Ajwain in your kitchen? Learn about its other benefits
Ajwain, also known as Trachyspermumammi is a plant that produces small seed-like fruits similar to cumin. Ajwain has a special place in Indian cuisine, but it can help in improving health too. Derived from a herb plant, even ajwain leaves are beneficial, but the seeds are the most popular. It has a strong bitterness with a strong aroma like thyme. The “seeds”, which are fruits, are usually ground and used in spice mixtures. It is also used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine to deal with many problems. These are healing systems that include the belief that a person’s overall health and well-being depend on the balance between his/her body, mind, and spirit.
C. copticum or Ajwain belongs to the Apiaceae plant, the main components of which are thymol and carvacrol. C. copticum seeds have a variety of important medicinal properties such as antipyretic, antitussive, antispasmodic, cardiovascular, respiration, liver protection, urogenital, gastrointestinal, anthelmintic, antibacterial, and lipid-lowering effects.
Some of the health benefits of Ajwain:
Helps in Digestive Health
It is a well-known fact that ajwain seeds help digestion and, when taken after a heavy meal, can help relieve discomforts, abdominal pain, and bloating caused by indigestion. Also, these small seeds are often dry roasted to increase their flavor and properties. Ajwain seeds contain a small amount of oil called ajwain oil. Also called thymo, it is commonly used to treat issues related to digestion. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. The active enzyme of ajwain improves the flow of stomach acid and helps to relieve indigestion, bloating and gas. This plant is useful not only for gastric ulcers, but also for treating wounds in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
A person with an improved digestive system will always feel lighter and happier every day, and they will be able to lead their daily life in a healthier way. This enzyme present in Ajwainpromotes the release of gastric fluid. This also takes care of any hyperacidity and heartburn you may be experiencing. If a person experiencing any of these discomforts, after each meal, swallow a pinch of ajwain seeds with water and continue for at least two weeks they can see the difference.
Prevention of Infection
Many of the essential oils in ajwain, most notably the ones like thymol and carvacrol, can help to fight the growth of bacteria and fungi. They may also help to fight bacteria which can lead to food poisoning and other stomach issues (salmonella and E. coli). These seeds can be used to heal small cuts and wounds and prevent the spread of infection. To treat such cuts naturally, apply the Ajwain seed paste to the bruise for a few minutes. Then wipe it away with a washed cloth. Also, the wound can also be washed with Ajwain seed water for better benefits.
Lower blood pressure
Thymol in Ajwain may help prevent calcium from entering the blood vessels of the heart and lower blood pressure. Again, it is the existence of thymol that does the trick. The ajwain seed thymol acts as a calcium chain blocker. This helps lower blood pressure when it is high. Calcium blockers work by preventing calcium from entering the heart cells. Therefore, blood vessels function smoothly, and blood pressure levels are controlled. Hypertension patients must make sure they do not use Ajwain as a form of medication but only as an aid.
The lipid-lowering effect of C. copticum seeds had been studied in rabbits. In these studies, methanolic extract of the plant (2 g/kg) significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol (71%, 53%, and 63%, resp.) and increased HDL up to 60% which was comparable to the effect of simvastatin (0.6 mg/kg). It was also suggested that the antilipidemic effect of the plant is possibly due to enhanced removal or catabolism of lipoproteins and inhibition of HMG COA reductase. In addition, it was shown that C. copticum seed powder was also effective in increasing the secretion of lipase and amylase from the pancreas gland in rats.
Cough and Congestion Relief
Ajwain relieves cough and removes mucus from the nose, both of which make breathing easier. It also helps in widening the bronchial tubes, which can help those suffering from asthma. For a blocked nose, the Ajwainseeds can be boiled in water and used for steam inhalation after the fire is turned off. You can also tie a spoonful of ajwain seeds into a small handkerchief with a thread. Heat the iron pan with a stove and press this ajwain knot against the hot pan. Immediately squeeze the hot knot over the congested area. Make sure the temperature of the ajwain knot can be withstood by the skin.
Toothache Relief
Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of thymol and other essential oils, ajwain also helps in relieving the pain associated with toothache. Thymol also helps improve oral health by fighting the bacteria and fungi in one’s mouth. To relieve a toothache, you may need to mix a spoon of ajwain with a pinch of salt in heat water and gargle with the water. Ensure that it touches the spot where it hurts. You also can gargle with this water often to hold dental hygiene.
Arthritis Pain Relief
Ajwain also helps reduce pain and swelling. The fruit can be crushed, then made into a paste, and applied to the skin around the joints to treat the pain of arthritis. You can also put warm water in the tub and add a little seed to it for a soothing bath.
Nutrition
Rich in dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, Ajwaincan be chewed in its raw form, but if you find it spicy, you can drink it with water or add it to tea. In fact, nutritionists suggest adding them to Roti and Paratha. Ajwain, even after being rich in fiber and minerals, does not give enough nutrition to your body. One can safely consume one to two spoons of Ajwain on a daily basis, but it is best not to have more than that. Since only a low amount of it is used, not much nutrition can be acquired from it.
How Ajwain is used in cooking
Ajwain is a common ingredient in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is usually ground just before use and added during the final cooking stage.
The whole dried ajwain is easily available everywhere. It can be easily found online at spice stores, or at grocery stores in India and the Middle East. As we all know, ajwain can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Creation of Ajwain Paratha for Indian bread.
- Make delicious chicken, fish, beans, and lentil curry.
- Seasoning of meat, rice, soup, sauce.
- Mix with fenugreek, turmeric, and mustard seeds to make a pickling solution.
- Boil it with water to make ajwain water (grandma) to relieve indigestion and helpweight loss.
Ajwain Water
Ajwain water is good for weight loss and relieves acidity.
- Take 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Add carom seeds to the water.
- Mix well, boil for 8-10 minutes.
- Once boiled, strain the Ajwain Water using a strainer.
- Keep aside and cool slightly.
- Serve Ajwain Water warm.
A single serving (one teaspoon) of ajwain contains:
- Calories: 5
- Protein: less than 1 gram
- Fat: less than 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 0 grams
It also contains:
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Essential fatty acids
In addition to other health benefits, regular intake of ajwain tea has shown a decrease in sugar content in diabetics. This tea should be taken after meals to aid digestion. Make tea with a teaspoon of ajwain seeds, a tablespoon of saunf (fennel seeds), and a pinch of cinnamon powder in a glass of water. Consume for about 30 minutes after meals. Ajwain mixed with lukewarm water can relieve stomach and back pain. However, make sure that since ajwain is warm in nature and if you have a heavy period, you should stay away from it.
Even thoughAjwain is a food rich in nutrition, it should be avoided by pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, as it can cause birth defects and even miscarriage.
As we now know Ajwain has lots of health benefits that naturally makes it one of the necessities of every household, it can also be used in medical industries. This plant may have therapeutic value in the treatment of various diseases. And so, further clinical studies on the various effects of C.copticum and its main components are recommended. Once significant clinical results are found, it is necessary to manufacture industrial medicines suitable for clinical use.
