Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Preclinical studies indicate that ajwain is a potent antitussive (relieves cough). It was further suggested that this antitussive effect of ajwain is more prominently noticed in higher doses of administration of the ajwain extracts.

Additionally, ajwain has also been reported as an efficient antispasmodic. So, it may help in a cough by relaxing throat muscles. But, in the absence of clinical trials, it’s better to talk to your doctor before taking ajwain as a cough remedy.

Read more: Home remedies for cough

In recent times, the primary concern against antibiotic treatment is the development of more and more antibiotic-resistant microbes. If you are a follower of scientific researches, you might have noted that names like MRSA, VRSA and MDR tuberculosis have become fairly common. There is a rising and immediate need for better alternatives for the current generation of drugs. Preferably one which stops or slows down the rise of microbial resistance.

According to researchers, natural substances like herbs and spices have evolved alongside these microbes so it is hard that they’ll develop a strong resistance against them. Studies suggest that thymol and carvacrol present in ajwain seeds hold a strong antibiotic potential.

Read more: What is antibiotic resistance

Laboratory-based studies demonstrate that ajwain shows marked antibacterial action in combination therapies with ampicillin and minerals like iron and copper.

Menstrual cramps are a troublesome and recurring situation for some women. It is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen right before or during the menstrual phase of their monthly cycle. While conditions like fibroids and PCOS may be the causative agent of this problem, it’s more often associated with muscle spasms due to lack of exercise or individual anatomy.

Preclinical studies associate ajwain seeds with potent antispasmodic benefits. Which means consuming ajwain seeds may help relieve muscle spasm in the lower abdomen and alleviate menstrual pains. Clinical studies are still underway in this field. So, it is preferable that you check in with your doctor to know about the benefits and dosage of ajwain seeds during menstruation.

Studies suggest that ajwain is a strong hypolipidemic (reduces body cholesterol). In an animal-based study, it was observed that consuming ajwain seeds and methanolic extracts reduces the levels of low-density cholesterol and other triglycerides in the body. But the exact mechanism of action and dosage have not been studied in clinical situations. So, it’s best to follow moderation while taking ajwain.

Read more: High cholesterol symptoms

Ajwain remains one of the top ayurvedic remedies against worms in the gastrointestinal tract. Ayurvedic doctors suggest ajwain sat (ajwain extract) for treating stomach worms. It is further suggested that ajwain sat is especially effective in hookworm infections.

Numerous studies have been done to test this claim of ayurveda and almost all lab studies confirm the anthelmintic properties of ajwain seeds. Laboratory-based studies claim that ajwain is very efficient against ringworm infections.

In a further study, it was observed that ajwain seeds help kill stomach worms by inhibiting some intracellular signalling in their bodies.

Additionally, studies claim ajwain seeds to be excellent cholinergic, they increase the peristaltic movement in the intestines, thus leading to a quicker and easier expulsion of worms from the gut.

In vitro studies suggest that alcoholic and aqueous extracts of ajwain seeds exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects. According to researchers, oxidative stress is one of the major factors responsible for the wear and tear in rheumatoid arthritis. Keeping this factor in view, the antioxidant properties of ajwain were tested on animal models of arthritis and it was found that administration of ajwain does have some useful effects in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. However, not much can be said about the possibility of side effects on humans.

Read more: Arthritis symptoms

Numerous researches have been done to test the antioxidant effects of ajwain seeds. And all lab studies indicate that ajwain has great antioxidant potential.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Green Pharmacy, essential oil made from ajwain seeds is an excellent antioxidant.

Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry hints that frozen ajwain seeds display much more potent antioxidant activity as compared to fresh ajwain seeds.

It was further suggested that the antioxidant potential of this herb can be directly attributed to the content of phenolics in its seeds.

Laboratory and animal-based studies suggest that ajwain is a natural blood thinner. According to in vivo studies, the mechanism of action of ajwain is quite similar to that of the most common anticoagulant drug, warfarin. But, the effects of ajwain on human clotting factors is still not completely understood.

Ajwain water is a popular remedy for relieving gassy stomach and symptoms of cold in babies. It is considered a warming herb in ayurveda and in vivo studies have indicated the efficiency of ajwain in relieving gas and flatulence. But no clinical trials are available so far to moderate a proper dosage of ajwain in infants and babies. So, in the best interest of your young one, it is better to ask your ayurvedic doctor about the proper dosage of ajwain water for your baby.

in the busy and stressed lifestyle of this day, it is very difficult to take time out for special hair care. The chemicals used in cosmetics and conditioners may give you shinier looking hairs but most often they are not that useful when it comes to infections and scalp conditions. Add to it, the rising pollution and it becomes almost impossible to avoid common diseases and infections.

