This article is reviewed by an expert
Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, is a tiny but mighty spice. Besides being a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various health issues.
Ajwain packs a powerful punch when it comes to promoting overall wellness. This article explores 10 such health benefits of ajwain you should know about. Read on to discover how this humble spice could improve your health in unexpected ways.
Nutritional value of ajwain
A seed of ajwain contains the following: [1]
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 38.6% |
| Protein | 15.4% |
| Fiber | 11.9% |
| Tannins, glycosides, moisture | 8.9% |
| Saponins, flavone, and mineral matter | 7.1% |
10 Benefits of consuming Ajwain
Here are ten ways consuming ajwain can improve your health:
- Aids Digestion
Ajwain is known for its digestive properties, which can help alleviate bloating, indigestion, and constipation. [2]
- Reduces Inflammation
Ajwain contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation and body pain. [2]
- Boosts Immunity
The essential oils in ajwain have antimicrobial properties that can help strengthen your immune system and ward off infections. [3]
- Improves Respiratory Health
Ajwain has been used to treat respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis for centuries. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help clear congestion and promote easier breathing. [4]
- Lowers Blood Pressure
Ajwain positively affects blood pressure levels, making it a potential natural remedy for hypertension. [5]
- Relieves Menstrual Cramps
The pain-relieving properties of ajwain can help ease menstrual cramps and reduce discomfort during your period. [6]
- Supports Heart Health
When consumed with warm water, ajwain seeds help stimulate the heart and relieve chest pain. [6]
- Promotes Healthy Skin
The essential oils in ajwain have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can help keep your skin healthy and clear.[7]
- Improves Oral Health
Chewing on ajwain seeds can help freshen your breath, fight bad bacteria in your mouth, and promote healthy gums. [6]
- Relieves Headaches
The analgesic properties of ajwain can help alleviate headaches and migraines. [6]
How to consume ajwain
If you’re interested in using ajwain in your cooking or for its medicinal properties, it’s important to know how to consume it properly. Ajwain has a strong, pungent flavour that can add a unique taste to your dishes. Here are a few ways you can consume ajwain:
- In cooking
You can add ajwain to dishes like curries, lentils, and vegetables to enhance their flavour. It gives a distinct aroma and taste. You can add it to your recipes, either whole or ground.
- As a tea
You can make ajwain tea by boiling a teaspoon of ajwain seeds in a cup of water for a few minutes. You can add honey or lemon to the tea to enhance the taste.
- In a powder form
You can grind ajwain seeds into a powder and add it to your food or drinks. This is an excellent option if you want to incorporate ajwain into your diet but don’t like the taste of the seeds.
- Chewed raw
Another way to consume ajwain is by chewing it raw. It has a strong flavor, so you may want to start with a small amount and drink water immediately over it.
- In oil form
Ajwain oil is also available in the market and can be used for various purposes such as massage, aromatherapy, or adding to food.
Remember to use ajwain in moderation, as it has a strong flavour and may have potential side effects if consumed excessively. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health concerns, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before consuming ajwain.
FAQs
- What are ajwain water benefits?
Ajwain water benefits include aiding digestion, relieving constipation, and reducing inflammation. [2]
- What are the benefits of ajwain leaves benefits?
Ajwain leaves (frozen) have excellent antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from inflammation. [8]
- What are ajwain plant benefits?
Ajwain plant benefits include treating gastrointestinal issues, diarrhoea, and arthritis. [9]
- What are ajwain benefits for males?
Ajwain benefits for males include improving sexual health when consumed in a dried form. [10]
- How long does an ajwain plant take to grow?
It can usually take up to 15 days for the ajwain seedling to emerge. You can harvest it after around 6-7 weeks.
Conclusion
Ajwain has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. From aiding digestion to improving respiratory health, the benefits of Ajwain are numerous and surprising. This tiny seed is a powerhouse of antioxidants and essential oils that add flavor to our food and provide a range of health benefits.
Incorporating Ajwain into your diet can help you improve your overall health and well-being. However, it’s important to remember that Ajwain is not a substitute for medical treatment. You should always consult a healthcare professional before using it for health-related issues.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice or treatment.
References:
- Carum copticum L.: A Herbal Medicine with Various Pharmacological Effects. 25 June 2014
- Pharmaceutical Benefits and Multidimensional uses of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.). 2021
- Antimicrobial core–shell electrospun nanofibers containing Ajwain essential oil for accelerating infected wound healing.
- Biological Evaluation and Comparison of Nigella sativa (Kalonji) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain). 2019
- Ajwain as non-antibiotic growth promoter in Broiler industry: A review. January 2019
- Medicinal value of carom seeds –An overview.
- Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal activity of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) in different solvent. 2018
- Comparative study of antioxidant activity of polyphenols isolated from frozen and fresh leaves of Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain). 2015
- A panoramic view on phytochemical, nutritional, ethanobotanical uses and pharmacological values of Trachyspermum ammi Linn.
- TRACHYSPERMUM AMMI: ANCIENT UNANI MEDICINE FOR MODERN CURE, A REVIEW OF POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS. 13 November 2016.
