Ajwain: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Anuja Bodhare
Last updated: Oct 22, 2024 Published on: Jul 17, 2022
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
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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 might be helpful for conditions like piles, abdominal tumours, abdominal pain, vomiting, mouth diseases, etc.1
The major constituent of ajvain is an essential oil called thymol which constitutes about 35-60%. The seed also contains
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
Did You Know?
Also Read: Guggul: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Ajvain is known to have many properties like:
Also Read: Methi (Fenugreek): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!
Based on my experience, I highly recommend incorporating ajwain into your daily diet routine. Other than its culinary uses, a protein present in ajwain has the potential to stop calcium oxalate buildup and may serve as the basis to alleviate the occurence of kidney stones.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Ajvain might help reduce irregular pains of the intestines and stomach in both adults and children. Taking ajvain with common salt and warm water may relieve any colicky (sharp pain in the intestines) pain due to gas accumulation, indigestion, and infections in the intestine. Ajvain might be taken with buttermilk to relieve digestion-related problems. Consult your doctor before taking it for any condition.1
A mixture of ajwain and ginger might be prescribed by your doctor in cases of chronic bronchitis and asthma. This mixture might help expel mucous and may improve the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and asthma. It might also be helpful for chronic colds and cough. Consuming warm water after chewing ajvain might help reduce cough. Chewing betel leaf with ajvain might help with dry cough. It is, however essential to consult your doctor before taking it for these conditions.1
Ajvain seeds might be helpful for diabetes. Powdered neem leaves might be taken with warm milk along with powdered ajvain and cumin seeds. This combination might help in reducing blood sugar levels. However, it is essential to consult your physician before taking this. Moreover, a condition like diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.[1]
Smelling ajvain seeds wrapped in a tissue might help in dealing with migraines. Ajvain seeds may also be burnt and inhaled to deal with other problems related to the head.4 However, such effects need to be proved by further research. Moreover, it is essential to consult a doctor before using ajvain for any apparent health benefits.
Ajvain seed oil might be helpful for pain related to arthritis. This oil might be used for massage in the affected joints regularly to alleviate pain in rheumatic arthritis.4 Kindly consult a doctor before using it.
Consuming ajvain seeds might be a natural way to help deal with diarrhoea or dysentery. A handful of ajvain seeds may be boiled and taken in a glass of water. This mixture can be cooled and consumed for diarrhoea.4 However, such effects need to be ascertained by further research.
Ajvain seeds might also be used as an insecticide. Moreover, they may also be used for poisonous insect bites.4
Though there are studies that show the potential uses of ajvain in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of ajvain on human health.
Also Read: Cardamom: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Be careful when consuming ajwain! Most individuals may safely use ajwain in their diets, though I recently read an article suggesting pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers avoid it. Ajwain’s constituents may potentially result in birth abnormalities or miscarriages. It is essential to be mindful of this potential risk.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Ajvain seeds might be used as it is or they can be used in powder form. Your ayurvedic doctor will prescribe you the correct form and dosage for use for your condition. Kindly refer to your doctor for advice
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
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 might lead to some side effects.
It is important to keep these points in mind when using ajvain seeds:
Ajvain might interact with unknown drugs. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before using ajvain for its potential health benefits.
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 beneficial properties.[1]
The common names of ajvain include ajwain, jevain, oma, omam, yom, omu, vamu, yamini, oman, jain, yaminiki, yavan, and more.[2]
In India, ajvain is commonly found in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.6
Ajvain seeds might be helpful for tooth pain. Using clove oil, ajvain oil, and water might help to deal with toothache, tooth decay, and bad mouth odour. It may help maintain oral hygiene.4 However, please consult a dentist for dental problems and do not self-medicate.
A paste can be prepared from ajvain seeds and may be applied on any affected part of the face or body to help with itching, boils, and eczema (a condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough). In case of acne, powdered ajvain seeds might be taken with yoghurt and applied to the face. This remedy may help manage acne scars.4 However, more research is required to prove these effects.
Consuming buttermilk with ajvain seeds and rock salt might help reduce the bleeding in piles.4 However, please consult a doctor before using such a remedy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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Total weight of nutrients as measured in grams and as mentioned in the table above is far more than the total of 100g whereas all measures should not exceed 100g. I wonder how?