Cumin

Plant fruits are used.

Attributed properties in traditional medicine are: carminative, digestive, antispasmodic, abortion inducer, galactagogue.

Some properties are still under research: antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, diuretic, estrogenic and others.

Toxicity in the usual use has not been shown.

Medical indications according to the Commission E of the German Health Ministry: none.

At latest update relevant published data related to breastfeeding was not found.

It is a widely used plant as a spice and infusion beverage with therapeutic purposes for centuries, even while breastfeeding as galactagogue and treatment of colicky pain in infants.

Because lack of toxicity at usual dosing a moderate consumption during breastfeeding would have a low or nil risk.

Effectiveness of cumin as a galactagogue has not been stated. The best way to improve milk production is a frequent sucking and a proper technique.

Precaution needed before taking plant infusions:

1. Make sure the reliability of source: toxicity has occurred after confusion with other one that was toxic, poisoning by containing heavy metals and food-borne poisoning due to contamination by bacteria and fungus.

2. Avoid excessive consumption. “Natural products” are not always good at whatever quantity. Plants contains biological active substances that have been the source of most of modern pharmacological drugs and may induce intoxication if consumed at high dose or long-term.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Cumin since it is relatively safe.