# Cumin

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/cumin/

> Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is a plant drug, also called Jirakam, Ajaji and Svetajiraka. Thymoquinone (trace) is well absorbed. Cumin enhances the activity of digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, amylase) improving overall nutrient bioavailability. Roasting enhances aroma but reduces cuminaldehyde content by 15-20%.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cuminum cyminum
- **Family:** Apiaceae

## Names in the Indian languages

Every name form this project holds for this drug, with the script form first and the
transliteration after it. Sources per name are on the canonical page.

| Language | Names |
| --- | --- |
| Sanskrit | जीरकम् (jīrakam), अजाजी (ajājī), श्वेतजीरक (śvetajīraka) |
| Hindi | जीरा (jīrā) |

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Cumin |

## What is it made of?

*The marker compounds are listed under Dosage forms and preparation, below.*

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (seed powder), Kashayam (decoction), Essential oil, Capsule, Tablet, [Jeeraka](/herb/jeeraka/) Arishta, Roasted seed preparation

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g seed powder; 500mg extract capsule; essential oil: 1-3 drops; as culinary spice: freely; Jeerakadyarishta: 15-30ml after meals

**Optimal Timing:** With meals or after meals for digestive support; Jeerakadyarishta after meals; roasted cumin with buttermilk after meals for digestive comfort

**Storage:** Whole seeds in airtight containers (very stable). Ground cumin in airtight packaging, loses aroma rapidly. Essential oil in amber glass, cool storage. Keep away from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Cuminaldehyde, Gamma-terpinene, Beta-pinene, Para-cymene, [Cuminol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cuminol), [Safranal](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#safranal), Thymoquinone (trace), [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Coriander](/herb/coriander/) and [Fennel](/herb/fennel/) in digestive triad (Jeeraka-[Dhanyaka](/herb/dhanyaka/)-[Mishreya](/herb/mishreya/))
- With [Ajwain](/herb/ajwain/) for carminative and [antispasmodic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antispasmodic) synergy
- With Sunthi for digestive fire enhancement
- With Hing (asafoetida) for bloating and flatulence
- With [Methi](/herb/methi/) to support metabolic function

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/cumin/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.