Herba cumminis is a food that can be used as both a spice and a medicine. It is commonly used as a spice in stewed meat to enhance flavor and remove unpleasant odors. Let's learn about the benefits and medicinal uses of herba cumminis!
Image of herba cumminis
【Increases Appetite】
When people have a poor appetite, they can eat dishes made with herba cumminis. The aromatic substances it contains can stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.
Herba cumminis contains natural aromatic substances and various amino acids. Consuming it can improve digestion and promote the secretion of digestive juices. It can effectively enhance the body's digestive capacity and reduce symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and spleen and stomach deficiency.
【Identification of Herba cumminis】
The medicinal part of herba cumminis is the mature fruit. It is a spherical cluster of seeds with white partitions, divided into three segments, each containing multiple seeds that are closely attached and slightly smooth.
The fruit of herba cumminis is elliptical, ovoid, or olive-shaped, measuring 1.5 to 3cm in length and 1 to 2cm in diameter. It is yellow-brown or reddish-brown, with slightly pointed protrusions at both ends. The skin is thick, without thorns, with raised longitudinal ridges, and cracks to reveal the seeds.
The seeds are irregularly polygonal, about 3 to 5mm long and about 3mm in diameter. They are covered with a light brown membranous pseudocarp. There is a longitudinal groove on the seed ridge, with a seed hilum at one end. The seeds are hard. When the seeds are longitudinally cut along the ridge, the cross section is oblique heart-shaped, with the seed coat extending inward along the ridge, covering about half of the surface area. The endosperm is grayish-white. The fruit skin is smooth, easily broken, and contains seed clusters. It has a fragrant aroma and a cool taste.
Image of herba cumminis
Herba cumminis is harvested when the fruit is mature in summer and autumn. It is dried until it is 80% to 90% dry, then the fruit skin is peeled off and the seed cluster is removed and dried.
Herba cumminis can not only be used as a food but also as a medicinal herb. It is mainly taken in decoction after processing, and sometimes it can be ground into powder for direct oral administration.
【Braised Beef with Herba cumminis and Sauerkraut】
Braised beef with herba cumminis and sauerkraut is a common method of using herba cumminis as food. You will need sauerkraut, tofu, mushrooms, herba cumminis, and beef broth.
The specific method is to heat oil in a hot pan, add ginger and green onion, then add the meat and herba cumminis. Once the pan is hot, add sauerkraut, mushrooms, and tofu. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Finally, add salt and chicken essence, and it's ready to eat.
