What is Ajwain?

Ajwain, also known as Carum Ajowan, is a spice used for culinary and therapeutic purposes. The seeds of the plant, originally grown in Egypt, are small, pungent and bitter. Ajwain tastes like thyme, but it is so strong that even a small amount added to any bowl could steal a taste. Traditionally offered as a drug is used to relieve teeth pain, digestive and bad breath. In India, it is known as Omam and the water distilled from seeds is maintained as a household tonic to treat flatulence and digestive problems. This is also common practice in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other Arab countries. However, it is not a spice that is common in the United States (USA). The plant generally looks like parsley. It is a small shrub that usually has up to 12 Blooms from which the seeds are extracted. Raw seeds taste hot and pepper, but grow milder when cooking. They should usually be stored in an airtight container in a cold dry place.

In the kitchen, the spice has a range of uses. It is basic cooking and is used to add enthusiasm to salad dressings, decreases, chicken, vegetables and dough for deep frying. It is also a common ingredient in Chutney and curry. It is said that a pinch of seeds in a glass of buttermilk promotes digestion. In some regions of the world, the tradition is to watch food with mukhwas - a combination of ajwain, fennel, dill, sesame, nuts and dried coconut - to refresh the breath.

Medicinely, Ajwain seems to have unlimited use. Oils extracted from crushed seeds are used to treat a number of diseases of ear pain and ringworm to neuralgia and ulcers. One teaspoon of ground ajwain can be added to boiling water and used as a gargle for sore throat. A drop or two of the oil is said to alleviate Earaches.

Eat one teaspoon of ground ajwain can cleanse the digestive system and stimulate appetite. Snacking bitter seeds can alleviate the effects of colds or headaches. Is called tIf it's an aphrodisiac.