Botanical Name: Cuminum cyminum
Family Name: Apiaceae
Identification no : SDACH/HG/309
Vernacular Names:
– Hindi: Jeera
– English: Cumin
– Bengali: Jeere
– Tamil: Jeerakam
– Telugu: Jeelakarra
Synonyms
“जीरको द्वितीयो जरणः कषायस्तिक्तकः स्मृतः।
दीपनः पाचनः शूलकृमिघ्नो रुचिकृद्गुरुः॥”
Classification
– Charak: Deepaniya (Digestive stimulant), Shoolaprashamana (Pain reliever)
– Sushruta: Pippalyadi, Mustadi Gana
– Vagbhata: Deepaniya
– Bhav Prakash: Haritakyadi Varga
Habitat & Distribution:
– Native to the Mediterranean region, now widely cultivated in India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh), Iran, Egypt, and Mexico.
Morphology
– Plant: Slender annual herb, 20–50 cm tall.
– Leaves: Pinnate, thread-like segments.
– Flowers: Small, white/pink, in umbels.
– Fruits: Oblong, 4–5 mm long, ridged, aromatic (cumin seeds).
Varieties:
1. Krishna Jeerak (Nigella sativa – Black cumin, unrelated but often confused).
2. Shweta Jeerak (White cumin, true Cuminum cyminum).
Substitute/Adulterant:
– Shah Jeera (Bunium persicum) is a common substitute.
Phytochemicals:
– Essential Oils: Cuminaldehyde, γ-terpinene, β-pinene.
– Others: Flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids.
Raspanchaka:
– Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
– Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
– Virya (Potency): Ushna (Heating)
– Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (Pungent)
– Prabhava (Special effect): Deepana (Enhances digestion)
– Dosha Shamakta: Balances Kapha and Vata, may aggravate Pitta in excess.
Karma (Rogaghnata):
– Primary Actions: Deepana (Digestive), Pachana (Metabolic), Krimighna (Antimicrobial), Shoolahara (Pain-relieving).
– Therapeutic Uses: Indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, respiratory disorders.
Amayika Prayoga (Therapeutic Uses):
– External:
– Paste with honey for boils/wounds.
– Oil for abdominal massage (colic relief).
– Internal:
– Jeera water for indigestion.
– Powder with honey for cough.
Part Used: Seeds (Fruits).
Dose:
– Powder: 1–3 g/day.
– Oil: 1–5 drops.
Yoga/Formulations:
1. Jeerakarishta (Digestive tonic).
2. Hingvastak Churna (Carminative).
3. Panchakola Phanta (For bloating).
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Research Updates
1. Antimicrobial Activity (2020): Cumin oil showed efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus.
2. Gastroprotective Effects (2021): Reduced gastric ulcers in rat models.
3. Antioxidant Properties (2022): High phenolic content confirmed via HPLC.
