Ajwain is known as carom seeds in English, however most commonly

famous as ajwain seed, ajwan, ajowan, ajwon and etc, belongs to the
Apiaceae family. Ajwain plant is also known as bishops weed. It was
first originated in the eastern Mediterranean regions like Egypt which
was then spread to all across the world. Its seeds and leaves are
used for the medicinal and cooking purposes in India. It is a seed
having bitter and pungent taste with nice smelling and aromatic flavor.
It is one of the highly cultivated seeds in India (highest production in
Rajasthan) and Iran.

Benefits of Ajwain Seeds (Carom Seeds)

Ajwain seed is the most important spice of the Indian kitchen used for
both purposes therapeutic and culinary. It is very beneficial for the
health thus used by almost every Indian as a home remedy to treat
various health disorders. Some of its most important nutritional and
medicinal health benefits are mentioned below:

Benefits of Ajwain Seeds for Digestive System

Cures Indigestion and Flatulence

Eating ajwain seeds or carom seeds helps in curing several

digestive problems including indigestion and flatulence as it is
contains a substance having therapeutic effects called tahymol which
is specially found in only plant and very effective for stomach.
Speeds up Digestion Process

It enhances the release of gastric juices in order to speed up the

digestion process thus cures stomach pain, loss of appetite, gas,

bloating, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, colic pain among kids and

etc.
Cures Acidity

It is a very good home remedy for curing acidity as it reduces

acids regurgitation if ajwain and jeera seeds water (boil one tsf of both
jeera and ajwain seeds into water) is taken during acidity.

Benefits of Ajwain Seeds during Pregnancy and

Lactation
Cures Digestive Disorders

Ajwain seed helps women during their pregnancy and breast

feeding time by improving the digestion as well as curing lots of
digestive disorders because of its anti-inflammatory and curative
properties.
Provides Strength to Body

Carom seed cures constipation and strengthens uterine muscles

as well as enhances breast milk production after pregnancy among
lactating mothers.
Purifies Blood

Ajwain seed helps in purifying blood as well as reducing back

pain during pregnancy.
Benefits of Ajwain Seeds and Ajwain Water after Delivery
Relieves Pain and inflammation

Ajwain seed helps in after pregnancy wound healing and pain

after the baby delivery by reducing inflammations and maintaining
healthy blood circulation all over the body.
Benefits of Ajwain Seeds for Heart
Regularizes Heart Functioning

Ajwain seed is very good home remedy for keeping heart

healthy as it contains niacin vitamin and thymol compound which
helps in regularizing heart functioning.
Induces Healthy Blood Circulation

Carom seed improves nerve impulses as well as healthy blood

circulation towards heart if little warm ajwain water is taken with empty
stomach on regular basis.
Benefits of Ajwain Seeds for Diabetes Mellitus
Reduces Complications of Diabetes

Ajwain seed helps in curing diabetes by reducing the

complications (like excess urination, thirst and etc) of diabetes if one
tsf of ajwain seeds is taken with four tsf of bael leaves juice two times
a day.
Benefits of Ajwain Seeds for Weight Loss
Fastens Bowel Movements

Ajwain seed is the appetite stimulator however it also has

laxative property and fastens bowel movements thus reduces the
weight if taken regularly.

Benefits of Ajwain Seeds for Skin

Treats Skin Disorders

Applying the mixture of ajwain seeds paste and curd on the skin
helps in treating pimples, scars, acne, blemishes, blackheads and
rashes.
Cures Skin Infections

Carom seed helps in curing skin infections including itching,

ulcers and ringworm.
Benefits of Ajwain Seeds for Kids
Treats Bed Wetting Problem

Ajwain seed helps in treating the most common bed wetting

problems among kids if the mixture of carom seeds, black sesame
and jaggery or gur is taken twice daily.
Benefits of Ajwain Seeds for Men and Women
Boosts Energy Level

It helps in enhancing the sexual activities, libido and energy level

among couples because of its natural aphrodisiac property if it is
taken with honey, tamarind seeds, ghee and milk on daily basis.
Improves Sperm Quality

Ajwain seed helps in improving sperm quality and count as well

as treating disorder of premature ejaculation.
Cures Various Disorders

It is a natural remedy to cure some women health disorders like

leucorrhea, female infertility and etc.
Treats Menstrual Disorders

Carom seed helps in relieving menstrual pain as well as treating

other menstrual disorders like stopped menses, excessive bleeding,
irregular menses and etc.
Other Health Benefits of Ajwain Seeds
Provides Relief from Respiratory Problems

Thymol found in it acts as a local anesthetic agent as well as

performs anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities thus provide relief
from common respiratory problems like cough and asthma by
removing congestion due to phlegm. It can be taken directly by mixing
with gur or indirectly as a chest massage with ajwain seeds oil.
Relieves Pain and Inflammation

Carom seed provides relief from the pain and inflammation

during rheumatic arthritis and arthritis if the affected area is soaked in
the luke warm water having ajwain seeds for few minutes. Ajwain

seeds paste can also be applied to the affected area directly for
getting instant relief.
Instant Pain Reliever

Its antiseptic property provides instant relief from the earache

caused due to the boils if the extract of ajwain seeds and garlic into
sesame oil is applied.

