Folklore

Several cultures, from the ancient Egyptians to the Romans and Greeks would use this seed to heal the sick and as a natural aphrodisiac. The effect of cumin on arousal is said to intensify when it is taken with honey and black pepper. In India it was once thought that cumin stimulated the base chakra, which in turn would increase desire.

Throughout the Middle Ages, cumin was linked to fidelity and love. For this reason, people were told to keep cumin seeds in their pockets when attending weddings, in order to bless the betrothed couple. Some would even suggest that cumin placed in wine would create a love potion, which would ignite passion in couples who consumed the concoction together.