11 Surprising Benefits of Cumin Essential Oil

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of cumin essential oil can be attributed to its properties as a bactericidal, carminative, digestive, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, detoxifier, emenagogue, stimulant, nervine, and tonic substance.

The essential oil of cumin is extracted from its dried and crushed seeds through a process of steam distillation. Cumin is scientifically known as Cuminum cyminum. Cumin is quite popular as a spice all over the world, and it hardly needs any introduction. However, cumin essential oil does.

Nearly all the medicinal properties of cumin come from its essential oils, which, in its pure form, is far more effective and beneficial than cumin seeds. Cumin essential oil is mainly composed of Cuminic Acid, Cymene, Dipentene, Limonene, Phellandrene, and Pinene. It has astonishing medicinal properties and health benefits. [1]

Health Benefits of Cumin Essential Oil

Prepare to be astonished by some of these wonderful properties of cumin essential oil.

Kills Bacteria

Research published in 2017 in the International Journal of Molecular Science found that cumin essential oil has strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It was found to be very effective against bacteria such as microorganisms like E. coli., S. aureus, S. faecalis [2]

As a bactericide, it can be used in the treatment of diarrhea and cholera, which are caused by bacteria. Furthermore, it can treat internal bacterial infections like those in the colon, stomach, intestines and urinary tract, as well as external infections on the skin, ears, eyes, and for wounds.

Removes Flatulence

Cumin oil has strong carminative properties and effectively drives away gases from the intestines. It also prevents any further formation of gases. It was often used in traditional remedies to prevent and treat flatulence. A study of Persian medicine published in Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, notes that cumin, in combination with various other ingredients, has been effective against flatulence. [3]

Aids in Digestion

Cumin oil aids in digestion, but should be taken in low doses. High doses can do the exact reverse and can also make you vomit. The oil also promotes the discharge of bile and gastric juices and stimulates peristaltic motion of the intestines. Its smell acts as an appetizer to stimulate your appetite.

Cumin oil in a round jar with the seeds in another bowl a jute background

The most common traditional use of cumin is for indigestion. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Promotes Urination

Cumin Oil increases urination, both in frequency and in quantity. This may sound not that important, but it can be very beneficial for health. Along with urine, fats are lost from the body, up to 4% of the volume of urine. Therefore, it is obvious that the more you urinate, the more fat you lose. Urination also promotes digestion and keeps gas from forming. It removes excess water from the body and reduces swelling. Its biggest contribution is that it helps to remove toxins from the body. What’s more, it also reduces blood pressure. That is the reason that most drugs for lowering blood pressure induce frequent urination. Urination also helps to clean out the kidneys.

Heals Wounds

The antiseptic properties of Cumin oil do not let the external and internal cuts and wounds become septic.

Treats Spasms

This oil has very effective anti-spasmodic properties. It can be used in treatment for nearly all sorts of spasms and associated troubles such as cramps, convulsions, non-stop coughs, pains, and cramps.

Detoxifies the Body

Cumin oil is an efficient detoxifier. It removes toxins, including those which are produced by the body, such as some excess hormones and metabolic byproducts, as well as those which get into the blood stream through food, such as uric acid, insecticides, synthetic colors, and fertilizers. It promotes sweating and urination, thereby removing the toxins with them.

Regulates Menstruation

Cumin oil can help maintain a regular menstruation cycle and can open obstructed menses. It also helps in recovering from Post Menopause Syndromes.

Improves Digestion

It particularly stimulates the digestive and excretory system and keeps them in order. An animal study published in IOSR Journal of pharmacy, use of cumin was found to normalize the uric acid and creatinine levels. [4]

Treats the Symptoms of Anxiety

Cumin oil is good for the nerves and helps to treat nervous disorders such as convulsions, anxiety, and stress.

Acts as a Tonic

Cumin oil tones up muscles, tissues, and skin, as well as the various systems functioning inside the body, such as the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems. This tonic effect helps to retain your youth for a long.

Other Benefits

Cumin essential oil can be used against colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, and depression.

A Few Words of Caution: Cumin oil shows phototoxicity when exposed to sunlight and should therefore not be exposed to sunlight after external application. It should be used in low or mild doses because the very strong smell can cause headaches and nausea. Pregnant women should avoid using this oil as well. [5]

Blending: Cumin oil blends well with the essential oils of Angelica, Caraway, Camomile, and Coriander.

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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