Ajwain ( Carom seed ) - Digestive seed

 

           अजवाइन / यवानी / Ajwain ( Carom seeds – Trachysprmum ammi    )   

 

                 Ajwain is widely grown in arid and semi arid region , where soils contain high level of salts. Ajwain is a profusely branched annual herbs , 60 – 90  cm tall ,stem is striated. The stem is covered with an umbel  , having inflorescence nature . The umbel have 16 umbellets . The 16 umbellets further consist 16 flowers .The flower are of white colour and very small .The flower consists bi lobe petals which are present alternative to the stamens . Bothe the stamen and petal in are five in number . Its  seeds are derived from a herb plant of family Apiaceae ,they are small , oval in shaped seed  and are highly aromatic with pungent , bitter taste . Ajwain is a native of Egypt and  cultivated  in India , Asia and Iran . In India , it is cultivated in Madhya Pradesh  , UP ,Gujrat ,Maharashtra , Rajasthan , Bihar and West Bengal . Rajasthan produces maximum production of  Ajwain . The whole plant involves in treating ailment as every part cure some disease . The roots of its have diuretic activity and the seed are known as aphrodisiac, anti microbial , fungicide etc.  It has an aroma close to thyme as it contains Thymols .

 Ajwain others names  -  Family –Apiaceae 

·       Sanskrit ( Yamini , Deepyaka ) , English ( Carom seed , Bishop’s weed  ) , Hindi (Ajwain , Jevain ) , Marathi ( Onva ) , Kannada ( Oma , Ajmo , Yavan ) ,Tamil (Omam ) , Gujrathi ( Ajma , Ajmo ) , Bengali ( Yamani , Yauvan , Javan , Yavani ) , Telgu (Vamu ) , Punjabi (Jabain, Ajowan ) , Gujrati  ( Ajma , Ajmo , Yava, ) , Botanical name ( Trachyspermum ammi ) .

        Properties of Ajwain  seed -  

1.     Ajwain ayurvedic properties – Rasa ( Katu , Tikta ) , Guna ( Laghu , rooksha ) , Physical properties ( Light , dry ) , Virya ( Ushna ) , Potency ( Hot ) , Vipaka ( Katu , Metabolic property( Pungent ) . It helps to maintain Kapha and Vata dosha  . It also has a very strong Vata pacifying effect on the body  . It increase the  efficiency of Pitta doshas  . Ajwain helps to manage digestive problem by promoting digestive fire due to its  appetizer  property . It also help to digest the food easily  due to its  digestive  property and gives relief from flatulence. Thymol of Ajwain seed helps release gastric juice , and improve digestion .

2.      Other properties-     According to Ayurvedic Bhav Prakash Nighantu Sanhita , Ajwain seed is known to improve digestion , taste , promotes digestive fire ,and treat anorexia . It increase pitta and  good for abdominal pain ,indigestion and worm infestation. Ajwain is great for muscle spasms and  due to presence of thymol which also make great pain killer . This seed are rich source of fibre , vitamins , minerals  and natural anti-oxidant . Ajwain has anti-hypertensive and anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac properties. Its  seeds is bitter , pungent and acts as anthelmintic ,carminative , laxative and stomachic . Ajwain seeds also have anti-acid and anti-inflammatory properties and is used as remedial agent for flatulence ,atonic dyspepsia ,diarrhoea,  abdominal pain , piles , bronchial problem and  hiccup .

3.     Antifungal properties -  Ajwain seeds have powerful antibacterial properties which fight  against bacteria.  It also have antifungal properties because presence of oil exhibited a broad spectrum of fungitoxic behaviour against maximum tested fungi such as aspergillus, etc. This is most likely due to active ingredients , Thymol and Carvacrol , which have been shown to constrain bacterial and fungal growth .  Thymol of Ajwain seeds also act as germicides .

4.      loss of Appetite -  Appetizer action of Ajwain is due to its effects on the stomach and liver , In stomach , it modulates the gastric secretion and increase the digestive action .In Liver  , it is likely to minimize inflammation of hepatic tissue and treat fatty liver disease . In other ways we can say , Carom seed help with loss of appetite due to their ability to stimulate digestion and act as a natural appetite suppressant . The compound in carom seed may suppress appetite by sending signals to the brain .Carom seed is considered as a strong cleanser . It increase the appetite and boost digestion .

5.      Digestive system improvement  - The active enzymes in ajwain and Thymol are  help in boosting our digestive function by  facilitating the release of gastric juice . It is a good home remedy for constipation  . Due to its laxative property , ajwain helps to loosen stool and improve bowel  movement .It also takes care of any bloating , acidity , expulsion of gas from the digestive tract  and discomfort in the stomach due to its carminative properties . Carom seed can increase gastric acid secretion , which can enhance digestive health .This seeds also improved the activity of digestive enzymes and led to a higher secretion of bile acids .

Ajwain seed help kill the stomach worms by inhibiting some intracellular signalling in their bodies . Ajwain sat is also very effective in hookworm infection . Ajwain seeds possesses stimulant , antispasmodic  and carminative properties and is used traditionally as an important remedial agent flatulency , diarrhoeas' , abdominal pain , piles and bronchial problems .

