Ajwain is a large, aromatic perennial plant that belongs to the family of cumin-beige-safflower plants. It was first discovered by the ancient Indians of Andhra Pradesh, who used it as a medicinal plant. The roots of the plant are harvested, boiled in coconut milk, and left to dry. They are a tasty and aromatic spicy tonic, known to promote digestion, kidney, heart, eyesight, and skin. The leaves of Ajwain are also consumed raw in a refreshing drink.
Ajwain considered the national drink of Andhra Pradesh, is used both externally and internally as a tonic for various conditions including gastritis, flatulence, diarrhea, excessive thirst, menstrual disorders, PMS, varicose ulcers, and cancer of the lungs, liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas, and teeth. It is an extremely bitter-tasting herb, especially the black seed, but the Indian people love its bitter taste. The Andhra Pradesh government has started marketing Ajwain under the name “Bitter Gourd”. The essential oil of Ajwain has been widely acclaimed for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. The seeds of this exotic perennial plant have been widely used in Ayurveda to treat various ailments.
Ajwain As a Tooth Pain Reliever
Ajwain seeds have been used to relieve tooth pain for generations. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, it is best to boil the boiled Ajwain seeds and add some rosewater to the mix, while swabbing the paste on the affected tooth or teeth. This is said to bring instant relief from pain caused by gingivitis, caries, and periodontal disease. To relieve pain from rheumatism, you can take small doses of Ajwain seeds or cumin seeds. They should be taken with a glass of warm water. Before swallowing, swish the seed with the water around the tongue and cheeks. Afterward, swallow the seed. For chronic pain of the joints and back, consuming small amounts of cumin seeds mixed with water daily will ease the pain.
Ajwain as Bitterness Remover
Carom seeds and cumin seeds contain the substance that removes the bitterness of the pungent herb. They are commonly available in supermarkets. The bitter taste of Ajwain herbs comes from the alkaloids present in the seeds and cumin, as well as from the plant’s tough fibers.
Since the bitter taste of the cumin seeds is an anti-inflammatory property, they can be consumed as a regular tea or added to food for additional anti-inflammatory properties. The same properties of Ajwain seeds and cumin seeds prevent inflammation of the linings of the stomach and esophagus that are characteristic of ulcers. The addition of Ajwain herb to the above-mentioned food products may serve as an ulcer treatment. But before you undergo any ulcer treatment, consult your physician for proper advice.
Ajwain Vs Diarrhea
Aside from alleviating pain, the seeds of carom plants are effective against diarrhea and its other forms. In fact, the powder made from roasted cumin seeds has been considered highly beneficial for the treatment of kidney stones. The magnesium content found in cumin powder helps enhance the functioning of the kidney. Ingested regularly, the powder allows the excretion of more fluid, thus helping to decrease the formation of kidney stones. For those who want to consume a richer source of magnesium, they may choose to grind the seeds into a fine powder and then consume it as a supplement.
Properties of Ajwain
Last but not the least, one of the curative properties of Ajwain seeds and cumin seeds comes from their ability to reduce colic in infants. A study made by American researchers indicated that ingestion of the seeds decreased the occurrence of colic in babies, especially when compared to consumption of the same amount of dairy product. This was made possible when the anti-inflammatory properties of the seeds were added with a medium amount of cow’s milk. Since most colic is caused by the consumption of colic inducing foods, the addition of the mentioned superfoods strengthens the effectiveness of colic relievers