It also provides relief from earache due to congestion if some

drops of slightly warm ajwain extracted milk (heat some ajwain seeds
into milk and let it cool at room temperature) is applied to the affected
ear.
Soothes Irritating Nerve

Carom seed helps in treating hiccups problem by soothing

irritating nerve and reducing inflammation some ajwain seeds is taken
with a cup of water.
Cures Migraine Problem

It helps in curing migraine problem by reducing pain during

migraine whether ajwain fume is inhaled or ajwain seeds paste is
applied on the head.
Clears Respiratory Passage

It is a good broncho-dilator thus inhaling ajwain smoke makes

breathing easier during cold, cough, asthma.
Dissolves Kidney Stones

Carom seed helps in dissolving kidney stones as well as

removing out through the urine if the mixture of ajwain seeds, honey
and vinegar is taken regularly for two weeks.
Reduces Poisonous Effect

Its pain killing property helps in reducing the effects of

venomous insect bite pain (scorpion bite).
Cures Fever

Ajwain seed also helps in curing fever, liver enlargement and

spleen swelling.
Good Mosquito Repellent

Carom or ajwain seed is a good mosquito repellent ajwain paste

and mustard oil is sprinkled in the corners of room.

Benefits of Ajwain Oil

Rich Source of Essential Oil

It contains various essential oil having properties like antiseptic,

germicidal, fungicidal and antispasmodic thus helps in curing nausea,
cholera, vomiting, colic pain, diarrhea, flatulence, dyspepsia,
indigestion, arthritic pain and etc.
Treats Arthritic Pain

Ajwain oil massage on the affected joints and areas helps in

treating arthritic pain.

Benefits of Ajwain Water/Ajwain ka Pani

Helps to get away from Alcohol Addiction

Carom seed water helps in getting away from the bad habits of
alcohol addiction if boiled ajwain water is taken during sleeping time
for two months regularly.
Cures Cholera

It helps in curing cholera as it has ability to reduce the effects of

thread worms as well as intestinal infection due to bacteria.
Cures Tooth Pain

Gargling mouth with the ajwain water helps in curing tooth pain.

Benefits of Ajwain Tea

Cures various Health Disorders

Ajwain tea has lots of health disorders curing properties instead

of having pungent smell. It can be easily prepared at home by boiling
some ajwain seeds into water. Some other things like elaichi, gur,
black pepper, milk and ginger can also be added according the taste
and requirement.
Treats Seasonal Disorders

It is very effective for treating cold, cough, seasonal disorders

especially during rainy and winter seasons and etc as it is rich source
of all the macro and micro nutrients.

Benefits of Ajwain Leaves

Treats Common Health Disorders

Ajwain leaves are very beneficial to the health and used for
various purposes to treat common health disorders like cold, cough,
fever and etc among kids.
Relieves Digestive Disorders

It also provides relief from digestive disorders such as gas,

flatulence, abdominal discomforts and vomiting as well as improves
digestion and stimulates appetite.
Relieves Colic Pain

It is antiseptic in nature used during colic pain among babies.

Inhibits Pathogenic Bacterial Growth

Ajwain leaves extract helps in treating dysbiosis (microbial

imbalances) in the body by inhibiting the pathogenic bacterial growth
in the intestine.

Nutritional Benefits of Ajwain Seeds per 100 g

Energy: 305 calories

Carbohydrate: 43 g
Fibers: 39 g
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 15 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 10 g
How to Select and Store
Ajwain is commonly available all through the year on the stores thus
can be easily found anytime. Always buy seeds of the ajwain instead
of buying its powder or other forms as they may have impurities.
Select nice smelling ajwain with heavy weight, fresh look and natural
color ajwain packed in the air tight container or poly bags from the
market.
Avoid buying opened packing of the ajwain seeds having no smell or
changing its color as they may have no flavor due to the loss of
essential oils found in fresh ajwain. It can be stored at home for long
time by packing it in the airtight container and placing at cool, dry and
dark place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
How to Enjoy
Ajwain seeds can be enjoyed in many ways in Indian kitchen. It can
be enjoyed as ajwain water, powder, oil, leaves, soup, tea and etc. It
can be added to many recipes to add flavor and nice smell like ajwain
parantha, laddoo, pickles, curry, fried rice, snacks, biscuits, cookies,
sauce, flavor drinks and so many. Ajwain leaves are used to prepare
some delicious Indian dishes like pakaura, bajji, thambuli and etc.
Precautions, Side Effects and Disadvantages of Ajwain

