Introduction:
Ajwain , also known as carom seeds is a spice that belongs to Apiaceae family, also include cumin, dill and parsley. It is known for its pungent flavor and strong aroma.
Reference of Ajwain can be found in Ayurvedic texts , highlighting its medicinal properties.
Importance of Ajwain in culinary:
Ajwain has significant role in Indian cuisine that is the reason why it is used in dishes to enhance the taste and smell.
Ajwain is added in curries and bread to increase the overall flavour.
It is used in stuffed parantha , pakora ( fried snacks ) and Kadhi because it helps in good digestion of heavy to digest food stuffs.
It is also used in garam masala ,an important ingredient in Indian kitchen.
Ajwain is not just limited to kitchen it is also important for its medicinal properties in herbal remedies.
Ajwain (Bishop’s Weed)
| Botanical Name | Trachyspermum ammi |
| Language | Name |
| English | Carom Seeds, Bishop’s Seed |
| Marathi | Ova |
| Hindi | Ajwain |
| Tamil | Omam |
Chemical Composition: Ajwain contains important volatile oils, Thymol (anti-inflammatory effect)and carvacrol ( antifungal and antibacterial properties) among other components.
Studies on Ajwain:
Studies have shown the fruit has stimulant, antispasmodic and carminative actions. Since olden days it has been used for abdominal discomforts and bronchial problems.
It is used in the treatment as an antifungal, antioxidant, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic.
Studies have also shown that roots are diuretic in nature and seeds possess aphrodisiac properties. essential oil of ajwain is also used for various ailments.
Ayurvedic Properties:
- Rasa (Taste): Katu (Bitter), Tikta (Pungent)
- Guna (Quality): Lagu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
- Virya (Potency): Katu (Pungent)
- Prabhava (Special Property): Shoolprashamak (Analgesic), Maadak (Sedative)
Action of Ajwain on Doshas:Ajwain helps in balancing the effect of vatta
–kapha.Due to its hot potency it increases the efficiencyof pitta dosha.
Health Benefits of Ajwain in Ayurveda :
- Digestive System: Ajwain aids in digestion by stimulating the digestive fire (pitta), reducing bloating, and flatulence.It improves the pachak pitta by its deepan (appitizer) pachaan (digestive)karma(action). It helps in proper digestion of food thus apaan vayu does its anuloman action because of which bloating and flatulence is relieved. Remedy: Drinking Ajwain water is a popular household remedy for indigestion
- Weight Management: Excessive toxins in abdomen called Ama in Ayurveda is dissolved by improving metabolism.Thus ajwain helps in weight Management.
Remedy: Drink Ajwain infused warm water empty stomach. - Respiratory System: Ajwain pacifies kapha dosha and thus helps in expelling excess mucus from the respiratory system.
- Arthiritis: It has anti-inflammatory action because of which it helps in relieving pain in joints.
- Improve Oral health : To maintain oral hygiene and treat dental issue like bad breath and Tooth ache.
- Women Health: Helps to releive Menstrual pain and help in proper flow of bleeding and helps in recovery of uterus post delivery .
How to Use Ajwain :
- Flatulence, Bloating : Mix ajwain with dried ginger powder and a small amount of black salt, consume with lukewarm water after meals for instant relief.
- Sore Throat, Cough, and Cold : Boil ajwain in water for gargling or consume with jaggery for cough relief. Inhalation of ajwain smoke helps relieve congestion.Adult should inhale smoke of ajwain and turmeric directly on tawa for congested nose.While for children you can wrap ajwain in cotton cloth potli and make them inhale in each nostril .
- Migraine : Inhale ajwain smoke for relief.
- Deworming : Consume ajwain with jaggery before sleep.
- Arthritis : Massage affected area with ajwain oil for local effect .And take mixture of ajwain with methi seeds,black cumin seeds ,shatavari each one forth spoon mix well and take half spoon in morning.
- Amenorrhea :Ajwain soaked in lemon juice with badam .
Dosage: ½ teaspoon
Can We Grow Ajwain At Home ?
yes, Ajwain can be grown in pots, containers, or directly in a garden bed. Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Sow ajwain seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Space the seeds around 6 inches apart if planting in a garden bed. After about 2-3 months it is ready to use.
Growing ajwain at home is relatively easy and can provide you with a fresh supply for culinary and medicinal uses.
Precautions:
Always purchase Ajwain seeds as they are easier to clean rather than powder which may have impurities.
Side effects:
Although it’s small in size but this spice have medicinal properties so you should be cautious.Excess amount of ajwain can cause Acidity, mouth and stomach ulcer in some cases.
Who should Avoid :
Individuals having mouth ulcer, piles, Acidity, bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer should avoid it.Pregnant and Breastfeeding women should also avoid it .
Person on blood pressure and blood thinner should also avoid it or consult their doctor.
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