, especially after application on the skin, causes undesirable phototoxic effects. Thus, people who use Cumin Essential Oil topically should avoid going outdoors for up to 12 hours.
Pregnant women are also advised to avoid using this as it may have a negative effect on the pelvis.
How to Use Cumin Essential Oil
- For topical use. Apply a small amount of Cumin Essential Oil on affected areas like stomach for cramps. When using topically, make sure to keep the oil away from eyes and areas near the nose, as the strong scent may cause nausea.
- For food and drinks. Mix one to three drops of Cumin Essential Oil on food or soup. This promotes digestive health. For drinks, the oil goes well with peppermint, chamomile, and coriander.
- For external use. In a minimum of 4 ounces of water, mix at most one drop of Cumin Essential Oil. Gargling aids in maintaining oral health, as well as curing sore throat.
How to Make Cumin Oil
Cumin Essential Oil is made from extracting the oil from thoroughly crushed and dried cumin seeds. One method involves extracting the oil, which will be detailed below. Another method involves toasting the dried cumin seeds and adding oil afterwards. Manufacturers usually use the first method, but it can also be done at home.
Cumin Essential Oil Recipe
Creating your own Cumin Essential Oil at home requires you an essential oil still, which may be purchased online. Alternatively, a makeshift essential oil still can be created by using pressure cooker, cold water, a pipe, a basin, an essencier, and a sterilized glass jar. The only ingredient needed for this are water and cumin seeds.
- Prepare the cumin seeds. These should be thoroughly dried before being crushed.
- Connect the pipe to the pressure cooker valve. Position the long pipe so that it snuggly passes through the basin before ending in the essencier.
- Fill the basin with cold water. This helps the steam, which will come out of the pressure cooker valve, to immediately cool down before dripping in the essencier.
- Fill the pressure cooker with water, leaving a small space before the lid. Throw in cumin seeds, and boil at 100 degrees Celsius. After a while, the essential oil will drip into the essencier. You may turn off the pressure cooker after no more liquid comes out. The essencier separates the essential oil from other materials for you.
- Transfer the oil into a sterilized glass jar with a tight lid.
Where to Buy Cumin Essential Oil
Amazon sells Cumin Essential Oil produced by good brands like Edens Garden and Tropical Holistic. Between the two brands, the latter is costlier. Jade Bloom is another brand that may be purchased online via its official website.
Cumin Essential Oil may also be purchased from physical specialty stores, albeit rare. You may also consult local pharmacies for essential oils.
More Information on Cumin Essential Oil
Cumin Essential Oil should always be used in small doses a day. Applying or inhaling too much will result in negative effects. Because of its earthy and spicy odor, pure cumin oil might cause headaches, dizziness, and, in worse cases, vomiting.
Additionally, as mentioned above, Cumin Essential Oil may produce unwanted effects when exposed to sunlight. Users who apply the oil are advised to stay indoors because of the possible phototoxic effects of the oil.
Cumin Essential Oil FAQs
Cumin Essential Oil be can be used on children, but only in very small amounts and upon the advice of a doctor. Cumin Essential Oil has a very strong odor that may induce nausea. When using topically on babies and small children, make sure to use very small amounts only, and avoid the eyes and nose.
