Ajwain or Trachyspermum ammi is an annual herbal plant which belongs to the Apiaceae family. Clad by other names such as ajowan, caraway, bishops weed or carom seeds, ajvan in Hindi, asmtavoman in Tamil, vamu in Telugu and omum in Malayalam, it is widely used in Indian cuisine.
Ajwain is a small, oval-shaped seed-like fruit similar to the seeds of cumin and fennel exhibiting pungent and bitter taste. It has an aroma close to thyme as it contains thymol. The plant is chiefly cultivated in Iraq, The Middle East, Afghanistan. In India, Rajasthan is the major producer of this crop about 55% of total output in the country and all you need is a little amount of ajwain to rule over the dish.
Ajwain seeds are dry roasted or used in tadka as a mixture of spices, fried in ghee to enhance the flavour of lentils and drizzled over baked goods like bread and biscuits. These wonder seeds hold a prominent place in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine in treating various ailments. Also Read: Tadka In Your Dishes Is Not Just For Flavour.
The wealth of nutrients in ajwain includes a good source of dietary fibre, essential fatty acids and protein. It is also loaded with different types of essential oils like thymol, cymene, pinene, terpinene and limonene. The host of plant compounds in ajwain offers numerous health benefits and promotes overall well-being and health.
Healing Health Perks Of Ajwain
1. Combats Infection
The potential antibacterial and antifungal properties of ajwain are attributed to the goodness of active compounds thymol and carvacrol which impede the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Several studies have revealed that ajwain seeds are potent to battle against bacteria like E. coli and salmonella that causes food poisoning and other gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, it acts as potent fungicide and germicide. When crushed and applied topically it heals the infections and treats wounds. Also Read: 5 Natural Antibiotics To Combat Infections
2. Promotes Digestion
Ajwain is one of the key ingredients used in Indian cooking due to its amazing gut healing properties. It holds a prominent place in treating various digestive conditions like acidity, indigestion and flatulence. The active enzymes in ajwain aids in promoting digestion by improving the secretion of gastric juices. Moreover, carom seeds extract is used to heal the sores of the esophagus, stomach and intestine and treats peptic ulcers.
3. Regulates Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Ajwain is used in traditional medicine for controlling high blood pressure. The active plant enzyme thymol in ajwain works as an effective calcium channel blocker. This averts calcium from entering blood vessels of the heart which relaxes and expands blood vessels thereby lowering blood pressure. According to Ayurveda ajwain exhibits antihypertensive properties that work well to control high blood pressure symptoms.
4. Treats Common Cold And Cough
Studies reveal that carom seeds work as an effective anti coughing agent and provides instant relief from cough by enhancing the airflow to the lungs. It is also clear the nasal blockage by discharging the mucus easily. Make a powder of ajwain with jaggery and have this mixture twice daily to treat respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis. Also Read: Difference Between Cold & Flu
5. Ajwain Water
Ajwain or oma water is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy to treat indigestion problems. It helps in treating indigestion issues and eases irregular periods problem. Oma water is a traditional remedy given to babies to cure indigestion and flatulence. To make oma water, steep 2 teaspoons of roasted omum seeds in water, strain the decoction and drink. Drinking this water regularly is well-known to boost metabolism, burns fat and aids in losing weight.
6. Relieves Arthritis
The kitchen ingredient has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which is extremely beneficial in reducing joint and muscle pain, thereby reducing the chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis which stems from the vitiation of Vata Doshas.
7. Enhances Skin Health
Blessed with anti-inflammatory and curative properties, ajwain is used for treating oxidative free radical damage due to the sun rays, and hence treats the various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine line, spots, dark circles, etc. It is also extremely beneficial for lightening scars due to acne, pimples and bestows a smooth and glowing skin.
Make a paste of ajwain seeds and apply it on affected areas to diminish scars and spots.
8. Arrests Premature Greying of Hair
The active constituents in ajwain are extremely beneficial in maintaining the natural colour of hair and prevent further greying. Owing to its anti-microbial nature, it also treats various scalp and hair infections like folliculitis, itching and dandruff. It also nourishes the hair follicles with essential nutrients, promotes blood circulation and strengthens the hair strands from the roots.
Boil ajwain seeds along with onion bulbs in coconut oil. Strain, cool and apply the concoction on your hair at night. Use a mild shampoo to wash hair next day. Do it twice a week to get desired results.
Ajwain Water for Weight Loss
Ajwain water is a time-tested natural remedy to instantly shun those stubborn pounds. Drinking ajwain water regularly supports enhancing metabolism, burning fat and thus aids in losing weight. Adding ajwain water to your regular diet plan helps in stimulating digestive function and flushing out the detrimental toxins out of the system.
How To Make
Roast 2 teaspoons of ajwain seeds on a low flame, until it produces a pungent aroma. In a pan take 2 cups of water and boil, add roasted ajwain seeds and stir until it turns brown. Let it cool and strain it before consuming. Drink this concoction on an empty stomach to burn fat and lose weight.
