Seeraga Thanneer or Cumin Seed Water:

The tamil word for Cumin/Jeera is Seeragam. The word can be split into two – Seer+Agam.  Seer means good state or condition and agam here is the inner body. The spice that sets the inner body in good condition is called Seeragam. Siddha and Ayurveda systems mention that seeragam reduces stomach aches and indigestion and heaviness of stomach. It also sets appetite right and purifies blood. It has vitamins B, C and E and iron.

Whenever there is a stomach upset, indigestion which might lead to loose motion or vomiting – try this. Even on normal days, not only to avoid the above problems but also to maintain a healthy system, Seeraga Thanneer can be had instead of water.

Ingredients:

• water – 1 litre
• seeragam/cumin seeds – 5 tsp

Method of Preparation:

1. Boil 1 litre of water
2. Turn off the stove
3. Wash cumin seeds if muddy
4. Add cumin seeds to the vessel of water
5. Close with lid
6. Let it cool
7. Each time you drink cumin water, keep draining the seeds
8. Let the cumin seeds remain in the left over water
9. If one litre seems too much, you can make half the quantity initially
10. One tsp cumin seeds to one cup water would also make warm cumin tea