 The trade name 'ajwain' is based on the Indian name derived from 'adarjawan'. Ajwain or Bishop's weed has been used as a carminative medicine from the period of Charaka and Sushruta. Even Greek physicians like Dioscrides and Gelen applied it in several carminative medicines. Some very priceless Unani medicines are concocted from ajwain seeds.
Bishop's weed is cultivated in Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan and India. Methods of usage Bishop's weed is primarily best for nerve-centric ailments like migraine or respiration, also utilised for muscle-pain and intestinal disorders. Healing Power and Medicinal Properties of bishop's weed The seeds are stimulating and are functional in counterbalancing convulsive disorders. The oil of ajwain is a virtually colourless to brownish liquid, with distinctive odour and a sharp searing taste. If the liquid is allowed to stay untouched, a part of the thymol may isolate from the crystals, which is sold in Indian markets under the name of 'ajwain ka phul' or 'sat ajwain'. It is much prized in medicine, because it has almost all the attributes assigned to the ajwain seeds. Gastrointestinal Disorders cured by bishop's weed Bishop's weed has long been used in aboriginal medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, atonic dyspepsia, cholera, colic, flatulency and indigestion. For alleviating gas, dyspepsia and convulsive disorders, the seeds may be eaten along with betel leaves. A teaspoon of these seeds with a tiny amount of rock-salt is a home remedy for indigestion. The essential oil distilled from the seeds is also remedial in cholera, flatulency, colic, diarrhoea, atonic dyspepsia and indigestion. It is generally given in dosages of 1 to 3 drops. Otnum water, i.e., the water purified from seeds, is a brilliant carminative that alleviates flatulence and is anti-spasmodic in colic and flatulent dyspepsia. It is also given in the early stages of cholera in dosages of 30 to 60 grams to arrest vomiting. In case of colic, ajwain, dry ginger and black salt in the ratio of 1: 1/2: 1/4 should be mashed together and taken in three gram dosages with lukewarm water. In case of gas, ajwain and dried ginger in proportional weight may be doused in two-and-half times the measure of limejuice. This is then dried and fine-grained with a little black salt. Approximately two grams of this powder is consumed with warm water. Respiratory Disorders healed by bishop's weed A concoction of the seeds and buttermilk is an effective cure for alleviating troubled expectoration caused by dried-up phlegm. The seeds are also effective in bronchitis. A hot fomentation with seeds is an accepted home remedy for asthma. Chewing a nip of ajwain seeds with a crystal of common salt and a clove is an exceedingly useful remedy for cough caused by acute pharyngitis in influenza. Common Cold healed by bishop's weed Bishop's weed is an effectual common cold antidote. It has an outstanding power to open up choked and congested nasal passages. A tablespoon of seeds mashed and tied up in a cloth bunch can be used for inhalation. A similar bundle placed by the pillow, while sleeping, also alleviates nasal blockage. For infants and small children, a tiny pouch can be pinned to their dress under the chin when they are sleeping. For adults, a teaspoon of the seeds can be put in boiling water and the vapours needs to be inhaled. Migraine cured by bishop's weed The seeds are functional in the treatment of migraine and delirium. They can both be smoked or sniffled often to obtain respite. Rheumatism cured by bishop's weed The oil distilled from the seeds is useful in the treatment of rheumatic and neuralgic aches. It should be massaged on the affected areas. Mouth Disorders healed by bishop's weed A concoction of the seeds blended with common salt is an effective gargle in chronic pharyngitis, aching and clogged throat and gruffness of the voice due to colds or screaming. Ear-ache healed by bishop's weed The herb is useful in ear-ache. Approximately half a teaspoon of the seeds is heated in 30 ml of milk till the pith of the seeds percolates the milk. The milk is then filtrated and used as ear drops. It lessens blockage and alleviates pain. In case of pain caused by boils in the ear, 3 grams each of ajwain seeds and garlic are stewed together in 40 grams of sesame oil till they become red. The oil is then filtered and cooled to body temperature, and used as ear drop. Other Uses of bishop's weed Aphrodisiac - Ajwain seeds, combined with the kernel of tamarind seeds act as an effective aphrodisiac. These should be fried in equal quantity of pure ghee, fine-grained and bottled in airtight containers. A teaspoon of this powder, merged with a tablespoon of honey, taken daily with milk before going to bed, makes a brilliant aphrodisiac. It boosts manliness and cures untimely ejaculation. The greyish brown fruits or seeds are used as a spice, in seasoning several foods, as anti-oxidants, preservatives and in medicine. Composition Bishop's weed is a tiny, upright, yearly shrub, with spongy delicate hairs. It has numerous branched leafy stems, feather-like leaves- 2.5 cm long and 4 to 12 ray flower-heads, each containing 6 to 16 flowers. The fruits are tiny, egg-shaped and greyish. An examination of ajwain seeds demonstrates that it consists of 7.4% moisture, 17.1% protein, 21.8% fat, 7.9% minerals, 21.2% fibre and 24.6% carbohydrates per 100 grams. Calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are amongst the vitamins and minerals contained in it. Its vital energy value is 363. Steam distillation of mashed seeds produces a volatile oil which is prized substantially in medicine due to the presence of thymol. The oil was for a long time, the primary source of thymol. (Last Updated on : 14-01-2009) |
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