Introduction:

Ajvain (Carum copticum), also called bishops weed, is a herb that is used as a spice and a major ingredient in different types of medicines. Ajvain is thought to have originated in Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region. Ajvain is extensively cultivated in black soil, especially along the riverbank in Egypt and several other countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and India. The seeds of ajvain are small yet have a hot, penchant, and bitter taste. Ajvain functions as a stomachic (promoting appetite or aiding in digestion) and laxative and is used as an appetiser. It is an effective remedy for managing conditions like piles, abdominal tumours, abdominal pain, vomiting, mouth diseases, etc.[1]

Nutritional Value of Ajwain:

The major constituent of ajvain is an essential oil called thymol which constitutes about 35-60%. The seed also contains compounds like p-cymene, limonene, α-pinene, and γ-terpinene. Ajvain Seeds also comprise protein, fat, fibre, minerals, calcium, iron, phosphorous, carotene, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and carbohydrates. In 100 grams of ajvain, the nutrients found are:^1,[2]

                                                 Table 1: Nutritional value of ajwain²

Also Read: Guggul: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Potential Uses of Ajwain:

Ajvain is known to have many medicinal properties like:

• Anthelminthic (acts against parasitic worms)
• Analgesic (pain-relieving)
• Antibacterial (inhibiting bacteria or killing them)
• Antifungal (killing or stopping the growth of fungal organisms)
• Antiviral activity (acts against viruses)
• Antitussive (cough suppressing)
• Antiplatelet
• Antihyperlipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) activity
• Diuretic (increases the flow of urine)
• Antiinflammatory
• Detoxificant (removal of toxic substances from the body)
• Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting)
• Antioxidant
• Digestive stimulant
• Antiulcer
• Antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering)³

Also Read: Methi (Fenugreek): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Benefits of Ajwain:

1. Benefits of ajwain for digestion:

Ajvain helps reduce irregular pains of the intestines and stomach in both adults and children. Taking ajvain with common salt and warm water can relieve any colicky (sharp pain in the intestines) pain due to gas accumulation, indigestion, and infections in the intestine. Ajvain can be taken with buttermilk to relieve digestion-related problems. Consult your doctor before taking it to manage any condition.¹

2. Benefits of ajwain for respiratory problems:

A mixture of ajwain and ginger can be taken in cases of chronic bronchitis and asthma. This mixture helps expel mucous and improves the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and asthma. It is also effective in managing chronic colds. Ajvain is also helpful in managing cough. Consuming warm water after chewing ajvain reduces cough. Chewing betel leaf with ajvain helps control and manage the dry cough. It is, however essential to consult your doctor before taking it to manage these conditions.¹

3. Benefits of ajwain for diabetes:

Ajvain seeds are useful in managing diabetes. Powdered neem leaves can be taken with warm milk along with powdered ajvain and cumin seeds. This combination can be consumed for reducing blood sugar levels. However, it is essential to consult your physician before taking this combination.[3]

4. Benefits of ajwain for migraine:

Smelling ajvain seeds wrapped in a tissue can help in dealing with migraines. Ajvain seeds can also be burnt and inhaled to deal with other problems related to the head.⁴

5. Benefits of ajwain for arthritis:

Ajvain seed oil is very helpful in managing pain related to arthritis. This oil can be massaged in the affected joints regularly to alleviate pain in rheumatic arthritis.⁴

6. Benefits of ajwain for diarrhoea:

Consuming ajvain seeds are a natural way to manage diarrhoea or dysentery. A handful of ajvain seeds can be boiled and taken in a glass of water. This mixture can be cooled and consumed for managing diarrhoea.⁴

7. Benefits of ajwain for menstrual problems:

Women having problems like irregular menses and excessive bleeding can consume ajvain water. Grind a handful of ajvain seeds in water and drink this mixture to deal with this problem.⁴

8. Other benefits of ajwain:

Ajvain seeds are also used as an insecticide. Moreover, they are also used to manage poisonous insect bites.⁴

Also Read: Cardamom: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Side Effects of Ajwain:

When consumed in moderation, ajvain seeds do not produce any harmful side effects. However, in people suffering from conditions like diverticulitis (pain and inflammation in small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive tract), ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), and liver diseases, excess intake of ajvain can lead to some side effects.

