This post is a tribute to our humble ajwain, often tucked in the corner of our mom's kitchen and its incredible benefits.
From time immemorial, India has been known to the world for its various spices and wonderful herbs. Indian kitchens have stocked a wide variety of various spices, making dishes flavorful and beneficial for health and well-being. Remember how our granny would conjure up a magic potion from her kitchen, and we swore by its benefits? One such staple from our mom’s kitchen is carom seeds which are vernacularly known as ajwain. Not only has it originated in India, but its health benefits were acknowledged and widely used by India for centuries.
Let us look at some health benefits of carom seeds.
Carom seeds are equally effective in treating the common cold and a blocked nose. You could tie a tablespoon of cumin seeds in a clean and thin cotton cloth and heat the pack on a hot pan until the whole pack of seeds start releasing its aroma. Place it on your chest or head to get some relief from chest congestion and migraine. You could also prepare a drink by boiling carom seeds with ginger and adding jaggery powder to cure common cold and cough.
Carom seeds also aid in weight loss if you drink the stock by boiling the seeds in water. Ajwain helps in cleansing of abdomen by curing indigestion and kicking its antioxidants in the system. As a result, the body regularly flushes toxins and excess water out from the body, making you lighter, fit and leaner in the process.
Have you ever heard of carom seed oil? The oil could be bought from any local shop or medical store. In case of a toothache, you could apply this oil over your affected area to ease your pain. Or you could add some drops of the same oil into a glass of lukewarm water and use it to gargle at least twice to thrice a day. This oil is also quite beneficial for body aches or even arthritis if used for daily massages on the joints.
Ajwain has several properties that are good for the gut. It is beneficial in treating stomach and gastro related ailments. If you feel bloated and suffer from constant heartburn, you could rely on carom seeds to treat you from the condition. You can make a medicinal potion by boiling a teaspoon of carom seeds, along with some cumin and fennel seeds in equal proportion. When the water is reduced to half, allow the water to cool down and drink it warm. It will give you immense relief.
We take a bow to the wondrous herb of India.
