Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)

Common, familiar Indian household spice rich in fibre, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and commonly known as carom or bishop's seed is Ajwain.
It is a typical Indian Mom’s household remedy for several ailments like indigestion, vomiting, cold etc.
It is native to India and mainly used in traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha medicines.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it is used for stomach disorders and in Siddha medicine, they are crushed and applied externally as a bandage.
It is slightly bitter and less subtle in taste with a pungent, scent odour, due to which it is also known as Ugragandha in Sanskrit.

Ajwain seeds are rich in fibre, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Ajwain contains oil and 30-60% of the oil is thymol which gives the fruit smell like thyme. The other major constituents are gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, and beta-pinene and 22 other known minor constituents.

Health Benefits of Ajwain

• Thymol of Ajwain helps in the secretion of gastric juices and improves digestion. It also helps in treating digestive disorders such as indigestion and flatulence.
• Acts as a natural anta-acid and gives immediate relief from acidity and indigestion. Thymol of ajwain seeds prevents heartburn caused by acidity.
• Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of Thymol help in curing common cold, asthma, bronchitis and migraine headaches.
• Used to treat ear and tooth ache.
• Helps in treating excessive bleeding and irregular periods. Oma or ajwain water cures the indigestion problem in pregnant ladies by cleaning the uterus and stomach.
• Oma or ajwain water reduces the gas problem that causes discomfort in babies.
• Reduces premature greying of hairs
• The anti-inflammatory effect of niacin and thymol, two essential compounds of ajwain seeds improves the health of the heart. It also stimulates nerve impulses and improves blood circulation in the heart.
• Helps in curing kidney disorders. When mixed with honey and vinegar and used for 10 days, it dissolves kidney stones.
• Regular intake of ajwain water increases metabolic rate, burns fat and thus helps in losing body weight. The laxative components of ajwain also help in weight loss.
• Ajwain powder is useful in lightening acne scars.
• Anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties provide relief from arthritis pain.
• Thymol also acts as a strong fungicide and germicide so it can be used to treat infections or cuts.
• Reduces itching, redness and pain caused due to inflammatory skin diseases.

OTHER USES

Thymol of Ajwain is also used in toothpaste and perfumes.
Combined with mustard oil, used as Mosquito Repellent.

Nutritional facts (Per 100 grams)

Calories ----   305
Fat----   25 g
Carbohydrates --- 43 g
Protein -----   16 g.
Sodium --- 10 mg
Minerals – 7.8%,
Fibre – 21.2%

It also comprises calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, thiamine, iron, niacin and essential oil. The essential oil consists of Thymol, gamma - terpinene, p – cymene and 20% trace compounds.

SIDE EFFECTS

Ajwain has no side effects when consumed in moderate amounts. But excessive intake may cause increase in the body temperature, dizziness, nausea, stomach ulcer, heartburns, and increase in liver problems. During pregnancy, it may also cause photosensitivity.