Aspirin™  has been used for more than 100 years for pain relief and to treat inflammatory conditions and fevers. The principal ingredient of aspirin is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is present in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Red chili powder, paprika, and turmeric contain a lot of salicylates, but cumin has the highest amount. In the traditional medicine practices of several countries, dried cumin seeds are believed to have medicinal properties, but there is no scientific evidence for any use as a drug or medicine. Though cumin can’t be used to treat certain ailments, for general good health and to reap the benefit of salicylates in cumin, it should be included in our daily eating habits. In India, there are a few popular drinks containing cumin e.g. jeera paani, savoury lassi.