• Ajvain seeds stimulate gastric secretions, which can worsen any existing peptic ulcers. It is essential to consult a doctor if this effect is observed.
• Overconsumption of ajvain can also lead to nausea, skin irritation, vomiting, allergy, and headache in some people.⁴

Precautions to Take With Ajwain:

It is important to keep these points in mind when using ajvain seeds:

• People having peptic ulcers and liver disease must avoid consuming ajvain.
• Ajvain seeds cannot be stored for a long period.
• It is essential to store ajvain seeds in an air-tight bottle in a cool and dry environment.
• They must be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight.⁴

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is ajwain?

Ajvain (Trachyspermum Ammi L.) seeds are obtained from a herbal plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is called by different names like bishops weed, carom, or ajowan caraway. It has several medicinal properties.[4]

What are the other names of ajvain?

The common names of ajvain include ajwain, jevain, oma, omam, yom, omu, vamu, yamini, oman, jain, yaminiki, yavan, and more.[5]

Where is ajwain found in India?

In India, ajvain is commonly found in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.⁶

Can ajwain be used for dental problems?

Yes, ajvain seeds can be used to manage tooth pain. Using clove oil, ajvain oil, and water can help to deal with toothache, tooth decay, and bad mouth odour. It is an efficient way to maintain oral hygiene.⁴

Can ajwain be used for skin-related problems?

Yes, a paste can be prepared from ajvain seeds and applied on any affected part of the face or body to manage the itching, boils, and eczema (a condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough). In case of acne, powdered ajvain seeds can be taken with yoghurt and applied to the face. This remedy can help manage acne scars.⁴

Can ajwain be used to treat piles?

Yes, consuming buttermilk with ajvain seeds and rock salt helps reduce the bleeding in piles.⁴

References:

1. Rashmi Yadav, Chandan Kumar Pradhan, Deepika Gupta, Rahul Kaoshik; Health benefits of Indian aromatic plant ajwain (Tachychpermum Ammi). International Jounral of pharmacy and technology. 2011 3(3): 1356-1366. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317041607_Health_benefits_of_Indian_aromatic_plant_Ajwain_Trachycpermum_ammi/link/592d01d50f7e9b9979b38e9c/download
2. U.S Department of agriculture. Ajwain seed whole organic spices. [Internet] Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/806341/nutrients
3. Mohammad M. Zarshenas, Mahmoodreza Moein, Soliman Mohammadi Samani, Peyman Petramfar; An overview on ajwain (trachyspermum ammi) pharmacologica; effects; Modern and traditional. 2014 Jan 14(1). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262001210_An_Overview_on_Ajwain_Trachyspermum_ammi_Pharmacological_Effects_Modern_and_Traditional/link/0a85e5363504f3bc28000000/download
4. Pooja Dhiman, Kanika Soni, Sandeep singh; Medicinal value of carom seeds- An overview. Pharmatutor magazine. 2014, 2(3): 119-123. Available from: https://www.pharmatutor.org/pdf_download/pdf/Vol.%202,%20Issue%203,%20March%202014,%20PharmaTutor,%20Paper-14.pdf
5. Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian, Wenli Sun, Qi Cheng; Pharmaceutical benefits and multidimensional uses of ajwain (trachyspermum ammi L.) 11(2): 138-141. Available from: https://phcogcommn.org/content/310
6. Monawara Begum, B.P Sharma and S.M Barbhuiya Aziz; Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological science of trachyspermum ammi (ajwain): A systematic review. 2021 12(11): 5690-5697. Available from: https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/ethnobotanical-phytochemical-and-pharmacological-science-of-trachyspermum-ammi-ajwain-a-systematic-review/

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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