The Arabic approbation Habbatul barakah, meaning the "seed of blessing".

FEATURES-----Originally from the Mediterranean region, Egypt and Asia. It reaches to about twelve inches and has deep green, Narrow thread –like leaves with tiny white or pink flowers which change to fruit [seed].

HISTORY&MYTH---- held in high esteem since biblical times, mainly for its digestive properties and used in many meat dishes. The Egyptians included it in a remedy for headaches, along with juniper and frankincense, and the Pharisees paid tithes [a tax] with it. It was seen as a symbol of fidelity by the Hindus, who also valued it as a remedy against jaundice and piles. It was an important ingredient of bread making too.

The Greeks and Romans put it in the graves of their dead alongside other gifts. Highly regarded in Britain during the middle ages when it was again used as a currency subjects of feudal lords paid with cumin in lieu of service. Its popularity waned however, upon the introduction of caraway. It is an essential ingredient in Indian curries and used in Mexico to flavors national dishes. Has some use in perfumery-cannot think why!

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS—Cuminic [aldehyde], cymene, dipentene, limonene, phellandrene, pinene  [terpenes].

PROPERTIES---- antiseptic,  antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, depurative, digestive emmenagogue, parasiticide, stimulant, tonic.

PRECAUTIONS---an overpowering odour, somewhat lingering and best used sparingly. May cause skin sensitization and should be avoided in pregnancy.

MIND-----a storing tonic to the nervous system, it is highly stimulating and acts positively on tiredness and lethargy.

BODY----- a very warming oil and relieves toxic congestion in the body. Often found to be helpful with muscular pain osteoarthritis.

stimulating effect on the digestion, particularly bloating of the stomach. Flatulence dyspepsia, headaches resulting from stomach disorders, colic and diarrhoea.

Seems to have a beneficial action on the reproductive system since it is said to increase fertility and sexual desire in men. Women benefit too as it appears to normalise the menstrual cycle and increase lactation.

Its tonic action on the heart and nervous system should help regularize the metabolic processes of the body.

EFFECT ON SKIN-----best avoided in any skin preparations.

BLENDS----angelica, caraway, chamomile, coriander.