Ajwain seeds are the seeds of the Trachyspermum ammi herb. The seeds are commonly used in Indian cuisine.
Ajwain seeds are packed with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them incredibly nutritious. As a result, they have long been associated with health benefits and used in traditional Indian medicine practices.
Many people swear by ajwain water for its plethora of health benefits. You can use this drink to treat a number of common health problems, including digestion and weight gain. Keep reading to learn more.
How Are Ajwain Seeds Grown?
In India, ajwain seeds are grown from the ajwain plant. The plant's seeds (looks like a cluster of small flowers) are harvested and dried. The leaves are also consumed. Besides being used for cooking, ajwain is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrients found in 100 gms of Ajwain seeds are:
- 24.53 grams of carbohydrates
- 15.89 grams of protein
- 20.58 grams of fibre
- 21.11 grams of fat
- 1034 mgrams of calcium
- 357 calories
- 329 mgrams of phosphorous
- 5.67 mgrams of zinc
- 13.65 mgrams of Iron
- 76.71 mgrams of omega-3 fats
- 28.58 mgrams of sodium
- 1692 mgrams of potassium
- 51.79 mcgrams of folate (vitamin B9)
- 124.33 mcgrams of Vitamin A
- 273 mgrams of magnesium
Benefits of Ajwain Water
Ajwain is used to improve health against many symptoms and discomforts in Indian households. Here are some of the benefits that one should know.
1) Ajwain Water for Weight Loss
Ajwain promotes weight loss by reducing levels of cholesterol and triglycerides along with boosting the metabolism and absorbing food quickly. As per studies, Thymol and Niacin present in Ajwain water affect blood circulation and enhance nerve impulse, making the body active and responsive. Also, being the powerhouse of fiber, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, it helps make the body healthy by removing toxins.
2) Ajwain Water for Gas and Indigestion
Ajwain water is a commonly used home remedy for managing gas and chronic digestive issues. As per studies, it also reduces the effect of gastric ulcers due to the presence of antioxidant and antispasmodic properties of cholinergic receptors.
3) Ajwain Water for Babies
Ajwain water introduced to babies above 8 months contributes to relieving respiratory problems such as congestion, cough, and gasping in babies. As per studies, it also helps their body to fight against bacteria to cure digestive problems such as stomach pain, acidity, indigestion, and constipation. It improves babies' appetite by reducing colic problems such as worming.
4) Ajwain Water for Periods
Studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties of Ajwain help with inducing a regular menstrual cycle and also provide relief from period cramps and abdominal pain.
5) Ajwain Water for Pregnancy
As per studies, hormonal balance is disturbed during pregnancy, slowing down the digestive system. This increases bloating, gas and flatulence in the mother’s body. Therefore, consumption of Ajwain increases thymol content, which enhances the digestive system, prevents constipation and helps strengthen the uterus wall.
6) Ajwain Water for Common Cold and Coughing
Studies suggest that Ajwain water may relieve coughing by producing a greater compound than the usual anti coughing agent “codeine,” with a high antitussive effect. It also helps avoid nasal blockage during common colds by helping mucus discharge easily.
7) Ajwain Water for Cleaning Wounds and Fighting with Bacteria and Fungi
Ajwain has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies suggest its two active compounds, Thymol and Carvacrol are responsible for these properties. Thymol is a strong fungicide and germicide, thus making Ajwain suitable for treating infections, cuts and injuries. Both these compounds inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
8) Ajwain Water for Improving Cholesterol Levels
As per animal studies, it is proven that Ajwain water has antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties. Therefore, when consumed in regular intervals with comparatively high doses, it can help reduce increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body as both increase risk for heart diseases.
9) Ajwain Water Reduces Heart Risks by Lowering Blood Pressure
According to studies, Ajwain contains calcium-channel blocking properties which is effective in reducing blood pressure and heart risks by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and allowing proper relaxation and contraction of blood vessels.
