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Ajwain
(Carum
copticum)
Introduction:
A valuable Ayurvedic
ingredient Ajwain or bishop's weed is cultivated in black soil
particularly along the riverbank throughout India and also
Iran, Egypt and Afghanistan. It is a small, erect, annual
shrub with soft fine hairs. It has many branches of leafy
stems, small feather like leaves, 4 to 12 rays of flower
heads, each bearing 6 to 16 flowers. The fruits are minute,
egg shaped and grayish. Ajwain is pungent and bitter,
spasmodic, germicidal, antiseptic, digestive, antipyretic,
expectorant and an extra ordinary tonic. Ajwain seeds consist
of moisture, protein, fat, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates,
calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin and
niacin. An essential oil is eracted by steam distillation of
the crushed seeds of ajwain. This valued considerably in
medicine on account of the presence of thymol. For a long time
this oil was the main source of thymol. Some very valuable
Ayurvedic medicines are prepared from Ajwain seeds.
Healing
power & curative properties :
the oil of Ajwain
is an almost colourless to brownish liquid with characteristic
odour and a sharp hot taste. Ajwain is called omam in the
southern part of India. Omam (Ajwain) water that is the water
distilled from the seeds in an excellent carminative that
cures flatulence, indigestion & low appetite. This water
is a household medicine not only in south India but also in
Sri lanka, Malaysia and even in some Arabian countries. Ajwain
water is call "Ajwain Ark" in Ayurveda.
Gastro-intestinal
disorders :
for relieving
flatulence, dyspepsia and spasmodic disorders, the seeds may
be eaten with betel leaves. A teaspoon of ajwain with a little
rock salt is a household remedy for indigestion. Ajwain oil
given in doses of 1 to 3 drops is useful in cholera,
flatulent, colic, diarrhoea, a tonic dyspepsia and
indigestion. Ajwain water is given in doses of 30 to 60 grams
to check vomiting in early stages of cholera.
Bronchitis
and asthma:
Taking
one-teaspoon ajwain with hot water morning and evening lesson
sputum.
Cold & cough:
-
A
tablespoon of seeds crushed and tied up in a small cloth
bundle can be used for inhalation.
-
A similar
bundle placed near the pillow, while sleeping, also
relieves nasal congestion.
-
Drinking
hot water after chewing little ajwain cures cough.
-
Chewing
betel leaf with Ajwain at night before sleeping controls
and cures dry coughing.
Influenza
:
Drinking
boiled water with 3 GMS ajwain seeds and 3 GMS cinnamon bark
for 3 days-thrice a day cures influenza.
Toothache
:
Give smoke to
the aching tooth by burning ajwain seeds after two hour do
gargle with lukewarm water (prepared by boiling 1 tsp. ground
ajwain with (little salt) two to three times a day, it cures
tooth pain.
Earache
:
Putting one
two drops of ajwain oil relieves earache.
Heartache
:
Taking
one-tsp. ajwain with hot water stimulates the heart and
relieves heartache.
Rheumatism
:
The oil
extracted from seeds is beneficial in the treatment of
rheumatic and neuralgic pains. It should be applied on the
affected parts.
Mouth
disorders :
An infusion
of seeds mixed with common salt is an effective gargle in a
cut pharyngitis, sore and congested throat and hoarse ness of
the voice due to colds or shouting.
Ajwain seeds or bishop's weed is an effective ingredient in
preparing unani medicines. It helps in curing the disorders
such as ulcers, ringworm, itching, stomach worm, bile,
menstrual and post-natal disorders, leucorrhoea, female
infertility, pimples, kidney stones and many more, and also
useful as an aphrodisiac
Ayurvedic
supplements That contains Safed Musli :
Ajwain
Ark
Kabz Care
Ark Pudina
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