Cumin seeds also known as ‘jeera’ (household name for Indian women) have been extensively used in culinary preparations in the Indian subcontinent since ages. Here are few of its varied advantages:

• It’s a rich source of iron and hence beneficial for anaemics as well as lactating mothers and pregnant women, who need iron more than others.
• It is a great aid in digestion and prevents indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea and morning sickness.
• For immediate relief from acidity, chew a pinch of raw cumin seeds.
• Cumin seeds have antiseptic properties and aid in curing common colds.
• It prevents cough formation, which collects in the respiratory system. Since it is supposed to be hot, it dries up all the mucous.
• It is beneficial to sip on a concoction of cumin seeds and water. Boil a handful of cumin seeds along with water. Drinking this water wards off common colds, while keeping the digestive system on track. Many South-Indian house-holds drink only jeera–paani instead of sipping on plain boiled water.