Ajwain, scientifically known as Trachyspermum ammi, is a spice native to India and is often referred to as carom seeds. This spice is vital to Indian culinary traditions due to its distinctive, pungent flavour. However, Ajwain is not just a culinary delight; it has deep-rooted significance in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. There are multiple health benefits of Ajwain water as Ayurvedic texts praise Ajwain for its medicinal properties, making it valuable in traditional healing practices.
What is Ajwain Water?
Ajwain water is a concoction made by infusing carom seeds in water. This infusion boasts a rich profile of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and essential oils. Carom seeds benefits in multiple ways because they are abundant in thymol, a potent essential oil that contributes to their medicinal properties. Ajwain seeds benefits in many way, hence, Ajwain water is a natural source of antioxidants, fibre, and several essential vitamins, making it a healthy addition to your daily routine.
Health Benefits of Ajwain Water
Ajwain water, also known as carom seed water, has been used for its potential health benefits. While scientific research on its efficacy is limited, it is popular in traditional medicine for various reasons. Here's an elaboration on the benefits of Ajwain water for each of the mentioned health issues:
1. Helps in Digestion:
Ajwain seeds are rich in essential oils, primarily thymol, which can help stimulate the release of gastric juices. This assists in breaking down food more efficiently in the digestive tract. Improved digestion helps prevent indigestion, reduces bloating, and mitigates flatulence by enhancing the body's capacity to digest and absorb nutrients. Regularly consuming Ajwain water may support overall digestive health by preventing digestive disorders and promoting a healthy gut.
2. Alleviates Gas and Acidity:
Ajwain water can help alleviate gas and acidity by reducing flatulence and the buildup of excess stomach acid. Carom seeds in Ajwain water boast carminative properties, effectively reducing gas formation in the digestive system. Additionally, the alkaline properties of Ajwain water help neutralize excess stomach acid, offering relief from the discomfort of acidity.
3. Ajwain Water For Weight Loss:
Ajwain Water for weight loss is thought to boost metabolism, aiding in weight loss mainly due to the presence of thymol. It may also help in controlling appetite, thus contributing to weight management. A higher metabolic rate can facilitate calorie burning and contribute to weight loss. Furthermore, Ajwain water can help control appetite, reducing the urge to overeat, which plays a pivotal role in weight management.
4. Helps Regulate Bowel Movements:
Ajwain water is believed to have mild laxative properties, which can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation by softening stool and easing its passage. This aids in preventing constipation and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system.
5. Improves Respiratory Health (Cough and Cold):
Ajwain water is renowned for its expectorant properties, which enable it to loosen and help expel mucus from the respiratory passages. This makes it a valuable remedy for easing cough and cold symptoms, enhancing breathing, and alleviating congestion. Hot Ajwain water with a pinch of cinnamon powder is an excellent remedy for relieving Cough and Cold.
6. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal properties of Ajwain:
Some studies suggest Ajwain and Ajwain water possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which can help prevent infections and support overall health. Due to its active compounds, Ajwain may possess anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. These properties can help prevent infections, bolstering overall health.
7. Provides Relief for Asthma and other respiratory disorders:
The anti-inflammatory properties of ajwain may provide relief for individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Ajwain's anti-inflammatory attributes can assist in reducing inflammation in the airways, potentially contributing to improved respiratory health and reduced breathing difficulties. Ajwain Water with Ginger can help provide relief when you have asthma.
8. Helps regulate Menstrual Cycle:
Ajwain is believed to have emmenagogue properties, which may help regulate menstrual cycles in some women. Ajwain water is an excellent remedy for getting regular periods. The key ingredient in this drink is carom seeds, which have been shown to reduce cramps and pain associated with menstruation by stimulating uterine contractions. It can also alleviate menstrual pain and discomfort.
9. Supports Natural Function of Liver and Kidney:
While not a substitute for medical treatment, ajwain water promotes liver and kidney health due to its detoxifying properties and can support the natural functions of the liver and kidneys. While not a replacement for medical treatment, it plays a role in maintaining the health of these vital organs.