Prevent intestinal infection and gut health - Ajwain may be minimize the risk of intestinal infection due to its anthelmintic properties . It interferes with the metabolism of parasites and inhibit their activity . It also help in contraction of the smooth muscles of the gut , thereby expelling the parasites from the body .Carom seed can help relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract , reducing discomfort. Antimicrobial properties and rich source of dietary fibre , which aid in digestion and help in ensuring a healthy metabolism and gastrointestinal health . Ajwain water is ideal solution for gut health ( weight loss aid , promotes digestive health , prevent infection , clean gut ) .

6.     Improving heart health and blood circulation - Drinking ajwain water every day in morning helps promote our heart health. It  have niacin and thymol , which improve blood circulation in heart and prevent it from other  disease also . Ajwain has anti-hyper lipidemic property and lower the level of total cholesterol , LDL ,and triglycerides . It also has anti-oxidant property which prevent lipid peroxidation and helps to fight against the damage caused by the free radicals . lipid peroxidation and helps to fight against the damage caused by the free radicals . Carom seed contain a great deal of fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids  , these two contribute to healthy cholesterol levels .

7.     Regulates Blood pressure – Ajwain is generally used traditional for controlling high blood pressure . The active plant enzyme Thymol in Ajwain works as an effective calcium channel blocker .This prevents calcium from entering the heart’s blood vessels , which inhibits and broaden the blood vessels , thereby lowering blood pressure . It exhibits antihypertensive properties that work well to control high blood pressure symptoms .

8.     Improving respiratory problem’s  - Ajwain seed have Broncho dilating effect ,which dilates the bronchial tubes in the lungs and gives relief in case of mild asthma , due to its antibacterial and anti-viral properties  . According to ayurveda , Ajwain may be help in asthma  because it balance an aggravated kapha . Ajwain helps to reduces microbial growth and thickness of mucus  , and also help to  bring out the mucus easily and help manage chronic bronchitis and asthma to great extent. It can help widen airways and reduce congestion in lungs. Carom seed has bacteriostatic , bactericidal and antibacterial action , which helps to fight off upper respiratory tract infection .

9.     Minimizing pain in Arthritis and others  - Ajwain has anti-biotic properties , this property helping in reducing redness and combat inflammation  in arthritis problem , due to it contain anti-inflammatory component , which can reduce inflammation , relief joint pain . Anaesthetic properties of carom seed that help in soothing pain and swelling from arthritis . The anti-inflammatory compound Thymol in Ajwain may helps to minimize pain and swelling of joints and bones .

10.  Relief in Urticaria  - Ajwain  seed combination with other product like jaggery , Turmeric  and  black pepper , minimize itching and a good treatment for Hives . It provide immediate relief to the itching of hives .

11.  Improve skin health – Ajwain has anti-inflammatory and curative properties , which is useful for treating oxidative free radicals damages due to the sunrays , hence treat the various signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine line , spots , dark circles et. . It also beneficial for lightening scars due to Acne , pimple and glowing skin .

12.  Thymol is essential oil obtained from Ajwain has local anaesthetic , antibacterial , and anti-fungal properties which very useful for us . Thymol germicides and anti-septic properties which are used in preparation of cold and cough remedies medicine  . Thymol of Ajwain work as an effective calcium channel blocker , this averts calcium from entering blood vessels of the heart which relaxes and expands blood vessels thereby lowering blood pressure.                              

Chemical properties of Ajwain  

1.        Ajwain contain near about  26 identified component  , in which Thymol (39.1%) was found as a major component along with cymene(30.8%), Gamma-terpinene(23.2.%),  oleic acid ( 10.4%) ,linoleic acid( 9.6%) and other . The major component are Thymol ( 39.1% ) followed By Oleic acid ( 10.4% ) , Linoleic acid ( 9.6 % ) p-Cymene , Palmitic acid , Xylene  and others .2.         Thymol is a natural monoterpenoid phenol derivative of p-Cymene , isomeric with carvacrol . It potent antibacterial agent against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria . Thymol that gives thymes its strong flavour , pleasant aromatic Odor and strong antiseptic properties . Thymol is effective at minimize inflammation and infection .It have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also make it beneficial for oral health . 

3.         Thymol ( 2-Isopropyl-5-Methylphenol ) is a white crystalline compound that gives thyme its strong flavour , pleasant aromatic Odor and strong anti-septic properties . It is highly soluble in alcohol and alkaline solution .Free Thymol is usually not detectable in human plasma . Thymol have good antioxidant properties ,which includes the scavenging of free radicals by increasing the activities of several endogenous antioxidant enzymes levels viz. superoxide dismutase , catalase etc. 

4.         Thymol improve digestion by relaxing smooth muscles , attenuates respiratory problems ,and is an active ingredients used in food flavorings , topical ointments , various soap , toothpastes ,shampoos , deodorants  and mouth wash . Thymol which is a strong germicides ( kill germs and micro-organism ) therefore it also  used as disinfectant , anti-spasmodic and is effective against fungal infection . 

