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Ajwain is one such home remedy that your mother must have recommended to you at one time or another to get rid of abdominal pain or bloating. Isn’t it? Ajwain aka carom seeds, can not only bring your digestive health back on track but it is a big relief when it comes to period pain. Yes, along with resolving digestive issues such as bloating, acidity, and indigestion, it can also relieve period pain. And guess what, ajwain is also helpful in treating respiratory ailments. Overall, ajwain can be a home remedy for several daily life health problems.
Ajwain or carom seeds are a herb in the family Apiaceae. It has a nice, appetizing aroma and tingling taste and that’s why people use this to enhance the flavour of dishes. Due to its high content of carbohydrate, fat, protein, fibre, tannins, glucosides, moisture, saponins, flavour and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, cobalt, copper, iodine, manganese, thiamine, and riboflavin—ajwain works as a handy medicinal remedy.
Health Shots got in touch with Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, to find out ajwain benefits.
Carom seeds, popularly known as ajwain in India, have a special place in Indian cuisine. From snacks and parathas to beverages, ajwain, a spice, can be seen everywhere because of its delicious taste and strong aroma, but did you know that ajwain also has a lot of health benefits? Yes, it can treat your bloating, congestion, period pain, and many more says Dr Reddy.
Here are some health benefits of ajwain
1. Prevents bloating
Bloating is caused by indigestion, and one of the most important health benefits of ajwain seeds includes helping with the digestive process. Drinking a glass of ajwain water or chewing ajwain seeds can make your tummy feel lighter by improving the flow of stomach acids and thereby improving the digestive system with the help of enzymes present in them. Along with a better digestive system, ajwain can help prevent bloating, reduce acidity, and ease stomach pain and other discomforts.
2. Helps with congestion
Ajwain is commonly used to relieve nasal congestion as it helps to clear out mucus from the lungs. Ajwain has cold-suppressing properties. It also helps with colds, coughs, headaches, asthma, and respiratory and bronchial illnesses. Ajwain has Thymol which has expectorant properties. Thus, it acts as a decongestant and helps in mucus removal to clear your nasal passage and help you breathe easily. Ajwain strengthens your immunity and detoxifies the blood, which in turn helps you combat against cough and cold. Some of the ways you can use ajwain to help with congestion include tying hot ajwain seeds in a handkerchief and then applying it to the congested areas. You can also boil carom seeds in water and use them for steam inhalation.
3. Reduces menstrual cramps
Are you someone who gets terrible period cramps? Do you also find it a challenge to leave your bed during periods of intense pain? Well, ajwain is the perfect solution to your problem. They are incredibly rich in fiber and packed with nutritious antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The anti-inflammatory qualities of ajwain make it a potent remedy for pain relief.
Apart from these benefits, ajwain can also help in weight loss
If your goal is weight loss, this drink can prove to be a magic drink for you. Ajwain, a spice, can boost metabolism rate and aid in weight loss. Moreover, according to a study published in the journal Biomed Research International ajwain brings down triglyceride and cholesterol levels in your body. Which means, it tames the bad cholesterol that can lead to obesity and weight gain and many other issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
But for weight loss, the best time to drink ajwain water is on an empty stomach in the morning. Along with this, add ajwain to your foods to reap all the benefits it has to offer you.
How to consume carom seeds or ajwain?
Chewing ajwain seeds or drinking ajwain water can help to ease your period cramps. Ajwain acts as a natural painkiller and can fix your irregular menstrual cycle by inducing periods as well.
Here’s how to prepare ajwain water
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 25 gram ajwain
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 lemon (optional)
- Water
Procedure:
- To prepare ajwain water, add water and ajwain to a pan. Boil it till it becomes half.
- Now, turn off the flame and let it sit overnight.
- Next morning, mix it well and strain the water before using it.
- Add honey. You can also add lemon because this will aid in weight loss by boosting your metabolism rate and also enhance its taste.
- Sip this drink on an empty stomach or whenever you’re dealing with period pain or digestive woes.
Ajwain water is worth making your BFF if you want to avoid period pain and get rid of stomach issues.
