Ajwain (Carum copticum), also called bishop’s weed, is a herb that is used as a spice and a major ingredient in different types of medicines. It is thought to have originated in Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region. Ajwain is extensively cultivated in black soil, especially along the riverbanks in Egypt and several other countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and India. The seeds are small yet have a hot, pungent, and bitter taste. Ajwain functions as a stomachic (helping promote appetite or helping in digestion) and laxative, and is used as an appetiser. It may be helpful for conditions like piles, abdominal tumours, abdominal pain, vomiting, mouth diseases, etc1.
The major constituent of ajwain is an essential oil called thymol, which constitutes about 35-60%. The seed also contains compounds like β-pinene, para-cymene, α-pinene, limonene, and γ- and β-terpinenes3. Ajwain seeds also comprise protein, fat, fibre, minerals, calcium, iron, phosphorus, carotene, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and carbohydrates. In 100 grams of ajwain, the nutrients found are1,2:
Ajwain is known to have many properties like3:
Ajwain may help reduce irregular intestinal and stomach pain in both adults and children. Taking ajwain with common salt and warm water may relieve colicky pain (sharp intestinal pain) caused by gas, indigestion, or intestinal infections. It can also be taken with buttermilk to ease digestion-related issues1. Consult your doctor before taking it for any condition.
A mixture of ajwain and ginger may be prescribed by your doctor in cases of chronic bronchitis and asthma. This mixture might help expel mucus and may improve the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and asthma. It may also be helpful for chronic colds and coughs. Consuming warm water after chewing ajwain might help reduce a cough. Chewing betel leaf with ajwain might help with a dry cough1. It is, however, essential to consult your doctor before taking it for these conditions.
Ajwain seeds may be helpful for diabetes4. Powdered neem leaves can be taken with warm milk along with powdered ajwain and cumin seeds. This combination might help reduce blood sugar levels. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor before taking this. Moreover, a condition like diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Smelling ajwain seeds wrapped in a tissue may help in dealing with migraines3. Ajwain seeds can also be burned, and the fumes inhaled, to address other head-related issues1. However, such effects need to be proved by further research. Moreover, it is essential to consult a doctor before using ajwain for any apparent health benefits.
Ajwain seed oil may be helpful for pain related to arthritis3. This oil can be used regularly for massage on the affected joints to alleviate pain in rheumatic arthritis1. Kindly consult a doctor before using it.
Consuming ajwain seeds might be a natural way to help deal with diarrhoea or dysentery5. A handful of ajwain seeds can be boiled and added to a glass of water. This mixture can be cooled and consumed to help with diarrhoea. However, such effects need to be ascertained by further research.
Ajwain seeds might also be used as an insecticide6. Moreover, they may also be used for poisonous insect bites.
Although studies showing the potential uses of ajwain in various conditions are limited, there is a need for further research to establish the true extent of ajwain’s benefits on human health.
Ajwain 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.
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When consumed in moderation, ajwain 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 ajwain might lead to some side effects.
It is important to keep these points in mind when using ajwain seeds:
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Ajwain might interact with unknown medicines. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before using ajwain for its potential health benefits.
The common names of ajwain include ajwain, jevain, oma, omam, yom, omu, vamu, yamini, oman, jain, yaminiki, yavan, and more9.
Ajwain seeds might be helpful for tooth pain. Using clove oil, ajwain oil, and water might help to deal with toothache, tooth decay, and bad mouth odour. It may help maintain oral hygiene. However, please consult a dentist for dental problems and do not self-medicate.
A paste can be prepared from ajwain 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 ajwain seeds might be taken with yoghurt and applied to the face. This remedy may help manage acne scars. However, more research is required to prove these effects.
Consuming buttermilk with ajwain seeds and rock salt might help reduce the bleeding in piles9. 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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