Botanical name: Cuminum cyminum

Common names: cumin, jira

Cumin has been used for thousands of years in the Middle East, Africa, and in India. Use whole cumin seed to add earthy flavor to soups, stews, chili, breads and cheese. Its main medicinal use is as a digestive support. It relieves wind and bloating and is used to alleviate nausea. In Ayurveda it is considered to have a balancing effect on all of the three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha. In the kitchen, it is combined with pungent foods such as tomatoes and chilis to make them more digestible.