Prominent Benefits Of Ajwain And Ajwain Essential Oils

Benefits Of Ajwain And Ajwain Essential Oils

Those familiar with ajwain probably already know many of its uses. Ajwain, also known as ajowan, thymol, or carom in many parts of the world, is seed-like fruit of the ajwain herb and is a staple that sees many medicinal and culinary uses in several South-Asian and Middle-Eastern countries.

Therapeutic uses of ajwain are many, which is why it is often found in the pantry of many South Asian households, where it has been predominantly used as a digestive aid for centuries. Ajwain essential oil has also become popular over the years for its many medicinal properties as well. These are some of the main benefits that ajwain and ajwain essential oils have:

• Great For Digestive Problems

It’s not uncommon for households in India and other South Asian countries to have a small jar of ajwain in their homes. A small amount of ajwain eaten after meals is said to aid digestion, prevent digestive discomforts, and reduce intestinal problems as well.

It is a time-tested home remedy, proven to prevent intestinal parasites, and help with indigestion and flatulence. Ajwain is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for such reasons. Ajwain essential oils also help in a similar way, and can help relieve bloating, indigestion, and other gastric problems.

• Can Help With Coughing And Asthmatic Conditions

Anjwain has been used for its cough relief properties for a long time. It is known to not only provide relief against coughing, but can also help clear mucus and sinus congestion in the nasal passage, improving breathing. Due to its effect on the bronchial tubes, ajwain can have some relief during asthmatic conditions as well. Ajwain essential oil, is hence, very beneficial when it comes to improving breathing and reducing coughing when inhaled.

• Can Provide Relief Against Peptic Ulcers

As stated before, ajwain is known to improve digestion and gut health, helping prevent gastric and indigestion issues. Ajwain has also been shown to provide relief and combat peptic ulcers. Although it is not a common remedy, ajwain extract and oils are currently being tested for its use to fight ulcers.

• Can Help Fight Infections

Certain components within ajwain essential oil, mainly thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to fight bacterial and fungal infections. It can also help against stomach infections, which is often caused from certain harmful bacteria in food, resulting in food poisoning. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of ajwain can also help improve oral hygiene and health.

• Can Help Reduce Blood Pressure And Improve Blood Cholesterol Levels

Thymol, one of the major constituent in ajwain and ajwain essential oil, has been shown to help prevent calcium build-up in blood-vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. It is particularly beneficial to those who suffer from high-blood pressure or hypertension, which can lead to heart diseases.

There is also research being done to examine the effects of ajwain on total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood. Although the full effects are still to be tested on people, research on animals have revealed that ajwain can help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. High levels of both can lead to heart diseases.

• Can Provide Pain Relief

Ajwain essential oils carry many anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce toothaches. Ajwain is also commonly used in pain-relief ointments and oils because of it’s soothing and pain relief properties. It is especially used to manage arthritic pain. 

Concluding Thoughts

Traditionally used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as Ayurvedic medicine, ajwain and ajwain essential oils have many uses, but are mainly noted for improving digestion and gut health, preventing infections, and helping with nasal and breathing conditions.

It should be noted, however, that ajwain can have toxic effects on people in high doses, especially in pregnant women. Although some studies regarding its effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels are still to be done, including use of ajwain in your diet, and ajwain essential oils in your day-to-day life can provide a variety of benefits.