What are the benefits and medicinal uses of Bishop's Weed (Ajwain) ?

Botanical name - Trachyspermum ammi

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. 

                                

What are benefits and medicinal uses of Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)?

What is Botanical name of Curry Leaves?

 Botanical name is Murraya Koenigi.

 What is Indian name of Curry Leaves?

Indian name is Kadi Patta.

 

What is the origin and composition of curry leaves?

 Curry leaves are derived from a beautiful, aromatic and more or less deciduous shrub growing up to 0.9 metres or up to 6 metres in height and 3 feet to 9 feet in diameter.

The leaves are slightly bitter and aromatic.

The curry tree is a native of India and Sri Lanka. It grows in all tropical zones and more so in rich soils. It is cultivated extensively for its aromatic leaves and ornamental values throughout India.

An analysis of curry leaves shows them to consist of 66% moisture, 6% protein, 1% fat, 16% carbohydrates, 6% fibre and 4.2% mineral matter per 100 grams.

Their mineral and vitamin contents are:-

Calcium

Iron

Phosphorous

Nicotinic acid

Vitamin C

Fresh leaves on steam distillation under pressure yield a volatile oil. Besides the oil, the leaves contain a residual glucoside named as koenigin.

What are the curative properties and healing powers of curry leaves?

Curry leaves possess the qualities of a herbal tonic.

They strengthen the functions of stomach and promote its action.

They can also be used as a mild laxative. The juice extracted from 15 grams of curry leaves may be taken with buttermilk.

Diabetes: -

The diabetes which is hereditary in nature can be prevented by eating 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months.

It also cures diabetes due to obesity, as the leaves have weight reducing properties.

The diabetic patients stop passing sugar in urine, because their weight reduces.

Kidney disorders:-

The root of the curry plant also has medicinal properties. The juice of the root can be taken to relieve pain associated with the kidneys.

Eye disorders:-

Fresh juice of curry leaves put in the eyes makes them look bright and improves eye sight.

It also prevents early development of cataract.

Digestive disorders:-

Fresh juice of curry leaves, when taken with lime juice and sugar, is an effective medicine in the treatment of –

·        Morning sickness

·        Nausea

·        Vomiting due to indigestion and excessive use of fats.

One or two teaspoons of juice of these leaves mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice may be taken in these conditions.

The curry leaves, when grounded to a fine paste and mixed with buttermilk can also be taken on an empty stomach with beneficial results in case of stomach upsets.

Tender curry leaves are useful in diarrhoea, dysentery and piles, when taken by mixing with honey.

The bark of the tree is also useful in in bilious vomiting.

A teaspoon of the powder or the decoction of the dry bark should be given with cold water in this condition.

Burns and bruises:-

Curry leaves can can be effectively used to treat burns, bruises and skin eruptions. For this, these should be applied as a poultice over the affected areas.

Premature greying of hair:-

A large quantity of curry leaves is beneficial in preventing premature greying of hair.

These leaves have the property to nourish the hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier with normal pigment.

The leaves can be used in the form of chutney (mixture) or the juice may be squeezed and taken with buttermilk or lassi.

Insect bites:-

Fruits of the tree, which are berries, are edible. They are green when raw, but purple when ripe.  Juice of these berries, mixed with equal proportion of lime-juice, is an effective fluid for external application in insect stings and bites of poisonous creatures.

Hair Tonic:-

The leaves are boiled in coconut oil till a blackened residue is left. The oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth and in retaining the natural pigmentation.

Flavoring agent:-

Curry leaves have been used for centuries in South India as a natural flavoring agent in sambar, rasam and curries.

Chutney (mixture) can be made by mixing the leaves with coriander leaves, tomatoes and coconut scrapings.

The leaves, bark and the root of the curry plant are used in indigenous medicine as a tonic, stimulant and antiflatulent.