Ajowan

Ajwain (pronounced aj’o-wen) is a member of theUmbelliferae family, which has some 2,700 members including dill, caraway and cumin. It is mostly found in Indian cooking, where it is also known as bishop’s weed or carom. It is particularly suited to the delicate vegetarian fare found in the state of Gujarat.

It is a grayish-green fruits (often mistaken as seeds) that are striped and curved (similar to cumin or caraway seeds in appearance), often with a fine silk stalk attached. It has a strong pungent and bitter flavor with a flavor profile similar to anise and cumin and smell almost exactly like thyme. It can easily overpower a dish. It is considered to reduce the gaseous effects of beans and other legumes

Ajwain seeds are used as spices. They are usually sold whole. The seeds are often chewed on their own for medicinal value, tasting bitingly hot and bitter, leaving the tongue numb for a while. Cooking ajowan mellows it somewhat. When crushed, they have a strong and distinctive thyme-like fragrance.

Furthermore, ajwain seeds also contain an essential oil which is about 50% of thymol that can be claim as a strong germicide, anti-spasmodic and fungicide. Thymol is also used in toothpaste and perfumery. It is used in a steeped liquid form against diarrhea and flatulence. In India the seeds are used as a household remedy for indigestion and colic, and used in poultices to relieve asthma and arthritis.

Benefits:

1. For cold and cough: It can be uses in expelling the mucus from body and giving relief from cold and cough. Inhalation of smoke from roasted ajowan acts as an excellent Bronchodilator, which facilitates the breathing pattern in body.

2. Alcohol addiction: A decoction of ajwain taken at bedtime for about 50days is known to be effective in getting rid of alcohol addiction.

3. Regulate obesity: Although ajwain acts as an appetite stimulant, it has laxative components which facilitate digestion. Regular consumption helps in healthy weight loss.

4. Relieving constipation: Contains natural laxative properties which helps the passage of stools in the intestines. People who consume ajwain regularly will help in keeping the bowel movements clear and smooth.

5. Help to get ride of nausea and vomiting: Thymol in ajowan helps in releasing certain juices which speed up the digestion process and can also destroy the bacteria so as to get rid of nausea. People who cannot stand long journeys in buses and cars can carry a handful of ajwain with them. Chewing the seeds at regular intervals can help you get rid of the feeling easily.

Serving way:

Ajwain has a particular affinity to starchy foods like savoury pastries and breads, especially parathas. Can sometimes be used in place of cumin for a more aromatic but pungent flavor. Used in Indian Cuisine to flavor lentils and bread. Can also be used as a topping for bread and savory biscuits.

https://www.thefitglobal.com/ajwain-benefits-for-skin-hair-and-health/