10. Helps reduce Trembles in Humans:
Some traditional remedies suggest that ajwain water can help reduce tremors or involuntary muscle movements. It is prudent to use this remedy under the guidance of a healthcare professional, particularly for tremor-related conditions with underlying medical causes.
11. Enhances Milk Production in Lactating Mothers:
Ajwain water enhances lactation in nursing mothers by increasing milk production and quality. This ensures that newborns receive vital nutrients. It may enhance milk production and quality.
12. Benefits of Ajwain Water for Improves Cardiovascular Health:
Thymol, a calcium chain blocker that occurs naturally, can be found in ajwain seeds. This suggests that the seeds aid in preventing calcium from entering the heart's cells, leading the blood arteries to relax and expand. Lower blood pressure and a significant risk factor for heart attacks and stroke are the effects of this. Moreover, Ajwain's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lower the risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy heart.
13. Helps reduce inflammation in the body
Carom seeds benefits have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce inflammation in your body. The carom seeds in Ajwain Water help in the same way. According to a recent study, carom seed extract administered to arthritis-induced mice for 21 days decreased levels of the inflammatory enzyme elastase. The Anti-Inflammatory properties help relieve Arthritis, heartburn and other problems.
14. Relieves Menstrual Cramps:
Ajwain water's muscle-relaxing properties may help reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps. The muscle-relaxing properties of Ajwain water can effectively reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps, making it easier for individuals to manage discomfort during their menstrual cycles.
15. Potential uses of ajwain for diabetes:
According to a study, the anti-hyperglycemic activity of ajwain oil strongly supports its ability to decrease sugar levels; hence it may be further validated for its use as an antidiabetic agent. Like Ajwain Oil, Ajwain Water is a good choice for managing diabetes as it can effectively inhibit the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, such as α-glucosidase, thereby decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia. Moreover, it has proved its ability to promote glucose uptake in the L6myotubes. Diabetic patients should drink Ajwain Water daily to help manage their diabetes more effectively.
16. Potential uses of ajwain for migraine:
Ajwain helps relieve headaches due to the common cold or migraines due to Thymol. Along with drinking Ajwain Water, wrapping carom seeds powder in a small cotton cloth and smelling it frequently provides symptomatic relief. If you get frequent headaches, take 1 tsp of neem leaves powder with Ajwain water in the morning.
17. Potential uses of ajwain for arthritis:
Due to its potent anti-inflammatory characteristics, ajwain water can aid in reducing the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, spondylitis, Hashimoto's, and others. To benefit from it, along with drinking Ajwain Water, ensure you make it a part of your daily meals.
18. Potential uses of ajwain for Diarrheas:
Ajwain has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, including diarrheas. Ajwain Water may help in reducing bowel movements and alleviating stomach discomfort. Some components in ajwain possess antibacterial properties, which may help treat diarrhea caused by bacterial infections. Drinking Ajwain water for Weight Loss also helps.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Ajwain Leaf
How to Make Ajwain Water Preparations:
To make Ajwain water, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
1-2 teaspoons of carom seeds (Ajwain)
Instructions:
- Measure 2 cups of water and pour it into a saucepan.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of carom seeds (Ajwain) to the water. Adjust the quantity of Ajwain based on your taste preferences and tolerance.
- Mix the water and carom seeds well in the saucepan.
- Place the saucepan on the stovetop and turn on the heat to medium.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes. Boiling the water with Ajwain helps extract the beneficial compounds from the seeds.
- Once the water has boiled and you can smell the aroma of Ajwain, turn off the heat.
- Let the Ajwain water cool down slightly, but it should still be warm when consumed for best results.
- Strain the Ajwain water (also known as omam water) using a strainer into a cup or container. This will remove the carom seeds, leaving you with clear Ajwain-infused water.
- Your Ajwain water is now ready to drink. It's best enjoyed warm, as this is when it's believed to provide maximum benefits.
