Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Ajwain Water
Bishop wee water is the other name given to Ajwain water. It belongs to the family of cumin. The plant finds its use in the form of spice in Asian countries. The shape of the Ajwain seeds is in the shape of an egg and is khaki-colored.
People may confuse ajwain seeds with thyme because of their similarity in shape. However, their aroma is stronger and more bitter and pungent as compared to thyme. Even a few seeds are enough to add flavor to your dish.
The Ajwain seeds hold importance in Ayurvedha medicine. That is because of the many health benefits that it has.
Nutritional Content of Jeera
Ajwain is a common spice in Asian cuisine. However, it has much nutritional content. A 100 grams serving of Ajwain contains the following:
- Carbohydrates
- Dietary fiber
- Fat
- Protein
- Sodium
- Thymol
- Gamma terpinene
- P- Cymene
- Terpenoids
How to Prepare Ajwain Water?
To prepare Ajwain water to follow the following steps.
1. Roast 2 teaspoons Ajwain on low flame until you smell the aroma from the seeds. The seeds will also change their color.
2. Boil 200mL of water, which is almost equal to two cups of water. Add the seeds in boiling water.
3. Strain the water before drinking. Some people even add honey to neutralize the bitter and pungent taste of the Ajwain water.
Consumption of ajwain water should be twice a day. However, in case you are drinking the ajwain water for severe pain in the abdomen, then you can even drink it four times a day.
A wise suggestion is to drink ajwain water half an hour before a meal.
Health Benefits of Ajwain
Although Ajwain seeds are not as enriched with nutrients as other seeds of their family. Irrespective of the little nutritional content that it has.
The health benefits of Ajwain water are beneficial.
1. Source of Essential Oil
Ajwain water contains Thymol. Cymene, pinene and much other essential oil that has health benefits of their own.
2. Antibacterial
The ajwain water helps the body fight off infections. It is very effective against bacteria. Researches have also proved that seeds also have anti-fungal properties.
3. Anti-infective
The anti-infective property of ajwain water helps to ward off infections.
4. Digestive properties
Ajwain water helps indigestion. It helps to relieve the stomach from bloating and cramping.
The digestive properties are one of the most popular qualities of Ajwain water.
5. Regulation of Cholesterol
Ajwain water helps maintain levels of cholesterol in the body. This effect is particularly helpful in people with high cholesterol.
MEDICAL USES
1. Acidity and Indigestion
Enzymes present in the stomach stimulate the release of gastric acid. It increases acidity in the stomach.
Some people also report symptoms of heartburn. Ajwain Water helps to counteract symptoms of acidosis and indigestions.
Ajwain water is not only helpful in such cases of gastro conditions. It also helps to get rid of the symptoms of an upset stomach.
2. Common Cold and Cough
Ajwain water helps fight symptoms of the common cold. In some cases, the effect of ajwain water is like theophylline.
It helps to open the blocked nasal passages. Ajwain water also helps with the cough. People who regularly drink ajwain water are safe from such seasonal ailments.
3. Ear and Tooth Ache
Thymol is the oil obtained from Ajwain. Boiling Ajwain in water releases these oils from the seeds.
Thymol helps to reduce aches in-ear and tooth. Few research studies also claim that it is helpful to get rid of deafness.
4. Irregular Menstruation
Ajwain water helps keep your menstrual cycle in check. Women who drink ajwain water had fewer fluctuations in their menstrual cycle.
That is because of its cleaning effects of the uterus.
5. Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful condition of the joints. In such conditions, the immune system of the body works against its cells.
The anti-inflammatory effects help reduce the painful effects of arthritis. Some studies also show that Ajwain water lowers the levels of elastase. This enzyme produces inflammation in the body.
6. Kidney Stones
Having stones in the kidney is a painful condition. Most often, the only possible treatment is laser treatments of the stones.
It is an expensive procedure. Ajwain water helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. These tiny seeds are also helpful in dissolving stones in the kidney. The removal of these stones is via urine.
7. Hypertension
Hypertension is a silent condition of the heart. It can lead to the development of a heart attack.
Thymol is an active compound of the ajwain seeds. It helps in lowering blood pressure by blocking the calcium channels. However, the hypotensive effects of ajwain water need more research on human subjects.
Side Effects of Ajwain
Ajwain water is mildly potent. Therefore, it is not good in some cases.
As it may aggravate certain symptoms in some cases, the person is already experiencing them. Some of these side effects include;
- Acidity
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Burning in the abdominal cavity
- Mouth ulcers
- Feeling of heat in the body
Because of the above side effects, the use of ajwain water in certain conditions is not allowed;
1. Oligospermia
It is a condition of a reduced count of sperm. Therefore, if a person is already suffering from this condition, then it is better to avoid ajwain water.
2. Gastric Acid Disorders
People who are already suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disorder should avoid ajwain water.
It is because ajwain water may aggravate the secretion of acid in GIT.
3. Pregnant Women
Many researchers have marked Ajwain water safe for women. It is always better to take consultation from your gynecologist.
Your doctor is the best person who can guide you about its effect on your particular case.
CONCLUSION
Ajwain water helps several health benefits. However, it affects the sexual reproductive system in some instances.
Therefore, you should consult your general physician before drinking ajwain water. It may also exacerbate GI acidity. Therefore, if you suffer from this condition, you should avoid ajwain water at all costs.