- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (South and West Asia), Africa (northeast)
- Sanskrit
- Yamani
- Other names
- Ajowan
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Unani medicine
Asia · Herb · № 340
Trachyspermum ammi
Herb · Asia
Ajwain
Trachyspermum ammi
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, carminative, tonic, aromatic, antispasmodic, antiseptic; for flatulence, indigestion, colic, diarrhoea, cholera, intestinal cramps; source of thymol; against worms.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Seed powder 3–6 g; distilled water (arka) 28–56 ml; extract 125 mg; juice of young leaves against worms.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica and Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. Sanskrit name: Yamani. The small, thyme-flavoured fruits are used in India in bread, pulses and fried dishes and chewed after meals against wind. In Unani medicine it is called ajwain desi; thymol used to be extracted from the seed.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Stimulating, carminative, tonic, aromatic, antispasmodic, antiseptic; for flatulence, indigestion, colic, diarrhoea, cholera, intestinal cramps; source of thymol; against worms.
Preparation and amount
Seed powder 3–6 g; distilled water (arka) 28–56 ml; extract 125 mg; juice of young leaves against worms.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Warming, kindles the digestive fire, helps digest heavy meals and with weight loss; against bloating and stomach ache.
Preparation and amount
Fry seeds in ghee in pilaf, fajitas, pasta and pumpkin; boil seeds in water as ajwain tea for stomach ache; especially in winter and spring.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Compress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen