Originally from the Mediterranean area, Cumin is a small annual herb about 50cm ( 20 inches) high with deep green, narrow feathery leaves and tiny white or pink flowers, followed by small oblong seeds.

The chemical properties of Cumin includes being an antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, depurative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, larvicidal, nervine, stimulant, and as a tonic. In the past, Cumin Essential Oil was found to be useful as a warming oil that helps relieve muscular pains and osteoarthritis; for the digestive system it was used as a stimulant that helps with colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, bloating and indigestion; and for the nervous system, Cumin was used as a tonic with beneficial effect on headaches, migraine pain and nervous exhaustion.