Ajwain

Spices play an important role in Indian cooking. In every Indian household, ajwain is a staple spice and  contains many health-promoting properties.  Without ajwain, dal tadka is incomplete. Ajwain seeds are known by different names in different languages around the globe.

 It is called carom seeds or Bishop’s seeds in english. In Sanskrit it is called as Ugragandha, jowan in bengali, omam in tamil, Yavano in gujarati, Ajwain in punjabi. India, Afghanistan and Iran are the main producers of Ajwain seeds.

Ajwain is predominantly composed of thymol, which has  antibacterial and antiseptic properties. The flavor of ajwain is bitter and pungent, like oregano.

 It is frequently used for preparing pulses, vegetables, pickles, and other dishes in Indian cuisine. As a flavoring agent, ajwain is used to make rotis, parathas, salty baked biscuits, and so on in many parts of India. Ajwain is also added to lentils, root vegetables, beans, potatoes, etc. This spice fulfills a dual purpose of adding flavor and being healthy at the same time.

Nutrition Facts

Here is the nutritional value for 100 gm of this spice:

Ajwain Water

Ajwain has been a very famous and extensively used spice in Indian cooking. These spices not only add flavor to dishes, but they also provide a lot of health benefits since they are packed with vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Adding to your water is another way to take advantage of these wonder seeds. This can be a more effective way of treating a health problem. If you suffer from digestive issues, acidity, weight gain or irregular menses to name  a few, then Ajwain water is a godsend. Drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Benefits of Ajwain Water

For Weight loss

 Ajwain water  helps to reduce weight by controlling the cholesterol and triglycerides level in the body. It helps dissolve the body fat and detoxifies the body by removing toxins. Moreover, it aids in weight loss by improving digestion.

From Acidity and Indigestion

 Ajwain water is a common remedy for acidity and indigestion in Indian households. Through its active enzymes, ajwain helps boost digestion by facilitating gastric juice release. Its antioxidant and antispasmodic properties reduce the effect of gastric ulcers.

Menstrual cramps

Ajwain water can rescue you from the painful menstrual cramps. It works as a nerve tonic and is an excellent muscle relaxant, decreasing the menstrual cramps. Soak the ajwain seeds overnight and have it the next morning on an empty stomach.

Ajwain water benefits for Periods

The anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties of Ajwain seeds help getting regular menstrual period . Boil one teaspoon of ajwain with 1 teaspoon jaggery in a glass of water. Have a warm concoction early in the morning on an empty stomach.

For Pregnancy

The thymol present in ajwain enhances the digestive system which may be slowed down due to the hormonal imbalances in pregnancy. Ajwain water prevents constipation, bloating, flatulence and helps strengthen the uterus wall.

For Liver and kidney malfunction

The antilithiatic property of ajwain helps in lowering the risk of kidney stone formation. It is also useful to treat and reduce the pain due to kidney and liver disorders.

For Respiratory Problems

The antitussive and bronchodilatory effects of Ajwain helps in relieving and treating many respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. Ajwain water cleans mucus from the body and provides relief from cold and cough. sipping on a glass of ajwain water is all you have when you are suffering from a cold.

For Infections

The antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties of ajwain makes it an ideal choice to fight infections. It fights against the growth of bacteria and fungi.

For Babies

 Ajwain is beneficial for babies as well. Ajwain water can be introduced in their diet from 8 months of age, but only 2-3 tsp per day at the maximum. It reliefs digestive problems like stomach pain, indigestion, constipation etc.

 For Heart disease

Ajwain is effective in reducing blood pressure. The antihyperlipidemic properties of ajwain help reduce increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, thus providing a protective shield against heart diseases.

For Inflammation, Pain, and Arthritis

The anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties help reduce inflammation and pain in the body. It is also proven to cure toothache. It also helps deal better in arthritis pain and swelling.

 For Diabetes

Ajwain water is great for people with diabetes. It helps in maintaining weight which is important in diabetes.  Its high fiber content helps to stabilize blood sugar thus helping diabetic people.

How much ajwain water to take in a day?

Ajwain water can be taken two times daily. However, upto three glasses of ajwain water is also safe.

Can we drink Ajwain water daily?

Yes, we can drink ajwain water daily. Having ajwain water daily in the morning can be a more effective way of treating a health problem. It improves your gut health, makes your digestive system stronger and helps remove toxins. Maintain a gap of half an hour between eating ajwain and having your breakfast. However, crossing the limit of consumption of ajwain water can lead to serious health problems.

Ajwain water side effects

Ajwain water is beneficial to health in a number of ways when consumed in limited amounts. But do you know it is associated with many side effects as well? Taking ajwain water in more than recommended amounts can result in adverse side effects that are harmful to the health.

• Acidity and gastritis: if you are taking ajwain water in excess amount it can result in acidity and reflux.
• Liver problem: over consumption of ajwain water can lead to liver problems like liver cirrhosis and ulcerative colitis.
• Headache and dizziness: Thymol, which is the main constituent of ajwain, causes headache and dizziness if taken in high amounts.
• Nausea and Vomiting: If not taken in moderate amounts it causes irritation of the throat which leads to nausea and vomiting.
• Skin irritation: Increases the body temperature thus causing several problems like rashes and skin diseases. So, avoid overconsuming it especially during the summer season.
• Not good for pregnant women: if taken into moderate amounts it provides a lot of benefits during pregnancy. But if you are consuming it a lot it will lead to several problems. It  increases the body temperature thus causing several diseases during pregnancy.

Who Should Avoid Ajwain Water?

• People suffering from low sperm count should avoid consuming ajwain water as it is believed to reduce the sperm count.
• People having liver disease should cautiously use ajwain water as it can worsen the condition.
• People taking blood thinning medications should cautiously use ajwain water as Ajwain has blood thinning properties and might slow blood clotting.
• People with acid peptic disorders should avoid Ajwain water, as it increases  gastric secretions.

Types Of Ajwain Water Recipes

How to make Ajwain Water?

All you need to make this wonder drink is ajwain seeds and water. And now you are ready to go.

1. Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of ajwain/carom seeds.
2. Boil it till it becomes half.
3. Take a glass and strain out the seeds.
4. Serve the ajwain water in glasses.

How to make Ajwain Jeera water?

Ajwain jeera water has Cumin seeds (jeera) and Carom seeds (ajwain) as its magical ingredients. It provides relief from acidity and digestive problems. This drink is very easy to prepare.

1. Take a glass/jar of water and add jeera (1 tablespoon) and ajwain(1/2 tablespoon)  in it.
2. Stir the glass very well and leave it overnight.
3. Strain the water in the morning and sip  the water first thing in the morning.

How to make  Jeera Ajwain Saunf Water?

one should try jeera ajwain saunf water to derive the inexplicable health benefits provided by this powerful mixture of spices. The jeera ajwain saunf water benefits everyone who takes it in the morning.

1. Add jeera (1 tablespoon) , ajwain(1 tablespoon) and saunf(1 tablespoon) in a glass/jar or water.
2. Stir the mixture well and soak it overnight.
3. Strain the water in the morning and sip  the water first thing in the morning.

Conclusion

Ajwain is an Indian spice  long been used in Indian cuisines and for its tremendous health benefits. Ajwain seeds possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. It is the common Indian household solution for digestive problems, acidity and weight loss. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Having ajwain water is the most efficient way to derive the benefits of these seeds.

Carom seeds are generally considered safe if consumed in limited amounts. Overdosing it will result in harmful side effects.