Dr. Sangeeta Pahuja
Ajwain is an Indian spice and also known as carom seeds, ajwain caraway or bishop weeds. Both the leaves and seed like fruits of the plant can be consumed. In Ayurveda Ajwain is used in many herbal formulations and can treat various disorders.
One quote is famous in Sanskrit “एकाजवानी शतमन्ना पचिका।।“which means alone ajwain can treat many diseases. In Ayurveda book of Bhavprakash Nighantu it has been described in the following manner
यवानी पाचनी रुच्या तिक्षुष्ण कटुका लघु।
तथा तिक्त पित्तला शुक्र शूल हृत
वातश्लेष्मो दुरानाह गुल्म प्लीहा कृमि प्रणुत।।
Which means Ajwain is pungent and bitter in taste. Light and dry in nature and Anthelmintic, increases the sperm quality and strengthen the spleen.
It has anti-microbial, antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and hepatoprotective properties. Antitussive, anti-flatulent, galactogogue, anti-fungal, hypolipidemic, diuretic bronchodilator, anti-filarial, emmenagogue hypoglycemic, digestive, carminative properties of Ajwain helps to pacify kapha.
Ajwain is rich in carbohydrates, fibre, protein, and fats. They also contain vitamins and minerals like niacin, thiamine, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. When consumed with black salt, relieves gaseous problem (1-3 grams should be consumed).
It is an excellent detox herb for the body and stimulates the liver function and keeps the spleen healthy. Ajwain helps to relieve congestion and improve the vital capacity of the lungs on regular consumption. It also reduces the breathing discomfort in Asthmatic patients.
Consuming Ajwain water is the best remedy to treat cold and flu. Soak 2 tbsp. of dry roasted Ajwain seeds in a cup of water overnight. Boil this water, strain, let it cool down and then have it. You can also mix the water well next morning, strain the water and have it on an empty stomach without boiling it.
Carom seeds are also good for the heart and act as a blood purifier. They have powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. This is due to its active compounds, thymol and carvacrol, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Consuming Ajwain with Aloe Vera juice maintain the blood sugar levels by regularizing insulin secretion and also improves semen secretion in males and enhances libido by regularizing the hormones.
It should not be consumed while pregnancy and lactation period. Ajwain has numerous benefits if taken the right way.
Follow Ayurveda and stay healthy.
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