My Favourite Culinary Herb: Ajwain

Ajwain is Hindi name for a very important Asian spice known botanically as Trachyspermum ammi. In English, it is known as Bishop’s weed or Lovage. It belongs to family Apiaceae. It is a small, erect, annual shrub, with soft fine hairs. The fruits are minute, egg-shaped and grayish which are used as spice in Indian kitchen. This herb is well known as one the most important culniary herb since lots of traditional practices are being performed from time immemorial. It has been used as a carminative medicine from the time of Charaka and Sushruta. This herb is cultivated in many parts of India.

Bishop's weed has long been used in indigenous medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, dyspepsia, cholera, colic, flatulence and indigestion. For relieving flatulence, dyspepsia and spasmodic disorders, the seeds may be eaten with betel leaves. Tribal in Patalkot of Central India prescribe a teaspoon of these seeds with a little rock-salt for treating indigestion. In case of colic disorder, Ajwain 20gm, Dry Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 10gm, and black salt 5gm should be ground together and taken in 3gm doses with warm water. Roasted Ajwain (5gm) is said to be very effective in constipation. It is also given to a patient having vomiting sensation. 10gm Ajwain in 100ml buttermilk is good for relieving difficulties faced during dried phlegm.

In bronchial asthma, Ajwain seeds are mixed with Lavang (Syzygium aromaticum) in equal amount and roasted in flat pan. The mixer is made into powder and 5gm of the same is given to the patient. Ajwain is a fantastic common cold remedy. It can easily open the nasal congestion. Seeds are roasted and packed in a cotton cloth. In the night, this cloth is placed near pillow. It will relieve the nasal congestion. Smoke of seeds, if inhaled, cures migraine. Smoke should be taken in repeatedly for few minutes. Gargling of the seed extract added with adequate amount of salt is effective in acute pharyngitis, sore and congested throat and hoarseness of the voice due to colds or shouting. The potential medicinal importance and role of this herb in kitchen definitely makes it MY favourite herb.

Importantly, tribals in Dangs of South Gujarat mix the Ajwain seeds with kernel of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and fry it in pure Ghee and Gud (Jaggery; a traditional unrefined sugar used in India) and preserve it. They use it as an aphrodisiac. As per them, it increases sperm count as well as cures premature ejaculation. The herbal formulation and brief about the plant is given for information purposes. Any person should take advice from their family doctors before any application of the suggested formulation in this article.