Ajwain is commonly used spice in the Indian kitchen for therapeutic,

cooking and home remedy to cure common problems of skin, hair and
etc however it needs some precautions because of the side effects
and disadvantages which are mentioned below:

As it enhances gut secretions thus it may lead to the risk of

some digestive disorders like stomach ulcer, intestinal ulcer, bleeding,
liver diseases, colon ulcer, diverticulitis and etc.

It may lower down the blood pressure and heart rate thus should
be avoided during pregnancy or person suffering from some serious
health disorders.

In large quantity it may lead to the headache, nausea, vomiting,

eye problems and etc. Even some people are allergic to it and may
develop rashes, running nose and weakness.

Its excess use causes skin to become more sensitive to the sun
rays which lead to the development of skin cancer.

It may enhance uterus contractions thus avoided during

pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Because of its tendency of lowering down the blood pressure

and slowing down the blood clotting process, it should be avoided
before and after the surgery. It should also be avoided with the
medications taken to lower BP and slow blood clotting.
How Much Ajwain to Eat a Day
Ajwain is a spice having medicinal property instead of being small in
size however it may cause some serious health disorders if taken
irregularly, without any need or excess amount. Thus it should be
used carefully whether in the kitchen or as a medicine.

Ajwain seeds are the seeds obtained from the Ajwain or Ajowan plant. These
seeds are used as a spice in cooking. This plant is closely related to Cumin,

Dill and Caraway. The seeds are also known as Bishops Weed, Ajowan,
Caraway and Thymol Seeds. The Ajowan plant mainly grows in various
regions of India. The umbels of the plant mature and produce the seeds.
Ajwain is also highly regarded for their medicinal value.

Ajwain Scientific Name

The scientific name for this plant is Trachyspermum ammi.

Ajwain Other Names

It is known by various names in different languages:

In English: Carom Seeds

In Hindi: Ajvan
In Arabic: Kamme Muluki
In Tamil: Asamtavoman
In Telugu: Vamu
In Malayalam: Omum
In Kannada: Oma
In Marathi: Onva
In Gujarati: Yavan

Ajwain Description
Here is a general description of the Carom Seeds and plants:

Ajwain Seeds
Shape: They are oval in shape with a ridged appearance.
Size: The seeds very small in size. They look like smaller versions of Cumin
seeds.
Color: Their color varies from yellowish-brown to grayish green.
Taste: Raw seeds have a hot and pungent taste.

Fragrance: The smell of these seeds resembles that of Thyme as Ajwain

seeds contain Thymol.

Ajwain Plants
The Trachyspermum ammi is an annual herbal plant growing up to 3 feet in
height. Their appearance is similar to that of the Parsley plants. They have
narrow green leaves and small delicate flowers. The fruits pods of these
plants are often called seeds for their seed-like appearance.

Ajwain Distribution
The Carom plants are believed to have originated from Egypt in Middle East.
They are widely grown in India, Afghanistan and Iran.

Ajwain Cultivation
They are widely grown in gardens for their seeds which are used for both
culinary and medicinal purposes. These plants can be grown easily form the
seeds.
Well drained loam soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8.2 is ideal for them. They
grow well in cold temperatures ranging from 15 C to 25 C. The plants can
grow both in direct and partial sunlight. Relative humidity between 65% and 70
% are required for them to grow properly.
The umbels are harvested after they are properly matured. Harvesting is done
during the later parts of winter or earlier in spring.

Ajwain Nutritional Facts

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

Amounts

Calories

305

Total Fat

25 gm

-Saturated

4 gm

-Monounsaturated

5 gm

-Polyunsaturated

15 gm

-Trans

0 gm

Cholesterol

0 mg

Potassium

0 mg

Sodium

10 mg

Total Carbohydrates

43 gm

Sugars

0 gm

Dietary Fiber

39 g

Protein

16 g

Vitamin A

0%

Vitamin C

0%

Calcium

0%

Iron

0%

Ajwain Health Benefits

Numerous health benefits can be derived from this spice:

They are an excellent source for various essential oils including thymol,
cymene, pinene, terpinene and limonene.
The seeds are highly beneficial for the digestive system.
Carom Seeds also has anti-bacterial, germicide, antifungal and
anesthetic properties.
They are rich in various vitamins, minerals, fibers and anti-oxidants.
These seeds can cure spasmodic pains due to indigestion, flatulence

and various infections.

