Health Benefits of Ajwain (Carom seeds / Carom oil)

Ajwain or carom seeds is one of the most commonly used ingredient in the Indian cuisine. Just like any other Indian spice, Ajwain is loaded with health benefits. In the article below we have discussed the health benefits of Ajwain in details.

Whether you want to add a unique punch to your favorite daal recipe or you want to make your aloo or pyaaz ka paratha tastier, ajwain remains a uniquely flavored spice that can add an unexpected yet appetizing touch to your dish.

Ajwain is also known as Bishop’s seed, Ajowan, Javan, and Ethiopian Cumin. Ajwain looks like grayish-green seeds that are often stripped and curved and have a silk tail attached. They belong to the same family as anise, caraway, fennel, and dill. Ajwain is named differently in different states of India. It is called Thymol seeds or ‘Ajwain‘ in Hindi, ‘Ajmo‘ in Gujarati, ‘Vamu‘ in Telugu. Ajwain is called ‘Om Kalugalu‘ in Kannada, ‘Ayamodakam‘ in Malayalam, ‘Omam‘ in Tamil. Ajwain is called ‘Ova‘  and “Javan” in Marathi. Ajwain seeds are specially recognized for their medical values and positive impact on human health. These seeds are normally chewed directly, but hey… beware! The taste may not appeal to you! Once you start chewing ajwain seeds, you will feel an extremely hot and bitter sensation that may make your tongue numb for quite some time. But relax- there are some really awesome health benefits of Ajwain which goes beyond its taste. First, let’s take a quick look at ajwain’s Nutritional composition.

Nutrition in Ajwain / Carom seeds

*Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Carom oil which is extracted from the seeds has 2.5% to 5% of essential oil. Carom leaves and flowers also serve as sources of carom oil that contain 35-60% of thymol. Carom oil may look colorless or sometimes pale brown in color. In crushed form, ajwain has a fragrance that closely resembles the scent of thyme. No wonder why it has found widespread use in the preparation of parathas and bread.

When I was a little girl, I watched the elders and post delivery ladies in my family chewing ajwain after meals. I knew that the taste was not that “welcoming”, but still I used to make a point to claim my share. I asked them out of my curiosity and they told me that it improved their digestive capacity. I thought of informing my clients about the benefits of ajwain / carom seeds. You too can benefit from ajwain’s medicinal Properties. Here’s how Ajwain benefits our health:

Benefits of Ajwain on health :

• Cures Stomach Issues: Carom seeds are noted for their positive impacts on stomach health. It is a  remedy for an upset stomach. Carom seeds can be consumed in raw as well as powdered form. You may include carom seeds in your daily diet and you may complement it with various herbs

• Treats Acidity: Besides being an effective remedy for indigestion issues, ajwain seeds are also used to treat acidity and acid reflux issues. All you need to do is to mix one table spoon of carom seeds with an equal amount of cumin seeds and consume them along with some amount of ginger powder on a daily basis.

• Addresses Constipation: As carom seeds address indigestion, it also cures all other issues that may be caused by digestive disorders. With constipation being one of those digestion-related issues, it can also be effectively treated with ajwain. And most importantly, ajwain does not

• Cures Kidney Disorder: Carom seeds have been found to be highly effective in curing kidney stones. Additionally, the seeds are useful in treating and reducing the pain that is caused by

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• Reduces Asthma Attacks: Consume carom seeds with warm water. This treatment will help you expel cough and mucus from your body, leaving you feeling relaxed with instant relief. With this treatment, you can even address conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. To include it as a daily asthma prevention treatment, you may choose to consume carom seeds with jaggery twice every day.

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• Improves Liver and Kidney Health: Ajwain is noted for its ability to treat liver and kidney malfunctions. Ajwain water has been found to cure intestinal pain caused due to intestinal infection and indigestion.

• Improves Oral Health: A lesser known health benefits of ajwain is that it improves oral health. Ajwain is a proven remedy for tooth problems. Use one part of clove oil and one part of carom oil to floss your mouth. This combination works wonders to address oral issues such as tooth ache, tooth decay, and bad odor and hence, it is one of the best home remedies to maintain oral hygiene.

• Treats Cold: Ajwain seeds provide natural cure against the symptoms of cold. If you have a blocked nose, consider inhaling steam from ajwain seeds soaked in hot water.

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• Cures Skin Conditions: Another lesser known benefits of ajwain seeds is that , Ajwain seeds have the ability to cure skin conditions such as itching, eczema, and boils. Make a fine paste by grinding ajwain seeds in warm water. Apply the paste on the affected areas and try to wash these areas with ajwain water. If boils, eczema, or pimples are found to be associated with inflammation, consider mixing lemon juice with the fine paste. This will work to reduce the inflammation.

• Treats Menstruation-related Issues: Women who experience excessive bleeding and irregular periods may consider drinking ajwain water.

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• Improves Digestion: Try chewing one table spoon of raw carom seeds with sugar. This is a proven remedy for curing indigestion.

• Treats Arthritis: Carom seeds provide relief against arthritis pain. Consider massaging the affected joints with carom seed oil to reduce rheumatic pain.

• Cures Diarrhea: Carom seeds can effectively address conditions such as diarrhea and dysentery. Take a handful of carom seeds and boil them in one glass of water. Allow it to cool down and then strain it. Consume the liquid twice daily.

• Cures Acne: Carom seeds are effective remedies for curing acne. Mix carom seeds powder with yogurt. Apply the mixture on your face and let it remain overnight. This will help reduce your acne to a considerable extent.

Ajwain has a long life provided you keep it away from light and store it in airtight containers.

Now that you have see the amazing benefits of ajwain, I’m sure that you are going to try out one of these remedies if you are suffering from any of the above mentioned conditions. Do write to me!