Ajwain Seeds

What are ajwain seeds?

Ajwain seeds are also known as Bishop’s weed or carom seeds. These seeds are indigenous to India and are a widely known cooking ingredient in Indian cuisine. Other countries where Ajwain seeds are widely cultivated include Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan, and lots of other countries in Asia. In preparation, the seeds are either dry-roasted, fried, or ground into a fine powder. The process helps to release the rather distinct aroma that makes it very appealing for use in cooking.

Aside from their dietary implications, carom seeds come with quite a lot of health benefits. In fact, the health benefits of carom seeds have made them a household solution to common stomach upset and indigestion problems in lots of Indian households. Ajwain seeds consist of an essential oil known as thymol, which is also found in the thyme plant. It is the thymol in carom seeds that gives them their amazing health benefits, and the characteristic scent makes them quite similar to the thyme plant.

Thymol is an herbicide and fungicide that also helps with diarrhea, flatulence, and indigestion problems. This wide range of properties led to its adoption in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Unlike most spices, ajwain seeds are not consumed for their taste and aroma alone. When infused with water, they tend to offer great absorption, which makes the effect even more profound. You can make boiled ajwain water by boiling as few as two teaspoons of raw ajwain seeds in a cup of water overnight.

After the boiling is complete, proceed to strain and drink on an empty stomach.

How to use Ajwain Seeds:

The addition of ajwain to pickles, chutneys, sauces, and jams is common, particularly in Middle Eastern nations. Any recipe calling for thyme may benefit from the addition of ajwain; however, since it can overshadow other components in any dish, it is best to use half as much.

Ajwain Seeds benefits:

The beneficial properties of ajwain seeds can be attributed to the organic compounds in carom seeds. Aside from having thymol, which has quite a lot of properties, the spice also contains fiber, minerals, and antioxidants that make it a highly regarded food additive. Other health benefits include:

◉ Aids weight loss: Boiled Ajwain water can be a great help if you are looking to lose weight. As a result of their ability to aid proper digestion, ajwain seeds make it a lot easier for your body to effectively absorb nutrients, thereby improving your metabolism and preventing fat accumulation. The thymol present is what is causing this digestive action. The thymol in carom seeds helps boost digestion by releasing gastric juices.

◉ Effective against Flatulence: Flatulence can be caused by a wide range of factors. From an improper diet to a sedentary lifestyle. However, the enzymes present in carom seeds do not just make your stomach strong but are also helpful in relieving flatulence.

◉ For cleaning wounds: As a result of the thymol in carom seeds, they can act as a fungicide and herbicide to prevent open wounds and cuts from getting infected. This makes it quite handy as both a food and a health item to keep at home.

◉ Effective relief from migraine and the common cold: Ajwain seeds can clear off mucus easily when used as a treatment for the cold. Drinking boiled Ajwain water and inhaling its aroma can also be very effective when warding off a migraine headache. 

Where to buy Ajwain seeds:

Buy ajwain seeds from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Ajwain Seeds information (at a glance):