What are the benefits of Ajwain seed
Ajwain seed is well known for its benefits in common digestive problems. But do you know that this herb can be used for many other health problems. In this article we will dive deep into unlocking the numerous benefits that ajwain seed gives.
Latin Name: Carum copticum/trachyspermun anni
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Ajwain
- Bengali: Yamarni, Yavuyaan
- Tamil: Amam, Aman,omam
- Telugu: Vamu, Omami, Oma
- Kannada: Oma, Omada kalu
- Malayalam: Omam
- Marathi: Ova
- Gujarati: Ajamo
- Punjabi: Jabain
- English : Carom seeds
Sanskrit Name:
Ajamodika, Deepyaka, Yavanaka, Brahmadarbha, Yavasahva, Deepai, Bhumikadamuka, Teevragandha, Yavagraja, Yavanika, Brahmdarba
Ajawain seed Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Ajwain seed is a important ingredient for home remedies used in India since very long time. It has been used as digestive supplement to help in digestion of heavy food. The plant of Ajwain seed is 1 feet long, aromatic. The flowers are small and purple in color. Leaves are pinnate with a terminal and 7 pairs of lateral leaflets. The fruits are ovoid and greyish brown in colour. Ajwain seeds benefits in balancing Kapha- Vata dosha because of its hot potency .
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
- Teekshna ( Piercing)
Classical Categorization
In Ayurveda Charak acharya has classified ajwain seeds in group of herbs that help to relieve abdomen pain (shoolprashmana).
Bhavprakash nighantu – Haritakyadi varga ( group)
Kaiyadev Nighantu – Aushadi varga
Dhanvantri Nighantu- Shatpuspyadi varga
Raj Nighantu – Pippalyadi varga
Benefits of Carom seed
Helps to relieve indigestion
Ajwain seed is an excellent digestive (deepan) and carminative (ruchya) and helps is improving the digestion process and helps to relieve bloating, gas and abdomen pain.
Moreover in one of the study it is found useful in management of peptic ulcer.
Useful to relieve Lung congestion due to cough
The seeds serve as natural expectorants for respiratory issues. Ajwain tea can help clear mucus from airways, providing relief from coughing, colds, and nasal congestion. According to pharmacognosy research, carom seeds show strong antitussive and bronchodilatory properties. The compounds thymol increases the mucosal transfer due to ciliary motion and carvacrol shows competitive antagonistic effect at histamine H1 receptors.
Aids in weight loss
In Ayurveda any herb which are digestive ( deepan) and pachan ( digest toxin) are considered good in management of weight loss. Carom seed also help in boosting the metabolism there by help in weight loss.
To Relieve constipation
Ajwain seeds benefits in relieving constipation because of its digestive and laxative properties. Moreover it also have the Vata dosha balancing properties. It helps in downward flow ( anuloman) of Vayu helping in elimination process.
Helps to reduce cholesterol
Results from a clinical trail also suggest that ajwain seed benefits in reducing the high cholesterol level, LDL low density lippo protien ( bad cholesterol), and triglyceride levels in the blood. This helps in ensuring proper blood flow to the heart and improves the function of heart.
To ease ear and tooth pain
To ease a dreaded ear pain, two drops of ajwain oil are enough. For instant relief from tooth-ache, gargle with a mix of lukewarm water, 1 teaspoon of ajwain and salt. Simply inhaling the fumes of burning ajwain seeds can do wonders for an aching tooth. Besides this, it acts as a great mouth wash and maintains good oral hygiene.
Advantages of Ajwain seed in Ayurveda
Pachani : Helps in digestion of food as well as toxins( Ama).
Ruchya: Helps to regain loss of taste.
Deepaniya: Improves digestive fire (Agni)
Shool har : helps to relieve abdomen pain.
Gulma : Useful in treatment of tumors .
Krumihar : Useful in worm infestation, infected wound .
Anaha-har : Reduces Bloating.
Dantya : Useful in strengthening the teeth and gums
Pleehah : Useful in speelnomegaly.
Chemical composition
The constituents of the seed of ajwain ( carum copticum) included carbohydrates (38.6%), fat (18.1%), protein (15.4%), fiber (11.9%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%), saponins, flavone, and mineral matter (7.1%) containing calcium, phosphorous, iron, cobalt, copper, iodine, manganese, thiamine, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid.
However the main constituents of fruit oil of ajwain were p-cymene( 41.98%), carvacrol (45.20%), and thymol(0.48%).
How to use Ajwain seeds
Ajwain seeds can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Ajwain seed: They can be taken directly in seed form. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ajwain seed with luke warm water two times after meals.
- Decoction form: This is prepared by boiling the ajwainseeds in water, useful for digestive or respiratory issues. 15 to 20 ml two times a day
- Ajwain seed oil : It is good for external application to reduce pain and stiffness in joints.
- Part Used : Fruits.
Home Remedies of Ajwain seed
For Instant relief from gas & bloating : Take 1/2 teaspoon of ajwain seeds add pinch of black salt and 2 -3 drops of fresh lemon juice to it and mix it well. Now take this mixture with a glass of water. This simple home remedy will give quick relief from abdomen pain, gas and bloating.
For common cold : Make powder of ajwain seed in mixer grinder. Add jaggery powder to it and mix it well. Consume this mixture 2 to 3 times daily will help to relieve common cold and associted symptoms like headache and blocked nose.
To Relieve pain in joints : Apply ajwain seed oil on the affected joint helps in pain relief.
Hot fomentation of affected joints with a bolus ( pottali) made with ajwain seeds and salt is very natural way to get relieve from pain and stiffness in joints.
For Wound healing : Ajwain seed contains thymol which is a strong fungicide and germicide. Because of these quality it is helpful in treatment of skin infections.
Cautions And Contraindications
While ajwain seed has many benefits and is generally safe, however excess consumption may cause
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Eating too many carom seeds can increase acidity in the gut. This, in turn, can lead to heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, and gastric ulcers.
- Bleeding Disorders: One of the possible effects of these seeds is a reduction in blood clotting. So, if you suffer from a bleeding disorder, it is best to speak with your doctor before using these seeds.
- Mouth Ulcers: When plenty of carom seeds are consumed or chewed, the powerful active ingredients can cause inflammation in the mouth or mouth ulcers.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Ajwain seeds take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly Ajwain seed work.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Bhringraj
Ajwain seed (Carom seeds ) is main ingredients in following medicines
Sarpagandha vati : It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used to manage high blood pressure and lack of sleep.
Yavani shadav churna: Useful in indigestion and anorexia.
Lohasav : This is very useful in anemia, liver and spleen disorder.
Conclusion
Widely advocated as a very good digestive herb, Ajwain seeds effectively treats and cures a wide range of ailments such as gas, bloating, indigestion, cold and cough, asthma, arthritis and pain. However if taken in excess quantity it may lead to digestive discomfort like heartburn, chest pain, bleeding disorders and mouth ulcers. As this medicine does not have any reported adverse effects in normal dosage, you can consume this and reap its benefits with a proper doctor’s consultation.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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