Ajowan
Ajowan seed, also known as Ajawain, Bishop's-weed or Trachyspermum,
is a common spice in Asia and a medicinal ingredient in Ayurveda
medicine. It smells a little like Thyme and looks a bit like Cumin
seeds. Native to India but also cultivated in Egypt, Afghanistan,
Pakistan and Iran, it contains an essential oil which is about
50% thymol (a strong germicide, anti-spasmodic & fungicide).
Well known for its' medicinal values in India, it is used both internally and externally for such ailments as:
- digestive issues (chew a little in raw form)
- diarrhoea and flatulence (boil tsp-tbsp in water until water reduced by 1/2 and drink)
- Colds (inhale the steam of it boiling in water)
- rheumatic and osteoarthritis pain (a poultice or oil applied on the area)
- spasmodic pain (rub the oil on the area)
- toothaches, bad breath, earaches (chew on raw form, drop of the cooled ajowan water in ear)
- insect bites (antiseptic rub with water or oil on the area)
- bronchitis and asthma (inhale the steam or rub poultice or oil on chest)
Having Ajwain in your kitchen is definitely a good step towards natural wellness. It is known as a powerful anti-spasmodic (pain reliever) yet is a gentle herb offering many varied healing properties.
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