5.         Ajwain also contain Oleic acid ( classified as a monounsaturated omega -9 fatty acid ) is a type of fatty acid , which used to replace saturated fats in the diet . Oleic acid might improve heart condition by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. Oleic acid (Octadecenoic acid) is a long chain carboxylic acid, which have low melting point .Its pH value near about are 9.1 to 9.5 . 

6.        Oleic acid is a type of monosaturated  fatty acid , it might be improve heart condition by lowering cholesterol and also minimize inflammation . Linoleic acid also support heart health and reduce total cholesterol  and LDL cholesterol . 

7.        Ajwain – Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid .It is colourless liquid that is virtually insoluble in water but soluble in some organic solvents . Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that must be consumed for proper health . Function of Linoleic acid as a structural component to maintain a certain level of membrane fluidity of the transdermal water barrier of the epidermis . It always used as emollients  or moisturizer for skin , nails and hairs . 

8.         p-Cymene is a natural occurring as an alky benzene related to a monoterpene organic compound. It  used to prevent cough and eliminate phlegm and also used in flavorings agent and being used in the production of fungicides and pesticides . 

9.        Gama –Terpene is a monoterpene , which have antibacterial , anti-fungal , anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities . it has antimicrobial properties against various human pathogens . Gama terpene helps in treating ulcer , diabetes , blood pressure and cholesterol level  

10.      Nutritious value of  Ajwain seeds are near about ,  Fiber -11.9%, Carbohydrate – 38.6 % ,tannins ,glucosides,  moisture – 8.9% ,Protein – 15.4% ,Fat -18.1% , Saponins ,Flavone and Minerals   7.1% ( Iron ,Calcium ,Cobalt, Manganese ,Phosphorus , Copper , Magnesium etc.) , Vitamins like as C , B-complex,  Riboflavin ,Nicotinic acid ,Thiamine and other  . 

11.      Ajwain seed oil ( called also as Ajwain satv ) consist of monoterpenes , such as p-cymene , beta-pinene , myrcene , alpha –pinene , others and  their phenol derivatives such as Thymol , carvacrol , linalool and  others . Thymol essential oil of carom seed are used as anti-bacterial , anti-septic and anti-fungal .

Uses of Ajwain ( Carom seed ) –

1.        Ajwain seeds help in reducing belly fat . For this soak a tablespoon of seeds overnight in water and next morning boil it .Filter and drink the this water on an empty stomach .This  solution could treat our digestion, cure bloating and along burn fat around abdomen. Drinking ajwain water regularly is known to enhance our rate of metabolism , thus help in loosing weight .It is an excellent detox herb for the our body . It stimulate the liver function and keep the spleen healthy .

2.        Boiling water along with Carom seeds( ajwain ) and Tulsi leaves , it can helps to keep the cough in check and  it also help in relieving chest congestion .Ajwain seeds very helpful in when  cold and fever during monsoon and weather  change by using a table spoon ajwain seeds add to boiling water and drinks this water. This water also help in curing of acidity and indigestion . Ajwain helps in avoiding nasal blockage by discharging the mucus easily. Prepare a paste of ajwain seeds and jaggery by heating it and take two spoon of it twice a day to feel better.

3.        Ajwain consume with a pinch of salt , mixed with warm water is quite helpful for indigestion and stomach pain .Drinking ajwain water can also helpful in treating liver and kidney . Generally  carom seeds are consumed in lower quantities of half or one teaspoon only. For relief of gas and constipation , take 2-3 gm ajwain churn with Luke water. Ajwain powder useful in lightening acne scars . Apply a paste on the affected area for 10 to 15 minute and then rinse . On of the best beauty benefit of ajwain is its potency to reduce acne breakouts .

4.         Helps in urination problem , 50 gm black sesame seeds ,25 gm carom seeds , and 100 gm of Jaggary  mixed well then consume with twice a day . This will help in urination problem  and bed  wetting effectively . Carom seed powder very useful in piles pain , When it will take  with buttermilk and rock salt . Consume one gram carom seed with 3 gram Jaggary in morning for remedy of urticaria problem .

5.         Boil for 5 minute one spoon funnel seed and half spoon carom seed in half litre  water , cool , strain and drink a cup daily after milk to relieve colic problem . Ajwain seed is great for muscles spasms . It contain anti-spasmodic properties due to presence of Thymol which also make great pain killer  .

Side effect of Ajwain  -

1-     Ajwain generally do not cause side effects when consumed in moderate amounts , but over-consumption may lead to several adverse effect, such as ,it may cause stomach ulcer and heart burn , lead to nausea ,increase liver problem etc. .

2-     Sometimes Ajwain seeds treat any kind of abdominal discomfort due to indigestion like stomach pain or burning sensation .

    3-     Ajwain seeds sometimes increase the appetite for those suffering from loss of  appetite . 

Disclaimer –

          This article is only for  educational purpose , general information and is not for medicinal  purpose . Medicinal purpose always consume  after consulting doctor. 

 ys consume  after consulting doctor.