Protection, Fidelity, Exorcism
Constituents: amino acids, flavonoids, volatile oil.
Action: carminative, antispasmodic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue.
Uses: Traditional Indian remedy for indigestion, which is one reason why it appears in many recipes for curry.
Powder: a sprinkle (1-2g). Disagreeable taste when taken alone. Masked by honey.
Not taken during pregnancy.
FAMILY: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
SYNONYMS: C. odorum, cummin, roman caraway.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A small, delicate, annual herb about 50 cms high with a slender stem, dark green feathery leaves and small pink or white flowers followed by small oblong seeds.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to upper Egypt, but from the earliest times cultivated in the Mediterranean region, especially Spain, France and Morocco; also in India and the USSR. The oil is mainly produced in India, Spain and France.
OTHER SPECIES: Closely related to coriander (Coriandrum sativum), with which it shares many properties.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A traditional Middle Eastern spice, and one of the main ingredients of curry. Although it has gone out of use in Western herbalism it is still largely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, principally as a general stimulant but especially for digestive complaints such as colic, sluggish digestion and dyspepsia.
ACTIONS: Anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, depurative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, larvicidal, nervine, stimulant, tonic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the ripe seeds.
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow or greenish liquid with a warm, soft, spicy-musky scent. It blends well with lavender, lavandin, rosemary, galbanum, rosewood, cardamon and oriental-type fragrances.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly aldehydes (up to 60 per cent), including cuminaldehyde; monoterpene hydrocarbons (up to 52 per cent), including pinenes, terpinenes, cymene, phellandrene, myrcene and limonene; also farnesene and caryophyllene, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Generally non-toxic, non irritant and non-sensitizing; however the oil is phototoxic – do not expose treated skin to direct sunlight. Avoid during pregnancy.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Circulation Muscles And Joints: Accumulation of fluids or toxins, poor circulation.
Digestive System: Colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, indigestion, spasm.
Nervous System: Debility, headaches, migraine, nervous exhaustion.
OTHER USES: Used in veterinary medicine in digestive preparations. As a fragrance component in cosmetics and perfumes, and a flavour ingredient in many foods and drinks, especially meat products and condiments.
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