Ajwain, is one of the commonly used herbs in the Indian kitchens. Benefits of ajwain range from improving digestion, to skin and teeth care to increasing metabolism
While Ajwain is the Hindi name for this herb, below is what it is called in some of the common Indian languages
- Ajwain in English: Carrom Seeds
- Ajwain in Marathi : Ova
- Ajwain in Malayalam : Omum
- Ajwain in Kannada : Oma, Ajamoola, Omu
- Ajwain in Gujarati : Yavano
- Ajwain in Bengali : Jowan
I remember how my grandmother so often used to suggest consuming some or the other form of this herb whenever my brother or me would complain of stomach pain, indigestion, during common colds etc. This is a commonly found herb in almost every Indian kitchen and thus, I decided to compile this list below stating the numerous benefits of Ajwain.
Also, I am sharing some common preparations with Ajwain that are often used in treating the problems listed below
Table of Contents
Benefits of Ajwain for stomach-ache
Simply chewing ½ teaspoon of Awjain will help in reducing stomach caused by indigestion. This is one of the reasons that many of the Indian fried recipes have Ajwain as one of the ingredients. Also there are times when Ajwain is included in a tadka, not only does it add a punchy flavour but also helps in digestion.
Benefits of Ajwain for gas
Just like for stomach-ache, chewing Ajwain seeds is very helpful to release gas too. If you do tend to develop gas easily then you should have warm Ajwain water regularly. Also making a mukhwas with Ajwain and Saunf is very helpful in releasing gas and in all kinds of digestion related problems.
Benefits of Ajwain for common cold
Making a concoction with carrom seeds, garlic, ginger, jaggery and turmeric and sipping it regularly is a very effective remedy for common colds. You can see the detailed recipe for this kadha (concoction) for cold and cough
For children (including toddlers and infants) suffering from common cold, topical application of a hot compress using a warm ajwain potli is extremely beneficial. It immediately provides relief from congestion and helps them in breathing easily.
Click here for effective home remedies for common cold in kids
Benefits of Ajwain for acidity
Consuming ½ glass of Ajwain water with a pinch of salt every morning or after every meal (in cases of hyper acidity) helps reduce heartburn.
Benefits of Ajwain for toothache
Gargling with Ajwain water with ½ tablespoon of salt helps relieving toothaches. Following this practice even without a toothache is effective in maintaining good oral hygiene and prevents bad breath.
Benefits of Ajwain for weight loss
Ajwain helps in improving metabolism, burns fat and enhances digestion. Thus, regular consumption helps in aiding weight loss and regulating obesity. Consume 1 glass of warm Ajwain water daily in the morning for best results
Benefits of Ajwain for aches and pain
If you face a problem of leg pain or your foot muscles and joints feel sore, soaking your legs in ½ bucket of hot water with 2-3 tablespoons of Ajwain with 1 tablespoon of salt will help provide relief. Also, in case of headaches dipping a soft towel in hot water with Ajwain and salt and using it as a hot compress on the forehead will provide relief from headaches.
Benefits of Ajwain for acne and skincare
Due to its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, Ajwain is also very beneficial to treat ache, pimples and other skin related problems.
How to use Ajwain for skin application
- Heat Ajwain on a tawa for 2-3 minutes and let it cool.
- Grind this into a fine powder.
- Making a paste of this powder in water or rose water
- Spot apply the paste on pimples and acne
This helps in reducing the redness & pain. Regular application will help in getting rid of these pimples and acne and give you a healthy skin.
For oily skin, you can also make a pack with fullers earth, Ajwain powder and rose water and apply it on your face for 5 mins and rinse. This too will help reduce the oiliness and improve your skin
Ajwain water recipe
Ajwain water is a helpful for stomach ache, acidity, toothache, weight loss and many other aches and pains. At the same time, Ajwain water is very easy to prepare.
- Take a glass of drinking water into a small vessel
- Add a tea spoon of Ajwain seeds in it
- Heat the vessel on high to medium flame
- Till the water reduces to half its quantity.
- For more quantity just increase the Ajwain and water proportionally i.e. 2 glasses of water = 2 tea spoons of Ajwain
- Strain this and add a teaspoon of jaggery or honey for flavour if needed.
Your Ajwain water is ready for consumption.
Ajwain water prepared with this recipe can also be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days but freshly made Ajwain water is better and more potent than something which has been stored in the fridge.
How to make Ajwain Potli for kids
- Warm 2 tablespoons of Ajwain on tawa till its starts to change it color.
- Place warmed up Ajwain in the center of the muslin cloth or a handkerchief
- Pick up the corners of the muslin cloth and tie it around the Ajwain
- Secure it well
- Use this as a warm compress on the chest to provide relief from common cold for infants and toddlers.
- Use for children above 3 and adults by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the muslin cloth.
After the potli becomes looses all its warmth, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil on it and keep it by your or the child’s bedside. The vapors from this potli help to prevent congestion and helps the child get a more peaceful sleep.
Ajwain and Saunf mukhwas
A mukhwas is an Indian after-meal snack or digestive aid widely used as a mouth freshener, especially after meals. Making a mukhwas with Ajwain and Saunf i.e. Carrom seeds and Fennel seeds and consuming after every meal works wonders for digestion, preventing acidity and promotes good gut health.
Ingredients
- Ajwain – 50 gms
- Saunf – 50 gms
- Salt – To taste
- Turmeric – 2 tsp
Preparation method
- Wash the Ajwain and Saunf separately and let them dry in a strainer or on a kitchen roll.
- While damp, add salt – to taste and 1 tsp turmeric powder each to the Ajwain and Saunf.
- Now on a hot tawa first roast the Saunf, you need to keep stirring it till the time the water dries and it becomes crisp and crunchy.
- Follow the same process for the Ajwain. Once the Ajwain is cooled down, rub it through your palms, to remove the top covering of the seeds.
- Strain through a sieve and use the seeds that remain on top.
- Now mix both these seeds and store it in an airtight container.
- You may add roasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, dried coconut if needed for flavour, but this tastes good even as is.
- Consume 1 tsp of this after every meal and you will notice your improved digestion within a week itself.
Remember to keep this mukhwas jar near your dining table to make sure you and your family remember to consume it after every meal.
Final word
Ajwain is an inexpensive seed and available at almost any store. As a practice we always get in small quantities < 250 gms. That ways we always have a fresh supply as soon as the current lot gets over. Like with any other spice or seed like Ajwain the fresher the better.
Go ahead and try some of these recipes or techniques out! Post a comment and let us know your experience of using this multi talented seed.