Ajwain

Ajwain or carom seeds has been a part of everyday food, be it adding to the parantha or tadka. It's benefits have been long known but often ignored. 

We have been searching for so many western and newer concept of losing our weight that we have ignored the basic and amazing things we already have in our diet. 

One amongst many is Ajwain seeds. I didn't know about this much either until I saw someone with PCOS drinking this magical drink. And my search for other uses of Ajwain began. 

Here are some of the uses of Ajwain water that I have experienced.

1. Acidity 

Being a med student, the spicy mess food and exam stress had made my digestive system quite upset. I used to resolve having saunf (funnel seeds) but didn't get much relief. Then it stuck me that my mother used to give me ajwain with a pinch of salt, and I started having this and it gave me instant relief from acidity. 

Adding ajwain seeds to your food prevent acidity and indigestion by facilitating release of gastric juices in the stomach. It also increases the gastric motility.

2. Weight Loss

The  first step towards a healthy weight loss journey is to have a healthy digestive system. Ajwain seeds helps to keep acidity at bay, helps relieve constipation and treats indigestion.

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that helps to combat harmful bacteria and fungi like E.coli, Salmonella, Candida, etc. 

- It helps lower the LDL cholesterol level and triglycerides in the body. 

- The compounds in ajwain have anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve inflammation.

- It also helps to increase the metabolic rate which aids weight loss.

How to make-

A. Soak a tsp of ajwain seeds in about one litre of water overnight. 

You can warm and drink a glass of this water half an hour before breakfast.

You can also drink this water throughout the day.

B. You can also add jeera (cumin seeds) to increase the effectiveness.

C. Take a tsp of ajwain seeds and have it first thing in the morning.

3. Cold and cough

It's mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties helps to relieve symptoms of flu, asthma and bronchitis.

How to use:

- Add a tsp of Ajwain seeds in about 800-1000 ml water, let it boil nicely till the colour of water turns brown, remove from the stove/induction and inhale then steam. 

4. Prevents greying of hair

It halts the process of pre-mature greying of hair.

How to make-

To prepare this mixture, add curry leaves, dry grapes, sugar and ajwain seeds in a single cup of water and cook. Drink one glass of this every day until you start seeing the results.

5. Menses

Ajwain seeds helps in inducing periods or menses and provide relief from menstrual cramps.

How to use-

Boil 1tsp of ajwain seeds with 1tsp of jaggery in one glass of water and have it empty stomach in the morning.

Disclaimer: The above mentioned information is solely on the basis of my personal experience and readings. It may not be suitable and effective for all persons of all age groups.

For any questions and suggestions please comment below.