By Gilbert Ekezie

Related News

Cumin belongs to the genus cuninium cyminum of the family parsley commonly called Jeera or Zeera.
Chief Executive Officer of AKO Group of Companies, Mr. Obiora Atuchukwu has said that cumin is native to North Africa, India and China and has been used for thousands of years as spice for culinary purpose adding that in Morocco, it’s often part of cooking of the Medinas and has also been known to the Egyptians more than five millennia ago. “Cumin is not the same as caraway, it’s far more powerful and different from nigella by its flavor shape and color”, he said.
According to Atuchukwu, cumin seeds are derived from a small slender glabrous, herbaceous plant of the parsley family and usually reaches about 25cm (10 in) in height and tends to drop under its own weight.
“The blue-green linear leaves are finely divided with white or pink flowers in small compound umbels. The plants bloom in June or July; the seeds are normally ready four months after planting. It’s more useful to cut the plant when the seeds turn brown”, he said further. Atuchukwu explained that cumin reduces inflammation, increases urination, prevents gas and suppresses muscle spasm and is as well suitable for treatment of indigestion, jaundice, diarrhea and flatulence.
“Cumin powder has been used as poultice and suppository and is taken orally. It’s a major component of curry and chili powder and has been used as flavor in variety of food products and medicines. The oil, which is derived from it by steam distillation, is used to flavor alcoholic beverages, deserts and condiments. It is also used as a fragrant for creams, lotions and perfumes”, he added.
According to him, cumin has been used since antiquity and its health benefits and medicinal uses have been known even then.
“Today, this seed of a small flowering herb of the parsley family might not be used as food as it was in ancient times but its healing properties are still valid and used in natural and Ayurveda healing”, he recommends.
The AKO Group CEO further explained that a ready example of cumin is pykure, an Ayuvedic remedy containing other medicinal herbs that’s potent for healing all types of piles.
Atuchukwu added that  “Cumin seeds have traditionally been good for the digestive system and research has proven that they may stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes necessary for proper digestion and assimilation. It’s extremely good for digestion and related problems and contains an aromatic compound cummialdehyde, which activates the salivary glands. It also contains Thymol, which stimulates the secretion of digestive substances such as acid, bile and enzymes responsible for complete digestion of food in the stomach and intestines. Cumin has carminative properties hence it’s good for flatulence and epigastric distress”
He also said the main reason for most piles is constipation and sometimes infection of wounds in the anal tract, pointing out that cumin aids digestion and is a natural laxative in powdered form which facilitates healing of infection in the excretory system as well as aids digestion and facilates excretion naturally. It’s among ingredients used in the formulation of Pykure herbal capsules, a potent herbal remedy for pile.