Ajwain (Carom Seeds): Benefits, Uses, and Healing Properties

Ajwain, or carom seeds, is a small, fragrant spice made from the fruit of the Trachyspermum ammi plant. In Sanskrit, it is called Yavani. Ajwain has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a long time.

Now, ajwain benefits are becoming popular as more people are looking for natural ways to stay healthy. In a clinical trial with people who had irritable bowel symptoms, those who took Ajwain extract said their digestive discomfort scores improved by up to 84 percent. In the placebo group, however, less than 40 percent of people said their scores improved.

In this blog, you'll learn more about Ajwain benefits for your health, how to use it easily, and how it can help you on your path to better health.

What is Ajwain & Its Ayurvedic Properties?

Ayurveda says that ajwain, or carom seeds, have a lot of healing power. In the past, Ayurveda used Ajwain to treat common digestive problems, breathing problems, joint pain, toothaches, and more.

Let's look at what it can do:

• Taste (Rasa): Ajwain has a strong, spicy (katu) taste. This strong flavour helps your body digest food better by stimulating your digestive fire (Agni).
• Qualities (Guna): It has both light (laghu) and dry (ruksha) qualities. This means it's easy to digest and helps the body get rid of extra mucus or moisture. Ajwain can help if you feel heavy or sluggish after eating.
• Potency (Virya): Ajwain has a hot potency, or ushna virya. This heat helps your body stay in balance when it's cold and wet. Ajwain might help you feel better and warmer if you often feel bloated, congested, or cold.
• Effect after digestion (Vipaka): Ajwain also has a pungent effect after it has been digested. This helps your body stay active even after you've eaten by supporting long-term cleansing and metabolism.

Ajwain Benefits for Your Health

Ajwain is a common spice in the kitchen, but it can do more than just make your food taste better. Let's look at the main Ajwain benefits, one by one, using both Ayurvedic knowledge and modern science.

1. Helps with Gas and Indigestion

Ayurvedic View: Ajwain is a renowned herb in Ayurveda that helps with digestion. It increases your digestive fire (Agni) and helps you break down heavy foods. It gets rid of bloating, cramps, and even constipation because it is both a Deepan (appetiser) and a Pachan (digestive).

Modern View: Thymol, the active ingredient in Ajwain, makes your stomach release more acids and enzymes, which helps food move through your gut easily. Ajwain can help with indigestion and bloating in people with IBS symptoms by up to 84%, according to studies.

2. Supports Respiratory Health

Ayurvedic View: Ajwain helps get rid of extra mucus and opens up the airways, which makes it easier to breathe. It balances Kapha dosha, which is often the cause of asthma and congestion.

Modern View: Ajwain is a natural bronchodilator, which means it opens up the bronchial tubes in your lungs. Ajwain water or its vapours can help with cough, chest tightness, or mild bronchitis.

3. Fights Infections

Ayurvedic View: Ajwain is a natural way to fight germs. Ayurvedic medicines often use it to kill bad germs and boost the immune system.

Modern View: Ajwain has thymol and carvacrol in it, which are both very good at killing bacteria and fungi. These substances can help fight stomach bugs like E. coli and Salmonella to improve your digestive system.

4. Helps with Joint Pain

Ayurvedic View: If you have arthritis or swollen joints, you can try ajwain paste or an ajwain bath. It lowers Vata dosha, which is linked to joint pain.

Modern View: Ajwain can help reduce inflammation. Putting crushed ajwain seeds on sore joints or soaking in warm water with ajwain in it might help with swelling and stiffness.

Ajwain for Specific Health Conditions

You know how good Ajwain is for your lungs and digestion, but that's not all it can do. Let's look at some Ajwain benefits that aren't as well known for certain health issues.

Kidney Stones

You know how painful kidney stones can be if you've ever had them. Ajwain might help lower that risk. Ajwain seeds have chemicals that stop calcium from building up in your kidneys. Ajwain water may help flush out toxins and lower the risk of stone formation naturally if you drink it regularly.

Toothache and Mouth Infections

Ajwain is a natural pain reliever and germ killer. If you have a toothache or gum infection, chewing on a few roasted ajwain seeds or rinsing your mouth with ajwain-infused water can help you feel better. It fights the germs that cause cavities and swelling because it has antibacterial properties.

Arthritis and Muscle Pain

Along with joint pain, ajwain can also help with muscle aches and stiffness in general. A paste made of crushed ajwain and warm water can help soothe sore spots, whether they are from too much exertion or just from everyday use. It works like a natural muscle relaxant.

Menstrual Cramps

Ajwain can also help with pain during your period. Its warming effect helps blood flow and relaxes the muscles in the abdomen. Warm ajwain tea may help with cramps and tiredness during your period.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Ajwain water can help if you often have burning in your chest or sour burps after meals. It has natural properties that lower the amount of acid in the stomach, which helps with heartburn right away.

