Himachali Kala Zeera
The Himachali Kala zeera grows wild in the forest areas and farmers collect the matured seeds from the forest areas. Himachali Kala Zeera is Bunium persicum which is widely grown in the dry temperate region of Himachal Pradesh. It has a higher concentration of volatile oils responsible for its unique flavour and taste.
The major difference between Himachali Kalazeera (The variety of Kala Zeera found in Himachal Himalayas is Bunium Persicum) and other species is the presence of a higher concentration of volatiles oils, containing higher percentages of aldehydes responsible for the flavour of the seeds and lower percentages of terpene hydrocarbons, i.e. γ‐terpinene and p‐cymene. The mature seeds of cultivated and wild origin yield an oil rich in cuminaldehyde (27∙3–34∙1%), p‐ mentha‐1,3‐dien‐7‐al and p‐mentha‐1,4‐dien‐7‐al (29∙6–36∙8%).
Several therapeutic effects including those on digestive disorders, urinary tract disorders, diuretic, gynaecologic, anti‐convulsion, anti helmetic, anti asthma, and dyspnea have been described for the seeds of Buniumpersicum.
Himachali Kalazeera has many medicinal properties such as:-
1 Digestive Disorders - Himachali Kalazeera (Black Cumin) seeds are very useful in digestive disorders like biliousness, morning sickness, indigestion, atonics dyspepsia, diarrhoea, malabsorption syndrome, and flatulent colic.
2 The healing Power and Curative Properties - The Himachali Kalazeera is a rich source of thymol. Thymol is used as an anthelmintic against hookworm infections and also as an antiseptic in many proprietary preparations. It is a stimulant, which increases the secretion and discharge of urine and relieves flatulence. It strengthens the functions of the stomach and arrests any bleeding.
3 Piles / Hemorrhoids - Himachali Kalazeera is beneficial in the treatment of piles or hemorrhoids.
4 Renal Colic - Himachali Kalazeera seeds mixed with caraway seeds and black salt are useful in renal colic.
5 Insomnia - Himachali Kalazeera is valuable in relieving sleeplessness.
6 Amnesia - Cumin seeds are valuable in amnesia or dullness of memory.
7 Problem of Breast Milk Secretion - A decoction of cumin seeds mixed with milk and honey, taken once daily during the entire period of pregnancy helps the healthy development of the fetus, eases child‐birth and increases the secretion of breast milk.
8 Common Cold - Dilute cumin water is an antiseptic beverage and very useful in common cold and fevers. It soothes throat irritation.
9 Scorpion Sting - Paste of the cumin seeds prepared with onion juice, applied over scorpion sting will retard the frequency of upbeats.
10 Other uses - The cumin seed is extensively used in mixed spices and for flavoring curries, soups, sausages, bread and cakes. It is an ingredient of curry powder, pickles and chutneys. It is also used to some extent in Indian medicine as a carminative.