Food Checker Pregnancy

Does Cumin Tea Induce Labor?

If you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, you are probably more than ready (not to mention excited) to meet your baby.

With your hospital bag packed and the feeling like you’re going to pop any day, you can be forgiven for researching weird and wonderful tips on how to speed up labor.

Some techniques are undoubtedly more effective and safer than others, but what about cumin tea – does it have the ability to induce labor?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking cumin tea jump-starts labor.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying, especially because it can speed up your metabolic rate, which in turn may help induce labor.

Let’s take a closer look.

Does Cumin Tea Induce Labor?

Drinking cumin tea to induce labor is one of those old wives’ tales that may help and be effective for some pregnant women, but not others.

The theory behind using cumin tea to induce labor centers around its ability to stimulate contractions.

Proponents state that consuming cumin when pregnant, just like other spicy foods, can increase your metabolic rate, which in turn could lead to contractions if you’re in the latter stages of pregnancy.

So yes, cumin tea may induce labor, but then again it may not, and there’s no scientific evidence to support or disprove the claim either way.

But if you feel like you’re ready to pop and are desperate to try something to kick-start labor, there’s no harm in giving it a go, provided you follow the safety guidelines below.

What Is Cumin?

Cumin is a spice that is made from the dried seeds of a plant (cuminum cyminum), which is part of the parsley family.

The spice is very popular in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines – it has a rich, earthy, bittersweet and slightly spicy flavor, and is available in both seed and powdered form.

A Glass Bowl with Cumin

Is Cumin Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, cumin is generally considered to be safe to consume during pregnancy.

There is no evidence to suggest that cumin will harm either mom or baby during pregnancy, and the FDA states that cumin is “generally recognized as being safe” for humans to eat.

However, to balance the argument it’s worth noting that some people claim that cumin could cause premature labor or even a miscarriage.

But again, there is no evidence to support these claims, so the decision on whether to eat or drink it during pregnancy is up to you.

Health Benefits

While cumin has been gaining popularity over recent years in North America and Europe, its healthy and medicinal powers have been known about for centuries in the East.

Some of the many impressive health benefits of cumin tea include:

  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Increases estrogen levels
  • Supports digestion
  • Detoxifies your liver
  • Protects your central nervous system
  • Helps treat diarrhea
  • Supports your immune system
  • Reduces IBS
  • Reduces Stress

How To Make Cumin Tea

What You’ll Need

  • Cumin seeds (go for seeds over powder, and use approximately one teaspoon)
  • Saucepan
  • Water
  • Strainer
  • Honey (optional)

Method

  1. Add the seeds to the saucepan and cook on low heat for 1 minute, stirring regularly.
  2. Add enough water to make one cup of tea. A helpful tip is to pour water in the cup first, then add it to the saucepan.
  3. Turn the heat up to high and let the water boil. Once boiling, wait 4-5 minutes, then strain the liquid into your cup.
  4. If you want to add some sweetness, pour some honey into your cup and stir.
  5. Sit back and enjoy!

Woman Drinking from a Mug While Sitting on the Bed

Safety Precautions

While cumin is safe for pregnant women, it should be consumed in moderation (2 cups per day maximum).

Clearly, it’s important to think about the timing of when you’re planning to induce labor, with the general consensus being you should wait until you are at least 38 weeks along.

Lastly, remember that you should first seek approval from your doctor or midwife before taking any herbal teas or supplements while pregnant.

Cumin tea can thin your blood and speed up your metabolic rate, so if you have a heart condition then it may be better to avoid it altogether.

As always, if in doubt check with a health professional.

Other Natural Methods To Induce Labor

Drinking cumin tea is just one of many popular (yet unscientific) ways to induce labor.

Below are some other options that you may prefer or be more comfortable trying – as with cumin tea they may be worth a try, but unfortunately there’s no guarantee they will work.

  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture
  • Exercise
  • Fruits Such As Dates & Pineapple
  • Nipple Stimulation
  • Primrose Oil
  • Sex
  • Spicy Food

Must Read: Your Complete Guide To A Happy & Healthy Pregnancy

Tori is mama to 3 year old Isabella and co-founder of Rockinbaby. She has a BSc in Psychology, is a certified yoga teacher and is a working mom. In her free time Tori loves cooking delicious foods and baked treats, entertaining and working out. Learn more about Tori here.

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