Cumin Seeds/Jeera/ Jeeragam/Jira is a spice which is widely used in Indian cooking to give distinct flavor and aroma. They are also used for medicinal purposes to heal digestive problems, inflammation, vomiting symptoms and relive from a viral infection in babies, toddlers, kids, and even adults. In this post, I have given details about the health benefits of cumin seeds, how to introduce cumin seeds to babies, how to select them and the method of preparing cumin water at home with step by step pictures and video.
- Cumin seeds are highly beneficial in treating repository problems like cold symptoms, breathing problems and asthma by clearing mucus from the airways through inhaling the seeds or when taken as cumin water.
- It Helps fighting viral and bacterial infection in children.
- Helps in treating digestive issues like stomach ache, gas, hemorrhoids, acidity, etc.
- Excellent source of calcium and iron which is vital for babies and children growth
- Effective in Treating constipation in children
- Being rich in Vitamin C improves immunity in kids
Cumin seeds can be included in babies diet from 6 months. When you introduce, you can start with cumin water. Once the baby starts eating a variety of food, you can gradually include cumin seeds in other foods like khichdi, porridge, etc
Always choose organic cumin seeds which are husk free and no harmful chemicals added.
- For babies below one year, when you introduce cumin water, feed only 2-3 teaspoon per day at the maximum. Gradually increase the quantity to 2-3 tbsp. Also, it's recommended to give cumin water only 2-3 times a week for babies aged less than a year.
- For babies above one year, you can give ¼ cup per day. Also, it's recommended giving cumin water only 3-4 times a week.
Cumin Seeds for Babies and Kids, Uses and Benefits
Ingredients
- Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
- Water - 2 cups
- Organic Jaggery Powder - ½ tsp optional
Instructions
- Take a saucepan, add 2 cups of water and one teaspoon of cumin seeds and bring it to a rolling boil in medium flame.
- When it comes to a rolling boil, add jaggery powder if using. Boil it further for 7-10 minutes in low flame, by this time water quantity must have reduced to half. Switch off the flame once done.
- Cool it down and strain the water using a filter. Discard the cumin seeds. Serve the cumin water warm.
Nutrition
Here is the video recipe for how to make cumin water for babies and kids
Notes :
- Always check with your doctor before giving any new food to your baby.
- Begin with sa mall amount and always serve cumin seeds in moderation.
- Cumin water can be prepared with cumin powder too instead of cumin seeds. The method and the quantity mentioned is the same.
- Make sure to use husk free cumin seeds to prepare this cumin water.
- For babies below one year, give plain cumin water without any sweetener.
Mangala menon
Very Useful recipes. I have subscribed and follow the recipes for my grand daughters who are 15 months old.
Kalyani
glad you found it useful..thanks for subscribing:)
Charu
Thanks a lot for this useful recipe. My son is 3.5years old can I give this to him and in which quantity? Can dis also be uses for stomach worms??
Thank you.
Kalyani
yes, you can give. 1/4 cup per day. Also, it is recommended giving cumin water only 3-4 times a week.
Bindi
How long can we store this cumin water?
Kalyani
stays good in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Naz
My one year old is constipated every third or fourth day..any tip?
Kalyani
check here: https://gkfooddiary.com/30-home-remedies-for-constipation-in-babies-toddlers/
Minah
Hi, I read cumin water is effective for baby reflux. Can you confirm the quantity for a 3 month old baby and when is best to give it, for example before, during or after the feed?
Kalyani
Cumin water should be given after the baby turns six months and after introducing basic foods. The quantity should be fed only 2-3 tsp per day at the maximum. Gradually increase the amount to 2-3 tbsp. after feeding it is recommended to give cumin water
Swetha
My son who is 6 months now is not drinking water at all. How can i make him drink water? Pls suggest
Kalyani
Here are a few suggestions:
>always keep a water bottle in front of the baby's eyes
>try with special cup or straw
>try feeding the water with a spoon
>dont stop the baby while playing with water so that they can explore
if the baby still doesn't drink water, try the below
>if you are breastfeeding, give breast milk whenever you feel the baby is thirsty
> provide fruits and veggies with high water content like watermelon, muskmelon, gourd vegetables, tomato, cucumber, etc
Keep trying, and Gradually the baby drink more water
Valisa
Hi just curious what is the optional powder for?
Thank you. I haven’t tried the recipe yet but I am planning on it. My son is 3 years old. He started having seizures when he was 2. I read that cumin tea can help reduce them.
Kalyani
jaggery powder is a sweetener which is optional
Priya
Hi my daughter is 3.5 years old, her immunity is very week n she has a cough n running nose problem generally. So can i give cumin seeds water in regular basis. Is it good for this problem?
Kalyani
yes, you can give cumin water. check more remedies for cold and cough in children here: https://gkfooddiary.com/20-home-remedies-cold-cough-babies-toddlers/
Sai
Hi ma'am
Very useful tips! My son has constipation and blocked nose. Can i alternate between cumin water and ajwain water everyday? Example cumin water for 3-4 days and ajwain water for 3-4 days.
Kalyani
Yes, you can give in moderation. if given daily it may increase the child's body heat