Ajwain

The Scientific name of Ajwain: Ammi copticum L.,

Synonyms: Carum copticum (L.), Trachyspermum ammi, Trachyspermum copticum (L.)

Name in different languages:-

Common name: Bishop’s weed, Ajowan, Ajmoda, Carom Seeds.

Sanscrit: Yavnak- यवनक, Yavani-यवानी, Yamani

Hindi: Ajwayanअजवायन, Ajwan-अजवान

Malayalam: Ayamodakam-അയമോദകം

Tamil: Omum

Plant description:

Ajwain,  Ajowan or Bishop’s weed is an annual shrub, grow up to 1  meter tall, the plant fully covered with tiny hairs, many branched, the  leaves are small, formed in a compound form, and segmented, the  flowers are white, borne  in umbels, fruits are pods contain small seeds, which are pale brown in colour and have an oval shape with a sweet smell and pungent taste, smell like thyme because it contains thymol.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Acicular	Margin-Entire	Venation-Parallel

Useful plant parts:

Seeds, Essential oil

Chemical content:

Thymol, methyl phenol, Alpha Pyneen, Symeen, α-pinene, p-cymene.

Medicinal Properties:

Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic

Medicinal uses:

To treat Vata, Kapha disorders, Cold, Stomach problems, Gas trouble, intestinal worm, cold cough, influenza, Asthma, Cholera, diarrhea, edema, arthritis, rheumatic complaints to increase breastmilk and digestive problems.

Ayurvedic uses of Ajwain

1. Digestive Aid: Ajwain is well-known for its digestive benefits. It is used to alleviate indigestion, flatulence, and bloating. It helps in the secretion of gastric juices, which aids in the digestion of food.
2. Appetite Stimulant: It is believed to stimulate the appetite and enhance the digestion process.
3. Relieves Stomach Discomfort: Ajwain may be used to relieve various stomach discomforts, including abdominal pain, cramps, and gastrointestinal spasms.
4. Respiratory Health: It is used to address respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. It is believed to help in clearing the respiratory passages.
5. Relieves Cough and Cold: Ajwain is believed to have properties that help alleviate symptoms of coughs and colds. It may help in clearing congestion in the chest and sinuses.
6. Antimicrobial Properties: It is believed to have antimicrobial properties, which can help in combating bacterial and fungal infections.
7. Pain Relief: Ajwain oil, when applied topically, is used for its analgesic properties. It may help in relieving joint pain and muscle aches.
8. Lowers Blood Pressure: Some studies suggest that Ajwain may have properties that help in reducing blood pressure.
9. Menstrual Disorders: In Ayurvedic practices, Ajwain is used to manage menstrual disorders and alleviate menstrual pain.
10. Postpartum Recovery: It is believed to be beneficial for postpartum recovery, helping to restore strength and balance after childbirth.
11. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ajwain is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for reducing inflammation in various parts of the body.
12. Nervine Tonic: It is considered a nerve tonic and may help in calming the nervous system.
13. Kidney Health: Some traditional uses suggest that Ajwain may be used to support kidney health.
14. Weight Loss Aid: It is believed to aid in weight loss by improving digestion and metabolism.
15. Oral Health: Chewing on Ajwain seeds may help in maintaining oral hygiene and freshening breath.

How to prepare medicines:

1.Fried seeds powder mix with jaggery and use before food to reduce gas trouble.

2. Little raw seeds  chewed well and gulp and then drink half glass of hot water is effective for gas trouble.

3. Regular massage with ajwain oil is effective to reduce rheumatic pain, arthritis pain etc.

4. Oil is very effective for ear infections (bacterial, fungal) pour 2 or 3 drops into the ear hole two or three times daily

Ayurveda properties

Used as an ingredient in the Ayurveda medicines like:-