Trachyspermum ammi L.
Family: Apiaceae
Common Names: Ajwain, Jungliajwain
Vernacular Names: Ajwan (Hindi), Yavanak (Sanskrit) Omam (Tamil), Ayamodakam (Malayalam)
Plant Description
Trachyspermum ammi is an erect, glabrous or minutely pubescent, branched, aromatic annual herb.
Habit: Annual Herb
Height: 60-90 cm
Leaves: Finely divided and pinnate
Flowers: Tiny white flowers with a hairy exterior grow in dense umbels with long stalks.
Fruits: Small, grayish-brown fruits that are often mistaken for seeds.
Beneficial Properties
Medicial Properties
Ajwain seeds have a small amount of oil known as ajwain oil contains thymol, a phenol that gives the fruit its thyme-like smell. Thymol is commonly used to treat digestive problems. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Seeds work as an effective anti coughing agent.
Active enzymes in ajwain improve the flow of stomach acids, which can help to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Thymol in ajwain might act to keep calcium from entering the blood vessels in heart, helping to lower blood pressure.
Ajwain can help to reduce pain associated with toothaches. Thymol may also help to improve your oral health by fighting bacteria and fungi in the mouth.
Ajwain can also help to soothe pain and swelling. Crushed fruit can be made into a paste and applied to the skin at the joints to treat arthritis pain.
It is also extremely beneficial for lightening scars due to acne, pimples and bestows a smooth and glowing skin.