Ajwain (Dipyaka, Yamani, Yamanika, Yavanika)
Erect, profusely branched annual herb, growing up to 60-90 cm tall. Leaves are pinnate with terminal and 7 pairs of lateral leaflets. Flowers are whit...
Botanical name: Trachyspermum ammi. Also known as: Ajowan caraway, Thymol seeds, Bishop's weed, Carom.
Properties
Improves flow of stomach acids, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial
Dosage
1-3 grams of powder, 1-3 drops of oil, 5-10 drops of distillate
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (pungent)
- Virya: Ushna (hot)
- Vipaka: Katu (pungent)
Benefits
- Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) has been investigated for its potential health benefits in clinical trials
- Another trial assessed the efficacy of Carum copticum seeds in controlling gaseous symptoms in patients with abdominal bloating
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Vatahara (pacifies Vata)
Traditional uses
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Respiratory congestion
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: aggravating
Preparation methods
- Churna (powder): Standard preparation as per API.
- Arishta (decoction): Standard preparation as per API.
- Taila (oil): Standard preparation as per API.
- Vati (tablet): Standard preparation as per API.
- Water infusion: Standard preparation as per API.
- Tea: Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Ajwain or its constituents
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Stomach ulcer
- Internal bleeding
- Ulcerative colitis (acute phase)
Side effects
- Excessive consumption may lead to acidity, heartburn, mouth ulcers, or allergic reactions. May lower blood pressure. Discontinue use at least two weeks before any surgical procedure due to potential interference with blood clotting. Use with caution in individuals with liver conditions.
Interactions
- Blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, diclofenac, heparin, warfarin, naproxen)
- Medications changed by the liver (e.g., lovastatin, itraconazole, triazolam, fexofenadine, ketoconazole)
- Diabetes medications
Clinical evidence
Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) has been investigated for its potential health benefits in clinical trials. One study explored the effectiveness of ajwain cream in treating peripheral neuropathy induced by taxane chemotherapeutic agents (IRCT20131218015860N6), finding that it significantly reduced burning, tingling, numbness, and pain. Another trial assessed the efficacy of Carum copticum seeds in controlling gaseous symptoms in patients with abdominal bloating. These studies suggest Ajwain may have therapeutic applications for managing specific conditions, warranting further research to confirm these findings and explore other potential benefits.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Vatahara (pacifies Vata)
- Kaphahara (pacifies Kapha)
- Shoolahara (relieves pain)
- Krimihara (anti-microbial)
- Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
Classical clinical indications
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Respiratory congestion
- Cough
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Helminthiasis (intestinal worms)
- Lack of appetite
- Skin infections
- Menstrual problems