25 March 2016
About Ajwain (Carom Seeds)Ajwain is a very pungent and aromatic spice that is much used in Indian cooking. It is known by various other names like, bishop's weed, ajowan seeds, carom seeds, etc and belongs to the same family as dill, fennel, anise and caraway.
The plant is an annual herb, about 2 to 3 feet tall and produces small, brown oval shaped seeds. Ajwain seeds contain an essential oil thymol and hence they have a taste that resembles thyme. Other chemical compounds contained in ajwain are pinene, limonene, cymene and terpinene. Uses Of AjwainAjwain is much used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine, to cure a variety of health disorders.
It is also used, apart from using it as a spice in cooking, in cookies and biscuits, in sauces, soups and soft drinks, as one of the ingredients in making pickles etc. A tea is made with ajwain seeds in India. It is called Ajwain Chai. How To Make Ajwain ChaiIngredients
Water 1 cup Milk 1 cup Tea 1&1/2 tsp Sugar 2 tsp Ajwain 1/4 tsp Cinnamon 1 pinch Method Take 1 cup of water. Add ajwain, tea, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil. Then add milk and sugar. Bring to a boil and let simmer till the desired color is obtained. Cover for a minute. Strain & serve. Benefits Useful in allieviating colds and cough. Aids digestion and stimulates metabolism. Health Benefits Of AjwainThe essential oils in ajwain are responsible for its health benefits mainly. Ajwain has anesthetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, digestive, carminative, and diuretic properties.
Uses Of Ajwain In Specific Health Conditions For Intestinal Worms Add black salt to taste to 1/2 tsp ajwain churan, and give this with hot water daily at night, to a child who suffers from worm infestation. In adults, to 4 parts of ajwain churan add 1 part black salt. Take 2 grams of this mixture at bedtime with hot water for benefit. For Gas & Flatulence To 125 grams yogurt, add 2 grams ajwain and 1/2 gram black salt. Take this after meals to relieve gas. Take this for about 10 to 15 days after lunch. This also helps in hiccups, nausea, excessive burping and indigestion. In Weak Digestion Regular consumption of ajwain cures digestive problems and strengthens digestion. For Swollen Gums If gums are swollen, swish water, to which a few drops of ajwain oil have been added and mixed, around in the mouth for few minutes. For Joint Pains Add ajwain to mustard oil and heat this oil. Massage with this oil, the affected painful joints for relief. For Bruises And Injuries Make a paste with ajwain and turmeric powder with water. Apply a poultice on the affected area. It relieves pain and swelling. For Halitosis Boil a little ajwain seeds in some water. Cool and swish this water in the mouth for a few minutes, 2 to 3 times everyday. Do this for 3 days. For Stomachache, Pain, Weak Digestion Add a pinch of black pepper, pinch of rock salt to 1 tsp ajwain and consume with hot water for relief. For Itching, Ringworm, Eczema Make a thick paste of ajwain seeds with some hot water. Apply for relief. For Respiratory Diseases Regular consumption of ajwain benefits in relieving cough, phlegm and strengthens lungs. Take 1 spoonful each of ajwain powder and jaggery. Heat to make a paste. Take this morning and evening. For Cold/Headache Grind ajwain seeds very fine. Put this in a thin cloth. Sniffing this relieves cold and headaches. For Pimples Mix ajwain churan in yogurt and apply on the pimples at bedtime. Wash after 30 minutes. To Increase Appetite Consume ajwain to stimulate appetite. For Earache Put 1-2 drops of ajwain oil in the affected ear. Some ajwain recipe videos for you. |
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