CHENNAI: Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) is a petite annual herb adorned with branched stems and intricately divided leaves. Its delicate white flowers bloom in compound umbels, yielding small brown fruits characterised by their aromatic essence.
Within these fruits lie the seeds, enclosed within compressed mericarps boasting distinct ridges and a textured surface.
Originating from the Middle East and spreading across the Indian subcontinent, ajwain finds its cultivation in regions such as India, Iran, Egypt, and Afghanistan.
Ajwain holds a distinguished place in the culinary world for its digestive prowess and antiseptic qualities.
Its usage spans diverse cultural practices, ranging from its application in alleviating abdominal discomfort stemming from indigestion to its role in infant care. In the southern regions of India, dry ajwain seeds undergo a meticulous process of powdering, soaking in milk, and subsequent filtration before being administered. This age-old remedy is believed to assuage colic and augment digestion and appetite in young ones.
Moreover, Ajwain also extends its utility to the domain of animal husbandry. A common fixture in digestive mixtures for large animals. Ajwain continues to permeate various facets of life, underscoring its enduring relevance and multifaceted utility.
Treats Common ColdAjwain helps in avoiding nasal blockage by discharging the mucus easily. Prepare a paste of ajwain seeds and jaggery by heating it and take 2 teaspoons of it twice a day to feel better. This also helps in dealing with respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis. To provide relief from a migraine headache, take ajwain powder in a thin cloth and inhale it frequently or keep it under your pillow.
Two drops of ajwain oil are enough. For instant relief from tooth-ache, gargle with a mix of lukewarm water, 1 teaspoon of ajwain and salt. Simply inhaling the fumes of burning ajwain seeds can do wonders for an aching tooth. Besides this, it acts as a great mouth wash and maintains good oral hygiene.
A component called thymol in ajwain seeds acts as a strong fungicide and germicide. Thus, ajwain seeds can be crushed and applied on the skin to treat infections or cuts. So if next time you come across any such injury, bring carom seeds to your rescue
Oma water is an ayurvedic marvel, especially for women. It cures the problem of indigestion for pregnant ladies by cleaning the uterus and stomach and solves the issue of irregular periods. Oma water is also often given to babies to reduce the problem of gas that causes discomfort. To prepare ajwain water, boil 2 teaspoons of roasted ajwain seeds in water. Strain this mixture and drink. You can add 1 teaspoon of honey for flavour. Drinking ajwain water regularly is known to enhance your rate of metabolism, burns fat and thus helps in losing weight.
Ajwain seeds help in halting pre-mature greying of hair. To prepare this mixture, add curry leaves, dry grapes, sugar and carom seeds in a single cup of water and cook. Drink one glass of this every day until you start seeing the results.
If your market bought mosquito repellent fails to work, you can always make one at home. Combine mustard oil with ajwain seeds and apply on cardboard pieces which you can tie in the corners of your room to ward off mosquitoes. Using this spice as a repellent fills your house with a beautiful scent unlike the fumes released from coils.
"Ajwain powder is especially useful in lightening acne scars. Apply a paste on the affected area for 10-15 minutes and then rinse," advises Dr. Sinha. This effective home remedy can come to great help in getting rid of dirt from the skin.
Ajwain seeds possess two qualities that help them fight arthritis. They have antibiotic properties that reduce redness and combat inflammation, and they possess anaesthetic properties that soothe the pain and swelling. As a home remedy, you can apply the paste of crushed seeds on the joints or soak in a tub of hot water with a handful of carom seeds.
You can also eat ajwain mixing it with teaspoon of sugar after eating food if you are suffering from gastria problems.