Is Ajwain harmful to health ?

Ajwain is one of the most common spice used in India. Belonging to the aromatic flowering plant family called Apiaceae, it is frequently used as culinary item as well as an Ayurvedic medicine. From the ancient days itself it is a common practice for Indians to use it as a medicine for all digestion problems. Even though Ajwain originated in India it mostly grows in Iran. Production wise Rajasthan holds 50% of total share in India. Apart from adding great flavor to the food items it has so many health benefits. But if the limit is crossed, it results in unexpected issues, says some health experts. So lets see what are the pros and cons it provides us.

Drawbacks of Ajwain

• According to some health experts, taking ajwain excessively can cause constipation. In some people Ajwain water leads to hardening of stools, so they are advised to avoid too much consumption of it.
• Too much intake of ajwain increases heat in the body, so the doctors advise to avoid it, if not at very minimal usage for the pregnant women.
• This may look contradiction to its benefits, but the excess consumption of ajwain also causes severe digestion problems. It could even leads to form gas in the stomach causing acidity. But the health experts say not to worry as it is a temporary problem.
• In the same way if the normal limit is exceeded, the situation becomes critical for the people suffering with liver problems. Hence they are advised to keep as low as possible.
• Black Henbane, a type of ajwain increases blood pressure levels thereby causing various heart diseases.
• People suffering with stomach ulcers are advised strictly to avoid intake of ajwain as it leads to severe problems.

Benefits of ajwain

• For improving the digestion system production of gastric juice is important and these ajwain seeds have enzymes that are very much useful in this regard. That is why it gives immediate relief from acidity or indigestion problems.
• According to some Ayurvedic experts inhaling the ajwain powder through a cloth cures migraine headache.
• If you are suffering with severe cold, health experts suggest to chew few seeds of ajwain seeds with warm water.
• Ajwain is also useful in eradicating continuous ear pain. Just drop two drops of ajwain oil in to the ear.
• It is used in so many medicines in the field of Ayurveda, especially to cure hair related problems, kidney related issues and weight loss.
• It is the most common medicine referred by the Ayurvedic experts for avoiding constipation, indigestion and kidney stones.

Health tips :

• For Asthma : Mix a tea spoon of ajwain with a small piece of jaggery and take this mixture daily in the early morning to avoid Asthma.
• To avoid indigestion in infants : Small amounts of ajwain is mixed with neonatal milk and given carefully to the infants. This is termed as an elixir for the infants in the history of ancient India.