10) Ajwain Water for Inflammation, Pain, and Arthritis
As per studies, Ajwain water has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, which help reduce chronic inflammation and fight arthritis in the body by lowering the levels of elastase enzyme associated with inflammation. It also has anesthetic properties that help soothe pain and swelling.
11) Ajwain Water for Infections
According to studies, the presence of Thymol and Carvacrol promotes nematicidal, antifungal, and antibacterial activity to fight against the growth of bacteria and fungi. This helps avoid biofilm formation, hence reducing the infection. It also has anthelmintic properties that help to fight against intestinal infections.
12) Ajwain Water for Respiratory Problems
As per studies, the antitussive and bronchodilatory effects of Ajwain promoted by Carvacrol are proven effective for respiratory issues like asthma by improving airflow pathways to the lungs compared to the common asthma medication theophylline.
13) Ajwain Water for Earache and Oral Health
As per studies, Ajwain water contains one of the essential bioactive components called Thymol, a powerful fungicide and germicide that fights against growing harmful organisms in the ear or tooth to relieve pain and infection.
14) Ajwain Water to Stop Graying of Hair
Studies suggest that Ajwain promotes cell reinforcement and the high nutrition content of trace elements like iron and calcium helps prevent premature graying of hair and makes them healthy and strong.
15) Ajwain Water for Cleansing Skin
As per studies, the presence of Thymol in Ajwain water prevents bacterial growth on the skin, making it clearer by the lightning of acne and scars.
How to Make Ajwain Water?
You don’t need any other ingredients other than carom seeds for this recipe –
- Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of ajwain/carom seeds.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes until the volume of liquid in half.
- Finally, strain out the seeds and serve the ajwain water in glasses.
How to Take Ajwain Water?
Dosage Frequency: Ajwain water can be taken twice a day. In case of abdominal pain, it can be used up to four times a day.
Medication Administration Times: In case of poor appetite and loss of interest in the meal, you may take Ajwain water 30 minutes before the meal. Alternatively, you can take it two hours after you eat.
Ajwain Water Side Effects
Ajwain water is safe when consumed in adequate amounts. But when taken in high doses, it can cause side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Increased heat sensations within the body
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Hyperacidity
- Acidity and reflux
- Vomiting
- Burning sensation in the abdomen
- Causes mouth ulcers
Also, during pregnancy, avoid consuming excessive ajwain water without proper consultancy from the doctor. Because, according to the studies, there are potential drawbacks to fetal health.
Contraindications
- Studies suggest Ajwain water reduces sperm count. Therefore, people suffering from low sperm count should avoid taking it.
- Ajwain slows the blood clotting process. Therefore, individuals taking medications like blood thinners should be highly cautious of Ajwain consumption.
- People with acid peptic disorders should avoid Ajwain water, increasing gastric secretions.
Summing Up on Benefits of Ajwain Water
In Indian culture, carom seeds have long been used in both cuisine and medicine.
Studies have indicated that they have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and may be effective in treating peptic ulcers as well as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
Carom seeds are generally considered safe. The seeds, however, are harmful to pregnant women because they are believed to cause developmental defects in fetuses
Faqs
Is Ajwain Good for Health?
Ajwain contains active enzymes that help improve stomach acid flow, thereby reducing symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. It can also treat peptic ulcers as well as sores in the mouth, stomach, and intestines.
Which Is Better Ajwain or Jeera Water?
Although there is no better drink among ajwain water and jeera water, but you can reap the benefits of both by combining them in a single tea! Here’s what you need to do -
- To prepare the ajwain-jeera detox tea, soak 1 tablespoon of jeera and 1/2 tablespoon of ajwain in a glass of water for a minimum of 3-4 hours or overnight.
- Alternatively, you can boil the same for at least five minutes on a low flame.
- In either case, strain the drink and enjoy it warm! Have it every morning or after meals to boost digestion and detox your body.
Can We Drink Ajwain Water Daily?
Yes, you drink ajwain water preferably twice a day between your meals. This drink is not only refreshing but also helps you burn away the extra fat.
