Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – Side Effects & Health Benefits:
Ajwain, scientific name – Trachyspermum copticum, also known as bishop’s weed or carom seeds, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae).
The Umbellifers, which have about 2,700 members, are small flowering shrubs (same as the members of the parsley or carrot family) that also include a wide category of herbs and spice plants such as fennel, parsley, dill, aniseed, and caraway.
It is an annual herbal plant growing up to three feet in height. The seeds are olive-green to brown in color and have similarity in appearance to cumin or caraway seeds marked with vertical stripes on their outer surface.
Nevertheless, they can be easily distinguished from cumin and caraway by their tiny size and elliptical shape. Their flavor resembles thyme since they comprise an essential oil, thymol.
The plant originated in the eastern Mediterranean, possibly Egypt, and spread up to India from the Near East. In the present day, it is mainly cultivated in India and Iran.
The fruits are rarely eaten raw. They are commonly dry-roasted or fried in ghee and clarified butter. This allows this herb to develop a more subtle and complex aroma.
Nutrition Facts
The seeds contain – dietary fiber (11.9%), carbohydrates (38.6%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%), protein (15.4%), fat (18.1%), saponins, flavone, and mineral matter (7.1%) containing phosphorous, calcium, iron and nicotinic acid.
Ajwain fruits yield 2 percent to 4 percent brownish essential oil, with thymol as the major constituent (35% to 60%).
Health Benefits of Carom Seeds
Therapeutic uses of these seeds also include antiseptic, carminative, amoebiasis expectorant, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiplatelet-aggregatory, and anti-lithiasis, as well as treating common cold and acute pharyngitis.
Galactagogue and diuretic activities have also been observed.
Flu And Colds
The seeds contain about 50 percent thymol, a well-known and antibacterial essential oil, and, along with thyme, it can be used to boost the immune system to ward off the flu, colds, and other viral infections.
Thymol is also used in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, lack of appetite, and bronchial problems. In addition, it aids in releasing mucus and phlegm from the nasal tracts.
Relief From Flatulence, Gas, and Bloating
In the case of flatulence, Trachyspermum copticum and dried ginger of equal weight may be soaked in two and half times the quantity of lime juice. This mixture is then dried and powdered with a little black salt.
A teaspoon taken with a little warm water works wonders. Additionally, it is very useful in alleviating spasmodic pains of the intestines and stomach in children as well as adults and is a good anti-acidic agent.
Improves Digestion
Consuming 1 tablespoon of raw seeds with a natural sweeter can help you get rid of indigestion. If you continue to experience this type of problems, it’s time to consult with a doctor.
In addition, you may be able to overcome many types of digestion problems with lifestyle changes.
Beneficial During Pregnancy
Due to its great curative and anti-inflammatory properties, it is great for lactating and pregnant mothers.
The seeds also maintain the proper health of the unborn child. But, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist in the case of any side effects.
Ajwain water is also considered to accelerate recovery after childbirth. After pregnancy, the plant is known to heal the woman’s body internally and helps maintain blood circulation.
In some cases, the plant is also considered to improve breast milk production in lactating mothers.
Migraines
A migraine can cause a pulsing sensation and severe throbbing pain. Migraine is the third most prevalent illness in the world. These seeds are useful to reduce migraines.
The exact cause of this condition is not known but it is a frequent problem in the United States, affecting about 12 percent of the population.
Dissolves Fats
Drink a half glass of water with soaked carom seeds on an empty stomach. This will dissolve the fats. Consume 1 tsp of carom seeds on an empty stomach every morning. It helps to lose about 4 to 5 kg in a month.
Respiratory System
One of the therapeutic effects of Trachyspermum copticum is its effect on the respiratory system. It is used as anti-dyspnea and anti-asthma in traditional medicine.
In this context, numerous analysis has been carried out, including inhibitory and relaxant effects on histamine receptors, an antitussive effect in guinea pigs, a stimulatory effect on adrenoreceptors of guinea pigs’ tracheal smooth muscles, and its bronchodilatory effect on airways of asthmatic individuals.
Weight Loss
They contain dietary fiber that may help you lose weight and get significantly healthier.
According to a study issued in the Annals of Internal Medicine, aiming to consume at least 30 grams of dietary fiber daily, may lower your blood pressure, help you lose weight, and improve your body’s response to insulin (this is very good for type 2 diabetics) just as efficiently as a more complicated diet.
Moreover, another study issued in the Journal of Nutrition concluded that by increasing your dietary fiber intake by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories, you may lose approximately 4 ½ pounds in 2 years.
Side Effects of Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
While bishop’s weed is safe for daily use when taken in moderate dosages, care should be taken when using it for long-term consumption, as it may cause photosensitivity in some individuals, particularly when taken regularly for prolonged periods of time.
Moreover, this remarkable spice should also be avoided by individuals suffering from liver diseases, diverticulitis conditions, and ulcerative colitis.
How to Eat
They can be consumed in different salad dressings, snack recipes, or as a substitute for oregano and thyme. In addition, these seeds are used for making pickles.
Storage
Keep these seeds away from humidity and direct sunlight, in an air-tight bottle. They can remain fresh for 1 year.
Substitute
Marjoram, better known as oregano, has a similar flavor, which makes it perfect as a replacement for these seeds.
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References https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096002/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262001210_An_Overview_on_Ajwain