Indian name - Ajwain or omum
Origin, distribution and composition
Bishop's weed is a small, erect, annual shrub with soft fine line hairs. It has many branched leafy stems; feather-like leaves 2.5 cm long and 4 to 12 ray flowerhead, each bearing 6 to 16 flowers. The fruits are minute, egg shaped and greyish.
The trade name Ajwain is based on the Indian name which is derived from adarjawan. Ajwain or Bishop's weed has been used as a carminative medicine from the time of Charaka and Sushruta. Even Greek physicians like Dioscrides and Gelen used it in various carminative medicines. Some very valuable Unani medicines are prepared from ajwain seeds.
An analysis of again seeds shows these to consist of 7.4 percent moisture, 17.1 percent protein, 21.8 percent fat, 7.9 percent minerals, 21.2 percent fibre and 24.6 percent carbohydrates per 100 grams.
Calcium, phosphorous, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are amongst the vitamins and minerals in it.
The calorific value of ajwain is 363.
Steam distillation crushed seeds yields an essential oil which is valued considerably in medicines account of the presence of thymol. The oil was, for a long time, the chief source of thymol.
Healing power and curative properties
The seeds are stimulant and are useful in counteracting spasmodic disorders. The oil of ajwain is an almost colourless to brownish liquid with characteristic odour and a sharp hot taste.
If the liquid is allowed to remain undisturbed, a part of the thymol may separate from the crystals, which is sold in Indian markets under the name of ajwain ka phul or sat ajwain. It is highly valued in medicine as it has nearly all the properties ascribed to the ajwain seeds.
The greyish brown fruits or seeds are used as a spice, in flavouring numerous foods, as anti-oxidants, preservatives and in medicine.
Ajwain is useful in the following:-
Migraine -
The seeds are useful in the treatment of migraine and delirium. These should either br smoked or sniffed frequently to obtain relief.
Rheumatism -
The oil extracted from the seeds is beneficial in the treatment of rheumatic and neuralgic pains. It should be applied on the affected parts.
Mouth disorders -
An infusion of the seeds mixed with common salt is an effective gargle in acute pharyngitis, sore and congested throat and hoarseness of the voice due to colds or shouting.
Earache -
The herb is beneficial in earache. About half a teaspoon of the seeds is heated in 30 ml of milk till the essence of the seeds permeate the milk. The milk is then filtered and used as ear drops. It decreases congestion and relieves pain.
Respiratory disorders -
A mixture of the seeds and buttermilk is an effective remedy for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried up phlegm.
The seeds are also efficacious in bronchitis. A hot fomentation with the seeds is a popular household remedy for asthma.
Chewing a pinch of ajwain seeds with a crystal of common salt and a clove is a very effective remedy for cough caused by acute pharyngitis in influenza.
Common Cold -
Bishop's weed is an effective common cold remedy. It has a remarkable power to open up clogged and congested nasal passages. A tablespoon of seeds crushed and tied up in a cloth bundle can be used for inhalation. A similar bundle placed near the pillow, while sleeping, also relieves nasal congestion.
For infants and small children, a small pouch can be pinned to their dress under the chin when they are sleeping.
In case of adults, a teaspoon of the seeds can be put in boiling water and the vapours inhaled.
Gastro-Intestinal disorders -
Bishop's weed has long been used in indigenous medicine for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea, atonic dyspepsia, cholera, colic, flatulence and indigestion.
For relieving flatulence, dyspepsia and spasmodic disorders, the seeds may be eaten with betel leaves. A teaspoon of these seeds with a little Rock salt is a household remedy for indigestion.
The volatile oil extracted from the seeds is also useful in cholera, colic and diarrhoea. It is usually given in doses of 1 to 3 drops.
Other uses -
Aphrodisiac
Ajwain seeds combined with the kernel of tamarind seeds are an effective aphrodisiac. These should be fried in equal quantity of pure ghee, powdered and preserved in airtight containers. A teaspoon of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, taken daily with milk before retiring, makes an excellent aphrodisiac.
It increases virility and cures premature ejaculation.