According to researchers, fungal hair and skin infections are becoming common pretty quickly, especially in the heat and humidity of tropics. Adding to it, the rise of drug-resistant microbes, it has become really difficult to combat these common infections.

Studies suggest that ajwain has a strong antifungal action against Aspergillus and the common skin and hair fungi Trichophyton rubrum. One such study used ajwain in combination with a known antifungal drug and it was observed that there was a marked reduction in the growth of this fungus.

Additionally, ajwain is an excellent antioxidant, so it may help make your hair shinier and less prone to damage by Ultraviolet radiation.

Read more: Hair growth treatment and tips

According to ayurvedic doctors, ajwain aggravates pitta which means its energetically warming to the body. Thus it may help in relieving symptoms of cold. However, it is best to refer to a doctor to know more about the benefits of ajwain.

Read more: Common cold treatment

According to a clinical study done in Iran, ajwain is an efficient bronchodilatory. In this study, a group of asthma patients was given two different doses of ajwain or a common anti-asthma drug on a random basis. Another group was kept on placebo. At the end of the required time, it was noted that ajwain had a bronchodilator action which was similar to that of the commercial drug. So, it can be safely said that ajwain has some benefits against asthma symptoms. It is always advisable to check in with your doctor before taking ajwain.

Read more: Exercises for asthma control

Ajwain is traditionally used by nursing mothers to promote the flow of milk from mammary glands. Animal studies done by The National Dairy Research Institute hint that ajwain water is an effective galactagogue. It was further suggested that ajwain has some phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogen) which mimic estrogen in the body.

According to ayurvedic doctors, ajwain helps digest food properly and relieves digestive disorders like gas and flatulence. Together, these three properties of ajwain may help you lose weight. But, it also increases appetite. Which is in direct contradiction to any weight loss benefits of this spice. Animal studies suggest that consuming ajwain may have some benefits in losing body weight. But, in the absence of human studies, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking ajwain in any form.

Read more: Diet chart for weight loss

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While there haven’t been specialized studies that focus on laxative properties of ajwain, it remains one of the most sought-after remedies for relieving constipation. Some laboratory-based studies suggest that ajwain improves the digestion process along with reducing the passing time of food through our gastrointestinal tract. These two properties may be responsible for making ajwain a much-loved remedy for constipation. But, it definitely doesn’t confirm its efficiency as a constipation reliever.

Read more: How to get rid of constipation

In vivo studies suggest the anti-diarrheal activity of the alcoholic extracts of ajwain. It was further suggested that this anti-diarrheal property may be attributed to the presence of biological compounds like saponins, flavonoids, sterols, and tannins. However, due to the absence of human studies, it's hard to confirm the anti-diarrheal potential of ajwain.

Read more: Home remedies for diarrhoea

Ajwain is one of the most commonly used remedies for stomach pain and spasms in the stomach. Ayurvedic doctors suggest a mixture of ajwain seeds and ginger for relieving stomach pains. Recent studies hint that ajwain acts as a blocker of calcium channels which leads to an evident decrease in spasms. Additionally, this property of ajwain is also claimed to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of diarrhoea.

Traditional and folk medicine recognizes ajwain as an excellent remedy against gas and flatulence. A traditional recipe for gas is made by adding 500 g of ajwain seeds to a 60 g mixture of rock salt, black salt, and table salt in the ratio of 1:1:1 by weight. 1 tsp of this mixture is then taken with warm water to provide relief from symptoms of gas, vomiting, and nausea. According to ayurvedic doctors, ajwain also reduces intestinal gas by helping pass the stools more easily.

Read more: Home remedies for stomach gas

According to two different in vivo studies (i.e. animal studies), ajwain increases gastric acid secretion and decreases the transit time of food through the stomach and intestines. Additionally, it was reported that ajwain intake increases bile secretion and digestive enzyme secretion. Thus, ajwain has a definite potential for improving the digestion process. Due to the absence of clinical studies, it is difficult to confirm the similar efficiency of ajwain for humans.

Read more: How to improve digestion