Both cumin and fennel seeds aid in digestion. Just the smell of these seeds activates salivary glands.

The compound Thymol is present in cumin seeds, and it stimulates the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes  to aid in digestion.

A variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers are found in fennel seeds.  Fennel seeds help remove toxins from the body, and are used for treating  indigestion and constipation.

To obtain all the benefits of cumin and fennel seeds eat a few of each, preferably raw, after meals.

Both seeds also have breath freshening qualities.

They are a great flavor enhancing addition to soups and stews, but some (not all) of their qualities are lost in the cooking.

It is possible to roast the seeds slightly and maintain their quality.  They are so fragrant and so delicious when roasted.

Also, use them in their powder form for tea and as wonderful flavoring in cooking both sweet and savory foods.

I found this little wooden box shown above, and keep it full of seeds in my purse. The seeds are available to me when I go out to dinner.

If you go to an Indian restaurant you might notice a tray of fennel seeds at the exit.  Sometimes they are coated with colored candy, but it’s best to take them without the candy coating.

I BEGIN NOW:  to try to remember to eat a few raw fennel and cumin seeds after meals to aid in digestion.