What are the Health Benefits of Ajwain?

Ajwain is the Hindi name of carom seeds. It is also known as bishop’s weed or ajowan and it has been in use since ancient times. The leaves and fruit of this plant are quite useful. When one says “carom seeds” that technically means fruit and seeds literally. The fruit of this plant has a seed-like appearance and that’s why it is popularly known as carom seeds.

Ajwain or carom belongs to the family of Apiaceae that consists of fennel, cumin, and caraway too. Carom seeds carry a strong smell and the flavour is quite similar to oregano or anise. Many say that the smell of ajwain is almost similar to thyme because ajwain also has thymol component in them but ajwain is more aromatic and less delicate in taste.

In India, Rajasthan is known to be the largest producer of ajwain. Ajwain is quite a common ingredient in Indian and Irani cuisines.

Learn about the major benefits of ajwain below:

Instant medicine for indigestion or acidity:

Ajwain has many great health benefits but it is most popular as a home remedy for indigestion or acidity. When one is in utter stomachache for indigestion or burping due to acidity simply chewing some carom seeds would help a lot. One must chew the ajwain followed by the consumption of lukewarm water. The active enzymes in carom seeds help in boosting the digestive functions by enabling the release of gastric juices.

Relieving ear pain & toothache:

Ear pain due to cold or any other reason can be cured. One just needs to take 2 drops of ajwain oil and put it in the ear. Similarly, for toothache also, one can gargle with water that is boiled with 1 tablespoon of ajwain and half spoon of salt. Those who have tooth problems can use this water regularly. This ajwain water also provides good oral hygiene and works as a mouth-freshener.

Oma water or Ajwain water:

Oma water or ajwain water has been found very effective among pregnant women. It cures indigestion among pregnant ladies by curing the uterus and stomach. It also cures the irregular menstruation cycle. Just boil 2 tablespoons of roasted ajwain in 4-5 cups of water and bring it to boil. Cool, sieve, and store it for consumption.

Weight loss:

One can just prepare oma water or ajwain water as mentioned above and consume that daily. Drinking this water helps in weight loss by enhancing the rate of metabolism and burning fat faster. If one finds the taste bitter, a few drops of honey can be mixed.

Repels mosquitoes:

Maybe this one is not a direct health benefit but one cannot ignore it too. If mosquitoes keep on flying around, it may suck blood leaving marks and swelling of the skin. And sometimes it may lead to other diseases. So, one can use a combination of mustard oil and ajwain seeds and apply it on cardboard pieces and simply hang it at corners of a room. It repels mosquitoes easily and keeps one safe from the headache-causing mosquito-repelling coils.

Cure for the common cold:

Carom seeds is a great agent to treat the common cold. One can prepare a paste of ajwain seeds and jaggery. Simply heat the jaggery and add ajwain seeds in it. Consumption of this mixture twice a day s very effective in killing common cold and its related problems like blocked nose or sneezing. Even people with asthma or bronchitis also heal from this medicinal mixture.

Effective skin cleanser:

Carom powder or ajwain powder has been found effective in lightening acne scars or marks. A paste made from ajwain powder, lemon juice, and rose water can be applied on the acne marks for 10-15 minutes. A regular application of this paste will provide glowing spot-free skin.