Ajwain or Carom Seeds come from the Apiaceae family, which is a group of plants that includes celery, coriander, fennel, parsley and parsnips. The seeds have a bitter and pungent flavor, somewhat like oregano, and is often added to pickles and curries. It has innumerable health benefits.
Nutritional content: In one teaspoon of ajwain there are very few calories, less than I gram of protein and fat. Contains fiber, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, Omega-3 fats, sodium, potassium, folate, beta carotene, Vitamin A, magnesium and manganese.
Indigestion: Ajwain improves digestion and treats any kind of abdominal discomfort due to gas, indigestion like stomach pain or a burning sensation. May also help fight peptic ulcers.
Fights bacteria and fungi: Carom seeds have powerful anti- bacterial and anti- fungal properties. Two active compounds, thymol and carvacrol are shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Cholesterol levels: Ajwain seeds help to lower the bad cholesterol and regulate good cholesterol. This is due to the presence of dietary fibers and fatty acids that contribute to healthy levels of cholesterol.
Blood pressure: Thymol in ajwain helps to manage blood pressure. It prevents calcium entering heart cells and blood vessel walls that help to reduce blood pressure.
Anti- inflammatory: Ajwain seeds are anti-inflammatory and anti- microbial. These help in combating the symptoms of arthritis. Apply ajwain seed paste on the affected joints to reduce redness, swelling and pain in the joints.
Weight Loss: Boiling ajwain seeds in water and drinking regularly is known to enhance your rate of metabolism, burns fat and thus aids in weight loss.
Coughing and Airflow: Ajwain may improve airflow to the lungs. Carom seeds may also have anti-coughing effects but more research is needed.
Beauty benefits and other uses
Skin: Ajwain paste can help to cleanse skin and give the skin a nice glow. Apply a paste of ajwain seeds and water and apply on the skin and rinse after 10 to 15 minutes. This will also help to lighten scars.
Greying hair: Add curry leaves to carom seeds and boil in a cup of water. Drink one glass of this every day to halt premature greying of hair.
Mouth wash: Ajwain seeds boiled in water acts as a great mouth wash and maintains good oral hygiene.
Mosquito Repellent: Combine mustard oil with ajwain seeds and apply on small pieces of cardboard. Tie in corners of your room to ward off mosquitoes.
Side effects:
Pregnant women should avoid taking excessive ajwain due to potential adverse effects on foetal development. Have ajwain in moderation.
All the best and Happy Healing from Naturally Dimpi.