Although the small cumin seed looks rather unassuming, its nutty peppery flavor packs a punch when it comes to adding a nutty and peppery flavor to chili and other Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes as well playing an important role in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine where it is a key component of curry powder. Both whole and ground cumin are available year-round.

Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds, being oblong in shape, longitudinally ridged, and yellow-brown in color. This is not surprising as both cumin and caraway, as well as parsley and dill, belong to the same plant family (Umbelliferae).

 Here are some amazing benefits and my favorite recipes for Cumin seeds: 

Benefit 1: To improve digestion
Cumin seeds are known to strengthen a sluggish digestive system. Due to the thymol compound and other important oils in cumin seeds, they help in stimulating salivary glands and, thus, aid digestion. So, if you are suffering from indigestion, try drinking jeera tea three times a day.

Recipe: Take 1 cup of water and add 1 tbsp of cumin seeds to it. Bring it to a boil. Strain and have it three times a day.

Benefit 2: To beat constipation
Cumin seeds have high fiber content, which boosts the activity of gastrointestinal tract. This, in turn, stimulates enzyme secretion. That is why cumin seeds are used as a natural laxative. Due to this property, cumin seeds are capable of healing severe digestive disorders, like piles.

Recipe: To get rid of constipation, roast 1 tbsp of cumin seeds till they turn deep brown and grind them into a fine powder. Then mix the powder with water and honey and consume it on an empty stomach everyday.

Benefit 3: To relieve asthma and cold
Due to their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, cumin seeds are an awesome home remedy for cold and cough. The compounds in cumin seeds help to soothe inflamed muscles and boost immunity to fight infections.

Recipe: Add 1 tbsp of cumin seeds to 1 glass of water. Bring it to a boil. Also, add some chopped ginger to this. Boil properly. Strain and have this twice or thrice a day.

Benefit 4: For pregnant women
The properties of cumin seeds help in relieving constipation and improving digestion in pregnant women. The seeds also help in dealing with pregnancy symptoms like nausea and constipation. Along with aiding in better delivery, they also enhance lactation.

Recipe: Take a glass of warm milk and add half tbsp cumin powder and 1 tbsp honey to it. Mix well. Have it every day.

Benefit 5: To deal with insomnia
Cumin seeds can help you if you are not able to sleep well. They contain a compound called melatonin, which when consumed with mashed bananas, increases the production of chemicals that induce sleep.

Recipe: Mix half tbsp of cumin powder with 1 tbsp of mashed banana. Have this paste before sleeping. This will help you have a good sleep.

Benefit 6: For glowing skin
A face pack containing honey and cumin seeds will make your skin glowy and smooth. Honey soothes inflamed tissues and this spice will prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Apply some jojoba oil after washing it off your face.

Recipe: To prepare this mask, mix one by four tbsp of turmeric powder, half tbsp of cumin powder and 1 tbsp of honey. After you apply this face mask, let it dry for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. You can apply this face pack twice or thrice a week.

Enjoy these amazing seeds. Add them to your daily lifestyle.