The Health and Beauty Benefits of Ajwain Essential Oil
Like many essential oils, ajwain essential oil has health benefits. In many ancient cultures, ajwain was frequently used in culinary and medicinal applications. Ajwain is native to the Middle East, mainly Egypt and India, but is also found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and in the Far East. It is also referred to as ajowan, bishop’s weed, thymol and carom. In various parts of Southern India it is called omam.
The seeds of the Trachyspermum copticum plant are primarily the parts used for culinary and medicinal applications. The seeds of the ajwain shrub contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, iron, phosphorous, carotene, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin.
The essential oil of ajwain is just as beneficial as the seeds. Ajwain essential oil is obtained from the seeds of the ajwain shrub. The oil is obtained from crushing the ajwain seeds through steam distillation. The main producers are Iran, Iraq and India. It is usually colorless, but on occasion it can appear brown. It features a warm, sharp taste and strong scent. This essential oil combines perfectly with parsley, sage and thyme.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwain | Trachyspermum ammi | Middle East mostly in Egypt as well as India, but might additionally be present in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and in the Far East | Ajwain promotes relaxation, relieves symptoms of rheumatism, promotes reproductive health, digestive health, and acts as a diuretic | Avoid with the use of certain medications. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid use by pregnant women. | Airtight dark vial kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight |
The Health Benefits of Ajwain Essential Oil
Ajwain essential oil is used for its antispasmodic, stimulant and carminative properties. It is a powerful antimicrobial. It is reputed to be a good treatment for asthma to ease breathing, and is made into cough syrups and throat lozenges. It is said to provide relief from ulcers, ringworm, kidney stones, excess bile, indigestion, gas, leukorrhea, female infertility and menstrual disorders. This essential oil can be very therapeutic when used for skin conditions like acne.
Ajwain essential oil is beneficial in easing toothaches and earaches. And can relieve symptoms of rheumatism when applied topically in a massage. In addition, this essential oil can help promote circulation. Read this PDF file for more detailed information about the Health and Beauty Benefits of Ajwain Essential Oil. Ajwain essential oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Ajwain Essential Oil
- Use it internally for treating coughs, colds, asthma, influenza, cholera, diarrhea, indigestion, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, edema, rheumatism and arthritis.
- In India, it is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating fever and digestive ailments.
- In western cultures, it is used for to ease cough and throat irritation.
- The crushed fruits can be applied topically in a poultice.
- Ingesting the seeds encourages gastrointestinal secretions that enhance digestive function.
- For indigestion, flatulence and gas, take 1 tsp. of ajwain with water every day for one week.
- It is effective for treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and chest congestion.
- Gargling with ajwain water can relieve a toothache.
- Ingesting the seeds can help eliminate kidney stones.
- Ajwain can be used to soothe cramps and muscle spasms.
- A paste made with yogurt and crushed ajwain seeds can be used to treat acne, pimples, blackheads and blemishes.
- It is helpful for vomiting and mouth diseases.
- To lose up to 4 or 5kg, take 1 tsp. of ajwain seeds on an empty stomach every morning.
- For incontinence, take 1 tsp. of a mixture made from 25g caraway seeds, 50g black sesame seeds and 100g sugar two times a day.
- For an earache, add 2 tsp. of ajwain seeds and 1 tsp. garlic to sesame oil and heat until it turns a red color. When the mixture cools down, use an eye dropper to put 1–2 drops inside the ear. Or, just use an eye dropper to put a few drops of ajwain essential oil directly into ears.
- Grind a mixture of black cumin, ajwain and fenugreek seeds, and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Ingest ½ tsp. every morning to reduce joint pain and swelling.
- Inhaling the scent of ajwain seeds wrapped in a tissue paper, will help alleviate a migraine headache and provide relief from nose congestion.
- Ingesting few raw ajwain seeds with sips of water in between will stop hiccups.
- An infusion made from ajwain seeds and table salt is helpful in soothing a sore throat.
- Soak powdered ajwain seeds in breastmilk and filter, use the milk to feed nursing babies as a natural herbal cure for colic.
- Ingesting 6g powdered ajwain mixed with water. It eliminates stone from kidney and bladder.
Precautions
Ajwain is a spice that has therapeutic properties, however, if ingested too frequently it can cause some health issues. It should be used judiciously either in culinary or medicinal applications.
Over consumption can result in skin irritation, nausea, headache, allergic reactions and vomiting. It can prevent blood–clotting, so should be avoided by people who use medications to lower blood pressure and blood thinners. Excessive use might make skin more photosensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
It should not be used by pregnant women because it can induce contractions of the uterus. Should be avoided by people with acid reflux and liver disease. Should be avoided by people with mouth ulcers, stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis. It might lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. These are: Acorus Calamus, Ajwain, Allspice, Amyris, Anise (Aniseed), Angelica, Apricot Kernel, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Star Anise, Sweet Birch, and Wintergreen.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
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Sources:
Health Benefits of Ajwain
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/ajwain/
Health Benefits of Ajwain Essential Oil
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-ajwain-essential-oil/
https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/beverages/health-benefits-of-ajwain-water
http://www.gyanunlimited.com/health/top-10-health-and-medicinal-benefits-of-ajwain/1122/
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/9-super-benefits-of-ajwain-the-multi-talented-household-spice-143869
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-carom-seeds-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref
https://beautyhealthtips.in/amazing-health-benefits-of-carom-seeds-ajwain-seeds/
https://www.organicfacts.net/carom-seeds.htm