AJWAIN

Common Name:

1. Sanskrit: Yavani

2. Hindi: Ajwain

3. English: Carom Seed

4. Marathi: Ove

Introduction:

Trachyspermum ammi, commonly known as 'Ajwain', is distributed throughout India and is mainly grown in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Ajwain (Carum copticum), also known as bishop's weed, is an herb used as a spice and as a main ingredient in various medicines. Ajwain is believed to have originated in Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region. Ajwain is traditionally used as an important cure for diarrhea, abdominal tumors, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids and bronchial problems, poor appetite, asthma, atonic dyspepsia and amenorrhea. The fruit has antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant,stimulating, antispasmodic and healing properties. This spice originates from India and the Middle East. Despite the bitter and pungent taste of these oval seeds, they are known to add unique flavor and aroma to a variety of dishes. Even the leaves of these plants are known to be very beneficial and are as popular as the seeds.

Nutrients	Amount per 100 g
Carbohydrate	24.53 g
Protein	15.89 g
Fibre	20.58 g

Minerals:

Calcium	1034 mg
Manganese	6.86 mg
Phosphorous	18.1mg
Iron	16.19 mg
Zinc	5.67 mg
Magnesium	273 mg
Potassium	Potassium 1692 mg
Sodium	28.58 mg

Vitamins:

Thiamine	0.0mg
Betaine	0.7 mg
Vitamin C	1.7mg
Vitamin A	124.33 mcg
Folate	51.79 mcg
Riboflavin	0.0mg

Daily use and home remedies:

Reduce menstrual pain:

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds and 1/2 teaspoon rock salt.

2. Mix with a cup of warm water.

3. This may reduce the need for painkillers during menstruation.

Digestive problems:

All you need is a simple tea made by boiling ajwain in water for a few minutes.

Weight Loss:

1. Boil 500 ml of water in a pan.

2. Add roasted ajwain seeds to the water.

3. Boil for a few more minutes.

4. Drink this water throughout the day.

Ajwain Water and Honey:

1. Soak 25 g of ajwain seeds in a cup of water (250 ml) overnight.

2. The next morning, filter a cup of water and mix a spoonful of honey in it.

3. Drink the prepared water on an empty stomach every day.

Ajwain oil with coconut oil (for hair):

1. Take 2-3 drops of Ajwain oil. b. Mix it with coconut oil.

2. Apply evenly to scalp in the evening and wash off the next morning.

3. For better dandruff relief, use three times a week.

Ajwain leaves with honey (skin infection):

1. Take ½ teaspoon of Ajwain leaf powder.

2. Mix it with honey and apply on the affected skin area.

3. Compare to Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin infections like eczema, psoriasis, and skin discoloration.

Ajwain Oil with Mustard or Sesame oil (Body Pain):

1. Take 2-3 drops of Ajwain oil.

2. Mix it with mustard oil or sesame oil.

3. compared to Massage on chest and back

4. Repeat it once or twice a day to get maximum pain relief.

Daily needs:

1. Start drinking ajwain water every morning if you are experiencing digestion related problems. It also helps treat constipation and bloating.

2. Ajwain water helps with weight loss. It can reduce cholesterol levels and boost metabolism.

3. Ajwain is an effective remedy for cold and cough. Ajwain water can prevent coughs and can also help clear nasal passages.

4. Ajwain water contains antioxidants and thus can reduce high cholesterol levels when consumed regularly.

5. Ajwain water has anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote regular menstrual cycles.

6. Ajwain is said to have anticoagulant properties. Therefore, people with blood clotting problems should be cautious when using it.

7. Ajwain oil is an exemplary remedy for controlling diabetes. Adding ajwain to your meals can help you control your blood sugar levels.

Benefits:

1. Ajwain is a source of nutrition

2. Rich in polyphenols

3. Acts as an antibacterial agent

4. Ajwain is used to relieve coughs and colds

5. Helps reduce inflammation

6. Improve cardiovascular health

7. Supports the treatment of bladder stones

8. AIDS digestion

Drug mechanism:

Thymol is the main active ingredient present in ajwain oil. Traditionally, the seeds are used to treat various intestinal disorders, such as indigestion, flatulence, colic, and diarrhea. Ajwain oil exhibits many pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. Thymol and carvacrol have been considered safe flavouring agents by the European Commission and the US FDA.

Side effects:

Excessive consumption of ajwain can also lead to certain conditions such as:

1. Red and burning skin

2. Nausea

3. Skin irritation

4. Vomiting, allergies

5. Headache

When to see doctors:

• Dizziness

• nausea and vomiting

• burning sensation and mouth ulcers.

Important Note:

1. People with peptic ulcers and liver disease should avoid taking ajwain.

2. Ajwain may interact with unknown medications. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using Ajwain because of its potential health benefits.

3. Excessive consumption of raw ajwain is considered toxic as it can lead to fatal poisoning.

4. If you are pregnant, you should avoid using it again. Carom seeds may harm fetal development.

5. Ajwain or leaf powder should be used with honey or any other cooling agent if your skin is too sensitive.

6. Due to its powerful effects, Ajwain seed oil or paste should be used along with coconut oil on the scalp.

Available medicines:

Ajwain paste – 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

Ajwain powder – 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

Ajwain oil -1 to 3 drops or as needed.

Reference:

1. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.Part 1 Volume 1

2. WebMD.Bishops Weed: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions

3. Textbook of pharmacognosy by C.K. Kokate, A.P. Purohit, S.B. Gokhale

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358968/

5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/ajwain