The famous spice black cumin is used not only in cooking in the manufacture of baked goods, drinks, pickles and other dishes, but also in traditional medicine and cosmetology. Spice has a number of beneficial effects on the human body and helps to get rid of some health problems. How black cumin can help women and how to use it correctly, you will learn from the article.
The nutritional value
The energy value of the black type of cumin is as follows:
- proteins - 19.77%;
- fats - 14.59%;
- carbohydrates - 11.9 g.
Did you know? About the action of caraway seeds on the human body, people knew 3 thousand years ago. However, the spice was used not only for the purpose of therapy, but also for the preparation of love potions, as well as protective amulets.
The chemical composition of black cumin
Fatty and essential oils, flavonoids, pigments, resins, waxes, tannins, coumarins, mineral salts, vitamins E, C, D and group B, polyunsaturated, saturated and irreplaceable fatty acids are found in the fruits of black caraway seeds or sowing nigra. It contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron.
The properties of black cumin for women
Black cumin is very beneficial for the female body. However, if used improperly, it can be harmful. In addition, there are categories of women to whom this spice is categorically contraindicated.
Beneficial features
- Due to its rich chemical composition, cumin can exhibit the following properties useful to the human body:
- restorative;
- painkiller;
- sedative;
- normalization of the digestive tract;
- beneficial effect on the state of blood vessels;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- increased metabolism;
- the establishment of sleep;
- improving the condition of the skin, hair, nails;
- stimulation of brain activity;
- improved blood circulation;
- breath freshening.
Women are advised to take herbal remedies to relieve pain during menstruation, to increase the amount of milk during lactation, improve mood, and calm the nervous system. He is also advised to those who are at the stage of pregnancy planning or who cannot conceive a child.
Many women claim that caraway seed oil helped them eliminate ovulation problems and get pregnant. The fact is that it contains substances that can restore the hormonal balance in men and women, so that couples manage to recover from infertility.
Important! A healthy adult can consume up to 25 g of black caraway seeds per day (4–5 teaspoons); children from the age of 6 can eat up to 10 g per day (2 tsp). Eating more leads to negative reactions from the body.
Spice will be useful to those ladies who wish to lose weight. By cleansing the intestines, adjusting the digestive tract and accelerating the metabolism, the spice helps to lose unnecessary pounds. Caraway oil is recommended for women during menopause. Phytosterols, which are part of the oil extract, improve the quality of sexual life, stimulating the production of estrogen.
In medicine, black cactus is used as an antibacterial, cleansing and analgesic. It is believed that the seeds of this plant are able to prevent the development of cancer, as it positively affects the bone marrow.
Contraindications and harm
Black cumin is strictly forbidden to use during pregnancy, since the substances contained in its composition can lead to uterine contractions. And this, in turn, threatens a miscarriage or premature birth.
People who have individual intolerance also should not use this product. You can not give spice to children until they reach the age of 6 years, people with diabetes, thrombophlebitis, gastritis with high acidity, gallstone disease.
Features of the use of black cumin
Spice and oil from it are actively used for therapy in traditional and traditional medicine, in order to give an interesting taste to various dishes, as well as in cosmetic recipes.
Important! Before using any product based on caraway seeds for therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to obtain permission from the attending physician.
In medicine
In folk medicine, there are many recipes using this spice - they are designed for women with the goal of ridding them of various problems in the field of gynecology, improve digestion and correct the figure.
Below are the most effective:
- With endometriosis. Drink 1 tsp. oil 2 times a day after meals. The course is 14-21 days.
- With cervical erosion. Locally apply tampons at night, which are dipped in a mixture of caraway and olive oil in a ratio of 1 to 1. The treatment lasts 10 days.
- To reduce pain during menstruation. Drink an infusion of 0.5 hours of seeds and 1/3 of boiling water, infused for 20 minutes.
- To improve lactation. You should add cumin to milk, dairy products or drink tea made from 1 tbsp. spices and 300 ml of boiling water.
- With infertility. Take 2 hours a day a mixture of caraway seeds and pumpkin oil (in a ratio of 1 to 1).
- For weight loss. Every morning you need to chew a small amount of seeds on an empty stomach or take three times a day 100 ml of decoction prepared from 2 hours of seed and 0.5 l of boiling water by cooking in a water bath for 10 minutes.
In cooking
Black caraway seeds are used in the preparation of various dishes in ground or dried form. It is mixed in seasonings to add spiciness and spicy taste - in the future they are seasoned with meat, fish, vegetable dishes, salads, cereals and pasta. Seeds are also added to sauces, marinades, pastries, put during pickling and canning. Oil as one of the ingredients is added to salads and side dishes.
Important! To maximize the benefits of caraway seeds, they should be heated in a pan before adding to the dish. Thus, essential oils are activated.
In cosmetology
Spice is often mixed with various cosmetics: creams, shampoos, lotions, balms, masks. It helps to moisturize, exfoliate, rejuvenate, stimulate blood circulation, eliminate wrinkles, get rid of cellulite, and hair growth.
To tighten the skin in different parts of the body, you need to mix oils from caraway seeds, grapefruit, roses and, warming them in the palms of your hands, rub in circular motions into problem areas, starting from the lower zone and ending with the upper one.
To make your hair soft and obedient, you can make a mask for them from 2 parts of seeds and 200 ml of water that boil for 10 minutes. Then add the yolk there and beat the mixture. Mass should be applied to the scalp for 30 minutes. The frequency of the procedure is 2-3 days.
Masks for the skin on the face of caraway oil can get rid of acne, wrinkles, eliminate inflammation, nourish and refresh the skin. It can be mixed with other vegetable oils in a 1 to 1 ratio and lubricated before bedtime. A mask of 30 g sour cream, 15 g caraway seed oil and 8 g cinnamon will help smooth out skin from fine wrinkles. It is applied for half an hour.
How to choose and store caraway seeds
When choosing caraway seeds, preference should be given to spices with the following characteristics:
- specific pleasant aroma;
- sweet spicy taste with a slight pungency;
- the size of a pea of black pepper.
Keep the spice in a container, covered with a lid, at room temperature in a place where sunlight and moisture do not penetrate. Shelf life is 2 years. If you plan to purchase caraway seed oil, then you need to know that a low-quality product is often found today. It can be purchased at a store, online or pharmacy. When buying, you should pay attention to the manufacturer.
The best oil producers in 2018 were named:
- Nefertiti for Natural oils;
- Makemi;
- Hemani;
- Baraka;
- Harraz.
You also need to choose a product made from plants growing in Egypt, Pakistan, Ethiopia, the Mediterranean, Central Asia. Preference should be given to products packaged in dark glass. The oil should have a pronounced specific taste and aroma, a thick consistency. The shelf life of an unpacked product is 1 year. After opening, the oil must be stored in the refrigerator and consumed for a month.
Did you know? Since coumarins are part of caraway seeds, they are a strong poison for birds.
Thus, for several centuries, black cumin has been actively used as a spice and raw material for therapeutic agents for many diseases, including those related to the female genital area. Before using it for therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to consult with a medical professional.