Cumin Seed Essential Oil

Cumin Seed
Cuminum cyminum

Source: Seeds
Origin: India
Energetics: Yang
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: Cumin Seed oil has an overall spicy bouquet.
Blends Well With: Lavender, Angelica, Rosemary, Caraway, Chamomile and other oriental oil blends.

About

It may act as a tonic for the body and mind, helping you relax. This exotic oil is also used in massages for a warming effect that may relieve muscular pain while acting as an aphrodisiac.

Historical Snippets

Cumin seeds have been around since Biblical times. They were even discovered in Turkey, inside a Hittite flask that was believed to have been from the 2nd millennium BC. The ancient Egyptians and Assyrians used cumin seeds for digestive disturbances and headaches. After a heavy meal, the pharaohs would use the oil to aid in digestion. Cumin must have been  quite valuable during the Middle Ages, as the Pharisees would pay their taxes with the seed. 

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Cumin essential oil will last for 2-3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Hazards: Phototoxic (moderate risk)
Contraindications: If applied to skin at over maximum use level, skin must not be exposed to sunlight or sunbed rays for 12 hours.
Maximum dermal use level: 0.4%
Oxidation of cumin oil should be avoided by storage in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. The addition of antioxidants is reccomended. 
For transportation purposes, this product is classed DG due to flash point of 52.7°C

References

Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 1999. Print.
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.