Managing Your Weight

Ajwain is also thought to speed up your metabolism and help you burn calories more quickly. Drinking ajwain water on an empty stomach in the morning may help you lose weight.

Ajwain has more health benefits than most people know, from helping with kidney health to menstrual cycles, heartburn, and even weight issues. It's a simple spice that can have a big impact, so you should try to keep it in your kitchen or home remedy kit.

Who Should Use Ajwain?

Ajwain is a natural medicine that can help people of all ages in different ways. Let's look at how Ajwain helps women, children, and older people.

Ajwain for Women

Ajwain can be very helpful for women who are dealing with menstrual cramps, bloating, or recovering from giving birth. If you drink warm ajwain water during your period, it might help with stomach pain and make you feel less heavy. Many women drink ajwain water after giving birth to help with digestion and get rid of toxins in their bodies.

Ajwain for Kids

Ajwain can be good for kids, but only in limited amounts. A small pinch of roasted ajwain mixed with warm water can help your child with gas or mild stomach aches. When your child has a cold, ajwain’s natural properties can help calm their stomach and get rid of mucus. But you should always talk to a Jiva doctor before giving kids any herbal medicine.

Ajwain for Seniors and Older Adults

As you get older, your digestion may slow down and your joints may start to hurt. Ajwain helps with both. It helps with arthritis pain, increases appetite, and decreases gas. A lot of older people also say that drinking ajwain water after meals helps them feel better and stay active all day.

Can Ajwain Be Taken with Other Medicines?

Ajwain may be natural, but it’s still powerful. This is why you should be cautious when combining it with other medicines.

• If you are going to have surgery, stop taking Ajwain at least two weeks before your surgery. It could affect how your blood clots during or after the procedure.
• People who have liver problems should also be careful. Using large amounts of Ajwain can sometimes put extra stress on the liver.
• High doses can cause contractions in the uterus during pregnancy, so it's best to avoid them unless a Jiva doctor suggests it.

If you have a long-term health problem, you should always talk to a Jiva Ayurveda expert before mixing Ajwain with prescription drugs.

Is Ajwain Safe? Who Should Avoid It?

Ajwain is usually safe to use in small amounts, especially when cooking or making home remedies. But it's not for everyone, and too much of it can make you feel discomfort.

Common Side Effects of Ajwain

If you use Ajwain too much, you may have some of these common side effects:

• Feeling sick or throwing up
• Pain in the head
• Irritation in the stomach

If your stomach is sensitive, taking a lot of it might make it worse instead of better. If you generally experience acidity, you should start with very small amounts and see how your body reacts.

It’s best to consult a Jiva certified expert who can guide you with personalised advice.

Ajwain vs Other Ayurvedic Herbs

Ajwain isn’t the only herb known for its digestive and healing powers. Let’s compare it with a couple of similar Ayurvedic herbs you might already be using at home.

Ajwain vs Jeera (Cumin)

Ajwain vs Saunf (Fennel)

Conclusion

Ajwain may seem like a small herb, but it can have a big effect on your health. Ajwain is good for your body in many ways, including easing digestive problems, joint pain, and breathing problems.

But everybody is unique. What works for one person might not work for another. That's why it's so important to talk to a Jiva-certified doctor before you start taking any herb, even a common one like Ajwain.

For personalised advice on any health concern you may be facing, call our Jiva experts today at 0129-4264323.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat ajwain while pregnant?

Pregnant women shouldn't take ajwain in large or medicinal amounts. It can cause uterine contractions. Always ask a Jiva Ayurveda expert before using it.

What happens if you eat ajwain seeds every day?

Ajwain may help your digestion, lower gas, and speed up your metabolism if you eat a small amount every day. But if you have too much, it can make you feel acidic or irritated, so don't consume it in excess.

Is ajwain hot or cold for the body?

Ajwain is a herb that warms you up. It makes the body warmer, gets rid of mucus, and makes blood flow better. It's great for people who often feel cold, tired, or bloated.

Who shouldn't eat ajwain?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver problems, or are taking blood-thinning medicines, you should not use ajwain. Also, stop using it at least two weeks before any surgery.

Can you mix ajwain and jeera water together?

Yes, you can do that. Ajwain and jeera (cumin) mixed together in warm water can help with digestion and make you feel less bloated. Just take a little bit and drink it after meals.

Does ajwain help you lose weight?

Ajwain may help you lose weight by speeding up your metabolism and digestion. Taking ajwain water on an empty stomach can help, but the effects are different for everyone.

Does ajwain help with heartburn?

Yes, ajwain is well known for lowering acidity and heartburn. After meals, drinking warm ajwain water can help calm down too much stomach acid and give you quick relief from burning or pain.

Does ajwain help people lose weight?

Ajwain might help you lose weight by speeding up your metabolism and making it easier for your body to digest food. Drinking ajwain water on an empty stomach in the morning can help your body burn calories more quickly. But keep in mind that it works best when you eat well and live a healthy life.