India’s very own carom seeds (ajwain) is a must-have and one of the most-loved spices across Indian households. Alongside being known for its distinct flavour that enhances the taste of several dishes, carom seeds are much appreciated as a humble medicine too. They are commonly used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine. It acts as a remedy to alleviate abdominal issues such as stomach ache, burning sensation, and indigestion, common cold, toothache, earache, arthritis pain as well as premature greying of hair.
Here are some benefits & uses of carom seeds
DIGESTION – Known for its digestive benefits, the active enzymes in carom seeds boost gastrointestinal functioning. This facilitates a smooth flow of stomach acids and provides relief from stomach ache, bloating gas, and indigestion. Carom plant is also a remedy for peptic ulcers and sores in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Use: Prepare a mix of 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon carom seeds and ½ teaspoon ginger powder. Add this mix in water and consume daily to get relief from heartburn.
COLD & COUGH – Carom seeds are tiny, yet handy remedies for cold, cough, and respiratory ailments. It eases breathing by opening nasal blockages, easing mucus discharge, alleviating sinus stress, and widening bronchial tubes.
Use: Take equal quantities of carom seeds and jaggery and make it into a paste by heating it over a flame. Consume 2 spoons of the paste twice a day to deal with cold, asthma, and bronchitis. Boil carom seeds in water and consume the water like hot tea for relief from cough.
PMS & PERIODS CRAMPS – The anti-inflammatory properties of thymol present in carom seeds alleviate pains and aches like periods cramps, PMS, and headache. Its antibiotic and anesthetic properties make it highly beneficial in relieving pain and swelling caused due to arthritis.
Use: Add 1 tsp of carom seeds to a cup of water and simmer on low for 5 mins. Strain the seeds and sip on it to soothe PMS and cramps Or just roast some carom seeds and chew about 1/2 tsp of it with water. Gargle with a glass of water containing 1 teaspoon carom seeds and a pinch of salt, at least twice a day to get rid of toothache. This mix also works as a wonderful mouthwash and can be used to maintain good oral hygiene. Put 2 drops of carom seed oil directly into the ear to alleviate earache. READ MORE – PMS and Period Pain relief tea recipe
HEADACHE REMEDY – Wrap carom seeds in a thin piece of cloth or handkerchief and heat it on a pan. Use this hot pack on the head for relief from headaches. Make a paste by mixing crushed carom seeds and water; apply it on the joints and leave it for about 20 minutes to soothe arthritis pain and swelling. You can also take a soothing bath by filling a tub with warm water and a handful of carom seeds.
HEALTHY HAIR – Carom seeds have been found to be helpful in dealing with premature greying of hair. There are two ways to get the desired results. First, mix curry leaves, dry grapes, sugar, and carom seeds. Cook this mix in 1 cup of water. Drink 1 glass of this solution every day until you start seeing results. Second, mix 5-6 curry leaves, a few raisins, and 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds. Cook this mixture in 1 cup of water for 5-7 minutes and strain it. Drink this water for healthy hair. Boil 1 tsp of carom seeds with water for 5 mins and use this water to rinse your hair after hair wash to clear dandruff. READ MORE – Peppermint Hair water – clear dandruff and boost hair growth
Caution
Carom seeds when consumed in moderate quantity have a lot of health benefits. But it is important to note that:
Carom seeds should be avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers because certain compounds in this spice have been found to cause birth defects and miscarriage. Excess consumption must be avoided to prevent body heat generation leading to heartburn, dizziness, and nausea.