Ajwain seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating acidity,

flatulence, migraine headache and common cold.

The seeds are beneficial during pregnancy as they help in digestion,

increase appetite and maintain the proper health of the uterus.

It is an effective home remedy for dyspepsia.
One or two drops of Ajwain oil can cure various ear infections and
earache.
The oil is also beneficial for treating arthritis pain.
The seeds are also believed to be able to curb the desire for drinking

alcohol.

They are also a good home remedy for various health problems such as

anorexia, abdominal gas, vomiting, travel sickness and nausea.

Smoking Ajwain can relieve shortness of breath and asthma.
Gargling with an infusion made from these seeds is beneficial for
relieving sore throat.
Crushed Carom Seeds tied inside a piece of cloth is inhaled to relieve
nose congestion.
Powdered Ajowan seeds are soaked in milk and the milk is filtered and
used for feeding small children. It is believed to cure colic in babies.
They are also beneficial for treating diarrhea.
Water distilled from the Carom Seeds is known as Ajwain Water and
used as a home remedy for various digestive disorders and stomach pain.

Ajwain Uses
This spice is used for numerous culinary purposes. It is counted among the
most used spices in various parts of the world.

Edible Uses

It is a main ingredient for various dishes in the Indian cuisine.

The seeds are used for making various vegetable dishes as well as for
flavoring pickles.
This spice is used for seasoning chicken and fish along with various
other spices like Coriander and Cumin.
These seeds are also used for preparing root vegetables, beans and
lentils.
They are used for making herbal tea, known as Ajwain tea.
They are widely used for flavoring snacks, biscuits, sauces and soups in

India.

The seeds are pickled along with other spices like turmeric, mustard
seeds and fenugreek.

Other Use

They are used as a mouth freshener.

Ajwain Recipes
Here are the names of some recipes using this spice:

Spicy Vegetable Fritters

Ajwain Wala Chicken
Gujrati Karee with Ajwain Chawal
Ajwain Paratha
Ajwain-Aloo Subzi
Ajwain Rice
Red Lentils with Paprika and Ajwain
Ajwain Halwa

Ajwain Substitutes
No spice can be a perfect substitute for another one. But, one can use dried
thyme or oregano instead of Ajwain if the later is absolutely unavailable.

How to Store Ajwain

They should be stored in air-tight containers in a cool, dry place away from
humidity and direct sunlight. These seeds do not have a very long shelf life
because their essential oils evaporate within a short time, making the seeds
lose their flavor.

Ajwain Oil
Oil is extracted from the Ajwain leaves, flowers and seeds following the steam
distillation process. This colorless to brownish oil is highly valued for its
medicinal properties and is widely used in pharmaceuticals. The oil also has
many edible uses. It is used in various cosmetics as well.

Using Ajwain during Pregnancy

It is generally safe to consume Carom Seeds in moderate amounts during
pregnancy as it helps in digestion during this time. The seeds also maintain
proper health of the unborn child. But, it is advisable to consult an expert in
case of any adverse effects. Ajwain water is also believed to accelerate
recovery after childbirth.

Ajwain Side Effects

They do not cause any side effects when consumed in moderate amounts.
But over consumption may cause some adverse effects in some people. The
seeds stimulate gut secretion which can worsen the condition of an existing
stomach ulcer. This spice should also be avoided by individuals suffering from

diverticulitis conditions, liver diseases and ulcerative colitis. One should

consult a doctor if any side effects occur.

Ajwain and Weight Loss

These seeds are not generally used for losing weight. They have appetite
stimulating property which is not desirable for dieters. Ajwain can help to lose
a little weight by stimulating the bowel movements. But this weight loss is not
permanent and is very likely to return within a short time.

Ajwain Price and Availability

This spice is generally available in Indian and Middle Eastern spice stores.
The price for 14 once of the seeds ranges from $10 to $ 15.

Ajwain Interesting Facts

Find out some interesting Facts about these seeds:

The oil extraction of Carom Seeds contains the highest amount of

thymol among all spices.

Their thymol contents made them useful in surgeries as an antiseptic,

especially during the earlier parts of the 20th century.

They are often mistaken for Lovage seeds.

Ajwain Pictures
Here are some images of this amazing spice.

Picture 4 Ajwain Photo