Ajwain Benefits, Uses & More

Remember when we used to have an upset stomach and our mother used to give us either a pale brown drink or a few tiny seeds with water? Those seeds are Ajwain. These are grown on a small plant in the rabi season. This ajwain plant belongs to the Apiaceae family. Some other plants also fall under this category like cumin, coriander, parsley, dill, etc.

Did you know these tiny little seeds are known by many other names as well? Here’s a short list of it:

• Carom seeds
• Bishop’s weed
• Omam (in Tamil)
• Vāmu (in Telugu)
• Ajowan caraway
• Wild parsley
• Ethiopian cumin
• Thymol seeds

This worldwide famous spice is popular in India and is used in various traditional recipes, either in the form of raw seeds or Ajwain powder. Its most utilized part is the small caraway-like fruit. This is particularly used in various snacks, savory pastries, and many Indian recipes. It is also used as a flavor enhancer among various global cuisines. One would easily understand the aromatic odor and taste of ajwain in their meals.

History and Origin

In India, Rajasthan and Gujarat are the 2 major states for producing Ajwain. However, Rajasthan alone produces about 90% of India’s total production.

The uses of Ajwain are diverse and Ajwain benefits were recognized many years ago. In ancient Egypt, its seeds were commonly used in medicines. Even Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicinal systems used ajwain to treat digestive and respiratory conditions.

Back then this spice was sold in Ethiopian markets by a popular name of that time - Bishop’s seeds. Around the period of the Middle Ages, the residents of Asia and Europe used Ajwain as a potherb for treating indigestion concerns.

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Ajwain

Are Ajwain’s benefits restricted to treating digestion problems? No, that’s not the case. Just like its uses, Ajwain ke fayde are also diverse. The nutritional values it possesses help manage various health conditions.

Treating Some Diseases With Ajwain

Digestive Health

Overeating, fast eating, or unhealthy dietary habits have become a part of this modern world. From young children to adults, every individual commonly makes these eating mistakes. Therefore, in turn, they have to suffer from digestive problems like bloating, acidity, gastric problems, etc. 

One can not always rely on pills for relief from indigestion discomfort. Therefore, Ayurveda suggests everyone to rather rely on natural remedies as they are always safe to consume. The Ajwain water benefits is one of the solutions, mixed with black salt, which will relieve bloating and indigestion. Else, you can also mix it with fennel seeds and consume it with water. 

Ajwain water home remedy for indigestion and acidity. To prepare it, simply add lightly roasted Ajwain seeds to a glass of warm water. Ajwain can also be used for relief from constipation in patients, thanks to its natural laxative properties.

Respiratory Problems

Not just digestive issues, but some common respiratory problems can also be treated with ajwain. Let’s check which ones are those and how to attain them. 

The ajwain’s antiviral and antibacterial properties will keep your common cold and cough at bay. It also helps with expelling mucus and relieving congestion.
Is sore throat disturbing you from speaking clearly? Worry not! Ajwain’s soothing properties will alleviate them effortlessly. 

By improving respiratory health, uses of ajwain will automatically boost the immune power of the body. But how to attain these benefits? 

• A mixture of ajwain and ginger
• Chewing ajwain seeds with warm water
• Chewing betel leaf with ajwain
• Paste of ajwain seeds and jaggery by heating them 
• Ajwain powder 

Diabetes

The oil of Ajwain is a good choice for the management of diabetes. It effectively inhibits the key enzymes that help with the easy breakdown of carbs and glucose levels management. To attain such benefits of ajwain to control diabetes, there are various home remedies: 

• Ajwain tea mixed with fennel and cinnamon powder
• Add to curries or rotis
• Ajwain powder, etc. 

Make sure you understand that such home remedies are not a complete way of treating a disease. These are just an additional natural remedy for easy management. You must consult a health expert before. 

Inflammation

Yes, it is true that ajwain indeed has anti-inflammatory effects. This property can provide you with various benefits such as 

• Relief from pain
• Prevention from various chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
• Improved oral health
• Soothing skin, etc. 

According to the ancient remedy of Ayurveda, ajwain water will benefit you. This is the best way to utilize the anti-inflammatory effects of ajwain. The antibiotic compounds it contains will show significant results from redness, itching, and pain caused by an inflammatory skin disease.  

Joint Health 

Often the inflammation also captures the joints causing discomfort. We read before that ajwain with its anti-inflammatory qualities fights it off. The  Benefits of Ajwain in easing pain during chronic health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. It is because of its anesthetic properties that will help soothe pain and swelling in the joints. 

Hence, now you can prevent inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain in joints but these tiny seeds. As they might look tiny but are filled with endless advantages. 

Besides these benefits, ajwain benefits for male are also popular, including sexual health, blood pressure, cholesterol, premature greying, etc.

Usage of Ajwain at Home

Indians are taught in childhood about the usage and benefits of different home spices for gaining relief from common health concerns by their elders. Ajwain is one of them. As we discussed a bit of information about Ajwain's uses on how it is widely used in different cuisines and in different ways. We will dive deeper into this topic. If you wonder about what ways to enjoy ajwain in dishes or use it for your seasonal health complaints, we got you!

Cooking

Ajwain, a versatile spice has a sharp pungent taste similar to thyme, oregano, or cumin. For cooking it can be used in various ways.

• Sprinkle over roasted vegetables
• Put in some while kneading a dough for pranthas, rotis, or puris. 
• Sprinkle over biscuits or breads while baking
• Mix with fennel seeds to use it as a mouth freshener after meals
• Add it to pickles, chutneys, sauces, or jams (while preparing) 

Oral Health

Struggling with toothache or gum problems? These tiny seeds will help you. Apply a paste of ajwain seeds mixed with water on the affected areas. 

The second benefit for your oral health is, that chewing on its raw seeds will freshen up your breath. 

Mosquito Repellent

Mustard oil and ajwain seeds are mixed well and applied to the corners of the furniture pieces near the bed. This will work as a natural repellent. This is better than the devices that are marketized. As those are harmful to human health as well. 

Period Cramps

Ajwain benefits for females, whether they are teenage girls or adults, include relieving period cramps and excessive bloating during the menstrual cycle. Ajwain seeds are an effective solution for these cramps. Women of any age can consume them during their monthly cycle. With proper rest and heat, it will surely work.

Hair and Skin

Ajwain seeds if introduced to your meals regularly will reflect its benefits physically. It will make your hair and skin more healthier, stronger, and smoother. 

Immunity 

Consuming ajwain leaf juice with honey every morning is a healthy and fresh way to start your day. The uses of Ajwain leaves help with boosting immunity and weight management. Even children and infants can consume it regularly for immunity boosting.

Ajwain Side Effects

Well, there are no particular side effects of natural spices and herbs unless they are consumed in the wrong manner or in the wrong dosage. Similar is the case with Ajwain. With its overconsumption, there are some possible side effects. That includes: 

• Dizziness
• Stop fetal development
• It can cause gas, which in turn results in acidity
• Harmful for peptic ulcer patients due to its working properties

Therefore, it is advised to the readers to consume any herb or spices including ajwain in the right amount only. If you have any questions related to it, you can consult our experts anytime. 

Summary

The spices have been a part of our traditional cuisines since ancient times. Yet the majority of people are unaware of a lot of their benefits. Therefore, such informational blogs are shared with every reader globally so that we stay connected to our roots and prefer natural healing methods over painkillers.