- Drink the warm Ajwain water slowly and savor the flavor. Some people prefer adding a bit of honey or lemon for added taste, but this is optional.
Incorporating Ajwain water into your daily routine is said to have potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and potentially supporting weight loss efforts.
Ingredients to add with Ajwain Water and their added Benefits:
Ginger:
Ginger helps soothe digestive discomfort, reduces nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Add one teaspoon of ginger paste to 1L Ajwain water while boiling it for optimal results.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon adds a burst of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids digestion. Squeeze half a lemon in your Ajwain Water to ensure the best results.
Honey:
Honey adds natural sweetness and may help soothe a sore throat or cough. It also has antimicrobial properties. Add one teaspoon of honey to 1L Ajwain Water.
Cumin Seeds:
Cumin aids digestion, enhances flavour, and can relieve bloating and gas. Add one teaspoon of cumin to 1L Ajwain Water.
Fennel Seeds:
Fennel seeds aid digestion, reduce flatulence, and have a pleasant, soothing taste. Add one teaspoon of Fennel Seeds to 1L Ajwain Water while boiling.
Mint Leaves:
Mint provides a refreshing flavour, soothes the stomach, and helps with nausea and indigestion.
Coriander Seeds:
Coriander seeds aid digestion, reduce bloating, and provide a mild, sweet flavour. Add one teaspoon of Coriander Seeds to 1L Ajwain Water while boiling.
Cinnamon Stick:
Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavour and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Black Salt (Kala Namak):
Black salt enhances the taste of ajwain water and is believed to help with digestion.
Turmeric Powder, Clove, Black Pepper, Cardamom Pods, Hing, Tulsi, Lavender Seeds, and Amla are other ingredients which can add to the benefits and flavour of Ajwain Water. How to make Ajwain Water with other Ingredients prepare ajwain water, add these ingredients to a glass of water and let it steep for a few hours or overnight. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavors will become. It's essential to adjust the quantities of these ingredients to suit your taste preferences and health needs. Ajwain water is primarily known for its digestive benefits, but these added ingredients can enhance the flavour and provide additional health benefits.
Also Read: How to grow Ajwain Plant at Home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What happens if we drink Ajwain water daily?
A1: Drinking Ajwain water daily can positively affect your health. Thanks to its carminative properties, it can improve digestion, reduce acidity, and provide relief from gas and bloating. This daily practice may help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Q2: What are the super benefits of Ajwain water?
A2: Ajwain water offers a range of impressive benefits. It aids digestion, eases indigestion, and has the potential to boost your metabolism, which can benefit for weight management. Additionally, it may relieve stomach discomfort and improve overall digestive health.
Q3: What are the side effects of Ajwain water?
A3: While generally safe, excessive consumption of Ajwain water can lead to side effects such as heartburn, mouth ulcers, or skin allergies, especially in sensitive individuals. It should be used in moderation to avoid these potential adverse effects.
Q4: Ajwain water reduce belly fat?
A4: Ajwain water is believed to have mild fat-burning properties. When incorporated into a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen, it may contribute to the reduction of belly fat over time. However, it's not a standalone solution for weight loss.
Q5: Does Ajwain water detox your body?
A5: Ajwain water is thought to possess detoxifying properties that can aid in removing toxins from the body. It may also enhance overall digestion and metabolism, contributing to well-being. However, the extent of its detoxifying effects can vary among individuals, and it should complement a healthy lifestyle for optimal results.
Q6: How much Ajwain to take in a day?
A6: Ajwain is typically used in cooking in small quantities. You can use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ajwain seeds for 4-6 people recipes. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
Q7. How much Ajwain water to take in a day?
For general digestive purposes, you can start with one to two cups of Ajwain water daily, consumed before or after meals. However, if you're using it for specific medicinal reasons or have health concerns, consult a healthcare practitioner for personalized guidance on the appropriate daily intake.
References:
1. Antidiabetic Activity of Ajwain Oil in Different In Vitro Models
2. Trachyspermum ammi
3. An Overview on Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) Pharmacological Effects; Modern and Traditional