Omam Water uses
Ajwain or omam water is valued as an ayurvedic miracle for healing several maladies. The presence of thymol aids the secretion of gastric acids thus stimulating digestive process and treats indigestion, flatulence, bloating and other gastrointestinal woes. Drinking omam water works wonders in regularising irregular periods. Omam water is also given to babies to settle the problem of gas that causes discomfort and pain.
Additional Health Benefits:
Combats Earache
To ease severe ear pain, a few drops of ajwain oil will do wonders. Just put two drops of the oil directly into the ear to get relief. A pinch of ajwain boiled with some crushed garlic in sesame oil is another quick remedial solution for earache.
Alleviates Toothache
For painful toothaches, gargling with lukewarm ajwain and salt water is extremely beneficial. Inhaling vapours of ajwain seeds can also do wonders for an aching tooth. A good ingredient for oral hygiene, ajwain water is also a great mouth wash.
Effective Mosquito Repellent
In case of unavailability of a repellent, and to safeguard yourself from mosquito bites, combine mustard oil with ajwain seeds and apply it on cardboard pieces. Place them in the corners of your room to keep mosquitoes away.
Eye cleanser
Ajwain water can be used to clean itchy eyes. Boil a handful of seeds and let them cool down. Use a dropper to put this water into the eyes.
Combats Liver and Kidney Malfunctions
Ajwain water treats chronic intestinal pains caused due to the sudden liver and kidney malfunctioning.
Effect On Doshas:
Ajwain is sanctified with Katu (i.e. pungent taste) and Tikta Rasa (i.e. bitter taste) and Laghu (i.e. light), Rukshna (i.e. rough) and Teekshna Guna (i.e. piercing quality). It inherently portrays Ushna Virya (i.e. hot potency) and Katu Vipaka (i.e. pungent metabolic taste). Being rough and light, it appeases the Vata doshas (i.e. air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas, whereas having a pungent metabolic taste, it aggravates the Pitta (fire and air) doshas.
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Contraindications
Generally, if consumed in moderate amounts ajwain do not cause any side effects. However, if overused it may show some adverse effects in a few people. Overuse may worsen stomach ulcers and it should be avoided by people suffering from diverticulitis, liver diseases and ulcerative colitis. Always consult a doctor in case of side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Ajwain Taste Like?
Ajwain has a pungent and slightly bitter taste with hints of thyme and cumin. It also has a strong aroma, similar to oregano.
How Is Ajwain Used In Cooking?
Ajwain is used both whole and ground in cooking. It's often added to bread, lentil dishes, vegetable curries, and pickles to enhance flavour and aid digestion. It can also be used in snacks, such as pakoras and samosas.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Ajwain?
Ajwain is imbued with a treasure trove of bioactive compounds and essential nutrients that confer numerous health benefits. It is commonly used to aid digestion, relieve stomach pain, and alleviate gas and bloating. It also has antimicrobial properties and is used in traditional medicine for respiratory issues like coughs and asthma.
Can Ajwain Be Used As An Alternative For Other Spices?
While ajwain has a distinct flavour, it can sometimes be used as a substitute for other aromatic spices like thyme or cumin. However, its flavour is unique, so it may not perfectly replicate the taste of other spices.
Are There Any Precautions To Take When Using Ajwain?
Ajwain is generally safe for most people when used in moderate amounts in cooking. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming large quantities of ajwain, as it may stimulate contractions. Individuals with allergies to similar plants in the Apiaceae family should also use caution.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Ajwain?
Carom or ajwain seeds if taken in excess can stimulate gastric secretions. This can worsen existing peptic ulcers of the body. Overconsumption can also lead to nausea, skin irritation, vomiting, allergy, and sometimes headaches.
Is It Safe To Eat Ajwain Every Day?
Eating ajwain seeds in excess can lead to stomach gas production. This may cause acidity and reflux. Also, carom has a thymol ingredient that may cause allergic reactions such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant women should consult a doctor or avoid carom as it may affect fetal development.
Is Ajwain Hot Or Cold For The Body?
Ajwain is known to be hot for the body and functions as a stomachic which means it can increase appetite. It is a laxative and is used as an appetizer.
Does Ajwain Cause High BP?
Ajwain seeds contain thymol. This component is a naturally occurring calcium chain blocker and prevents calcium from entering the cells of the heart. This results in controlling blood pressure and reduces risk factors for heart attack and stroke by relaxing blood vessels
References:
Carum copticum L.: A Herbal Medicine with Various Pharmacological Effects
Neurogenic Inflammation Research Centre and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096002/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262001210_An_Overview_on_Ajwain_Trachyspermum_ammi_Pharmacological_Effects_Modern_and_Traditional
References:
Carum copticum L.: A Herbal Medicine with Various Pharmacological Effects ,Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, 1 ,* Saeed Alitaneh, 2 and Azam Alavinezhad 1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096002/
Trachyspermum ammi , Ranjan Bairwa, R. S. Sodha, and B. S. Rajawat
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358968/
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
