May 9, 2019 Leave a Comment
Cumin water or jeera water is something traditionally made in most Indian homes. Read on as we answer the question: Can I give my Baby Jeera Water?
Our kitchen has many ingredients with immense health benefits – but we are unaware of most of them! Our spice cupboards are mini medicine cabinets with a range of natural medicines. One of them is the aromatic spice cumin, commonly known as jeera.
Jeera are the dried seeds of the fruits of the plant called Cuminum cyminum, which belongs to the parsley family. This spice is a spice that’s used every day in nearly every home across India. Adding a hint of jeera gives every dish a burst of flavor, but that’s not all – it also has many health benefits.
Health Benefits of Jeera
- Strengthens the respiratory system
- Aids sound sleep
- Helps to fight against viral and bacterial infections
- Eliminates toxins
- Relieves digestive issues like stomach ache, gas, hemorrhoids, acidity etc.
- Treats constipation
- Improves immunity
- Improves brain health
- Boosts digestion
- Enhances metabolism
This spice is used in traditional medicine for healing digestive problems, inflammation, nausea and fighting against infections. Jeera is used as it is or as a powdered form depending on the recipe. The best way to absorb all the health benefits of cumin is through drinking water which is a complete tonic on it’s own. But can babies have jeera water? Let’s find out.
Can I give my Baby Jeera Water?
This iron rich Indian spice can be given to babies after 6 months of age. Jeera water or cumin water is the ideal way to introduce this spice in baby’s diet, after which it can be added as seeds or in powdered form. Jeera goes well with khichdi and other savory dishes.
When starting out, feed only 2-3 teaspoons of jeera water. As baby gets adjusted to the taste, gradually increase the quantity to 2-3 tablespoons, about 2-3 times a week.
Once baby crosses her first birthday, the quantity of jeera water can be increased to 1/4 cup a day, about 3-4 times a week.
It’s extremely rare for babies to be allergic to jeera or cumin seeds, although some people do have allergic reactions to spices. Babies with food sensitivities or a family history of allergies may have an allergic reaction. In that case, introduce watermelons after consulting with the child’s pediatrician.
While not mandatory, it’s better to follow the 3-day rule to be on the safe side, and start with a small quantity in the beginning. If the baby displays symptoms like itchy rashes, abdominal pain, burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face or shortness of breath, he needs to be rushed to the doctor right away.
How to Prepare Jeera Water
Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds to 2 cups of water in a pan. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing the seeds to simmer for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the color of the water changing. Turn off the heat, strain and cool before offering to baby. It can be stored for a day at room temperature.
For older kids, you can try a jal jeera recipe from Veg Recipes of India along with regular jeera water.
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Filed Under: Baby, Can I give my Baby?, Nutrition Tagged With: can i give my baby, can i give my baby cumin water, cumin, how to add spices to baby food, jeera, spice up baby food, spices
