AJWAIN

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for Ajwain is Carum copticum or Trachyspermum Ammi which belongs to the Umbelliferae family. It is also called carom seeds which are used to treat indigestion.

English – The bishops weed

Tamil – Oman

Hindi – Ajwayam

Sanskrit – Yavani

Telugu – Vamu

Gujarati – Ajamo

Punjabi – Jabain

Kannada – Oma

Bengali – Yamaarni

Malayalam – Omam

Arabic – Kyunulmuluki

Farsi – Nanakhaka

It is originated in Egypt and it also grows in Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and India. It usually grows in dry areas. In India, it is cultivated in Rajasthan, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

The flowers are white and the fruits are ovoid and cordate in shape. Fruits contain two mericarps which are 2mm long and 1.7mm wide

Part used: Seeds

Taste: Pungent

Potency: Hot

Moisture: 8.9 %
Protein: 15.4 %
Fat: 18.1 %
Crude fiber: 11.9 %
Carbohydrates: 38.6 %
Mineral matter: 7.1 %
Calcium: 1.42 %
Phosphorus: 0.30 %
Iron: 14.6 mg/100g
Calorific value: 379/100g.

Thymol, oleic acid, linoleic acid, p-cymene, b-pinene, y-terpinene, terpinene-4-ol, palmitic acid, xylene, hydrodistilled oil

Fruits: Carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, dipentene, α-terpenine, γ-terpinene

Action:

• Stomachic
• Anti-spasmodic
• Carminative
• Anti-septic
• Stimulant
• Tonic
• Sialogogue

• It is widely used in the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent, with a little chopped garlic or onion - fried in oil or clarified butter, which is used to flavor a dish at the end of cooking.
• In Afghanistan, the fruits are sprinkled over bread and biscuits.
• The seed decoction is used in the case of asthma,anti-dyspnoeic effect, some cutaneous disorders, neural and urinary tract disorders.
• A watery extract of the seed is widely used to relieve diarrhea and drought.
• In the Unani system, ajwain is used as a crude drug to enhance the body’s resistance and is prescribed in amoebiasis

The dose of a drug used according to physicians

Fruit powder: 1-3g

Oil: 1-3 drops

Distillate: 5-10 drops

• The use of ajwain may increase the risk of bleeding so the use of ajwain should be avoided in patients who are receiving blood thinners
• Therapy should be administered with caution in liver patients because it may worsen the condition

• Do not use this herb if you are allergic to the chemical constituents of Ajwain
• It is considered unsafe to use this herb while you are pregnant and breastfeeding

Indigestion:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, indigestion is called Agnimandya that occurs due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha and poor digestive fire which leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body and causes indigestion. The use of Ajwain balances the Pitta dosha and improves digestion.

Take the required amount of ajwain seeds and add it as a glass of water and allow it to boil for 8-10 mins. Consume this drink after your meals

Asthma:

According to the Ayurveda, asthma occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas in the lungs which results in obstruction in the passages in the respiratory. The use of ajwain treats asthma by balancing the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas this helps to reduce the blockage in the respiratory passage by removing the excess mucus in the lungs

Ajwain water:

Take the required amount of ajwain seeds and add a glass of water. And leave it for overnight. Drink this water to treat stomach ache

Ajwain seeds:

Take the required amount of ajwain seeds and consume it with honey or lukewarm water to increase the production of milk during lactation

Ajwain capsule or tablet:

Take the required amount of ajwain tablet or capsule. Consume this with warm water after your meals

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache

Is Ajwain bad for the liver?

Drinking ajwain water can also prove to help treat liver and kidney malfunctions.

Can I use Ajwain for oral hygiene?

Carom seeds can cure toothache when applied with olive oil and water.

It also helps in maintaining oral hygiene

Does ajwain reduce weight?

Ajwain helps in the digestion and absorption of food. Due to lesser fat storage, it ultimately leads to weight loss. Ajwain seeds are also known to increase metabolism.

Healthy and smooth digestion is crucial for sustainable weight loss.

Does ajwain increase breast milk?

Ajwain or Carom seeds have lots of benefits for a breastfeeding mother.

It also increases milk production in lactating mothers. Ajwain also heals the body internally post-delivery.

Is ajwain good for pimples?

Not only does ajwain gets rid of the acne scars, but it also helps in eliminating pimple scars from your skin and makes your face look fresh and clear

Can ajwain cause periods?

Ajwain will not just induce your menstrual cycle but also relieve cramp pain.

Can ajwain be taken at night?

Don't take ajwain seeds in the evening. Practice pranayam and suryanamaskaar at morning. Reduce sugar salt and oil in your diet.

Does ajwain lessen your grey hairs?

Ajwain helps in lessening premature greying of hairs.