Ajwain:Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Ajwain is a herbaceous plant that is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and some regions of the Middle East. It is also known as carom seeds or Trachyspermum ammi. It belongs to the apricots family and is related to caraway, fennel, and cumin. Due to its numerous therapeutic characteristics, ajwain has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani treatment so it is a used as a herb.

The most commonly utilized component of the plant as a herb is its seeds, have become known for their potent flavour. They taste somewhat spicy and bitter, similar to rosemary, but with a stronger and more potent fragrance. Small, oval in shape, and light brown in hue.

In Middle Eastern, Indian, and Pakistani cuisines, ajwain seeds are a common spice. They are a vital component of many classic cuisines, especially vegetarian meals, bread, and snacks. Ajwain seeds are frequently added to dishes to improve flavour and give it a unique flavour.

Ajwain is well known for its therapeutic qualities in addition to its culinary uses. It is thought to promote healthy digestion, reduce indigestion and bloating, and treat stomach-related conditions. The seeds' therapeutic properties are aided by the presence of essential oils, primarily thymol. Ajwain is also thought to have carminative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.

Ajwain is a natural treatment for respiratory conditions like coughs, respiratory tract infections, and asthma in conventional medicine. It is also thought to help with postpartum recovery and the relief of menstrual cramps. While ajwain has a long history of traditional use, it's important to remember that scientific study is still being conducted to better understand its possible health benefits.

Ajwain can be purchased as an essential oil, entire seeds, or crushed powder. Due to its strong flavour and active ingredients, it is advised to use it carefully when cooking with it or when using it medicinally.

Ajwain Morphology-

Ajwain, or Trachyspermum ammi, is an annual herb that normally grows to a height of 30 to 90 centimetres (12 to 35 inches) and has an upright, branched stem. The leaves, flowers, and seeds are just a few examples of the plant's different morphological components:

Leaves: Ajwain leaves are light and pinnate in shape which means they are divided into numerous tiny pieces. The leaflets range in form from linear to oval and are green to grayish-green in colour. The leaves have a unique ajwain scent and highly fragrant.

Flowers: Ajwain produces tiny, compound umbel-shaped flowers that are white or pinkish in colour. Umbels are shaped like umbrellas and are collections of flower stalks that spread outward from a central point. The flowers are around 1.5 to 2 millimetres in diameter and have five petals.

Seeds: The seeds of the ajwain plant, which are taken from the drained fruit of the plant, are its most valuable component. The seeds are tiny, round, and ridged in appearance. They have a strong, spicy aroma and are light brown in colour. The seeds have a unique thyme-like flavour and a taste that is slightly spicy and bitter.

Sources-

The vast majority of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) comes from cultivated plants that are produced in dry, warm climates like the Indian subcontinent and some areas of the Middle East. The most desired component of the plant, ajwain seeds, are produced and exported in large quantities by India. Both whole and ground forms of these seeds are easily accessible at nearby markets, grocers, and internet merchants. Ajwain seeds or formulations including this fragrant spice are also sold in specialty spice stores, herbalists, and Ayurvedic or Unani medicine stores. Customers may easily find ajwain, also known as carom seeds or bishop's weed, to add a unique flavour to dishes or take advantage of its supposed therapeutic values as its popularity grows in a variety of cuisines and traditional treatments.

Properties of Ajwain-

Numerous characteristics of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) contribute to its use as a food and medicine. Ajwain has a number of important qualities, including:

Aromatic: Ajwain seeds have a potent perfume that is easily distinguished and is frequently characterised as pungent, aromatic, and slightly earthy. Ajwain is a well-liked spice in many cuisines because of its aromatic qualities, which give food depth and flavour.

Flovorful: Ajwain seeds have a flavour all their own that combines bitterness, pungency, and a light peppery flavour. The seeds offer a particular flavour to recipes because their flavour is stronger than rosemary yet still similar.

Medical: Ajwain is well known for its ancient uses as medicine. The therapeutic benefits of the seeds are due to the essential oils they contain, particularly thymol. Ajwain is thought to help with digestion, reduce stomach aches like indigestion, diarrhoea, and bloating, and function as a carminative that decreases gas production.

Antimicrobial: Ajwain seeds' essential oil is believed to have antimicrobial qualities that can help prevent the growth of some germs and fungus. Traditional medicine values this quality for treating respiratory problems and avoiding infections.

Anti-inflammatory: Ajwain is thought to possess anti-inflammatory qualities that could help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This characteristic might help treat some inflammatory disorders.

Antioxidant: Ajwain seeds are rich in antioxidants, which can help fight off dangerous free radicals and shield the body from oxidative stress and potential cell damage.

Forms of herb & it's Dosage -

The dosage of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), which comes in a variety of forms, may change based on its intended use and the user's health. The most popular ajwain dosages are shown below, along with their common forms.

Disclaimer-

Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) facts are offered only for general knowledge and educational reasons. It is not meant to serve as medical advice or as a replacement for advice from qualified healthcare providers. Before utilising ajwain for any particular medical condition or concerns, people should exercise caution while using it in food or medicine. They should also speak with a knowledgeable healthcare provider, such as an Ayurvedic or Unani practitioner. Before including ajwain in their diet or wellness routine, pregnant or nursing women, as well as anybody with allergies or existing medical disorders.