Common name Bishop’s weed (E), Ajwain (H) Sanskrit Yavani, Yavanika, Agnivardhana Latin Trachyspermum ammi syn. Trachyapermum copticum, Carum copticum/roxburghianum/ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan–Semen (Umbelliferae Family)
Deliciously aromatic, ajwain is a wonderful remedy for sluggish digestion and coughs. A truly warming seed.
ENERGETICS
- Rasa (taste) Pungent, bitter
- Virya (energy) Heating
- Vipaka(post-digestive effect) Pungent
- Guna(quality) Light, dry, penetrating
- Doshaeffect VK-, P+
- Dhatu(tissue) Plasma, marrow, nerve
- Srotas (channel) Digestive, respiratory, nervous, urinary
CONSTITUENTS
Essential oils Thymol, dipentene, camphene, myrcene, limonene
Glycosides
Fatty acids (Williamson 2003)
AYURVEDIC ACTION
- Dipaniya Awakens digestion
- Pacaka Digestive
- Sulaprasamana Alleviates intestinal spasms
- Stanyajanana Promotes breast milk
- Swasa Benefits breathing
- Anuloma Mild laxative, corrects the flow of vata
- Amanashak Toxin digester
- Sulaprashamana Alleviates pain
- Krimighna Kills parasites
- Vatakaphahara Alleviates vata and kapha
BIOMEDICAL ACTION
Antispasmodic, carminative, nervine, analgesic, diuretic, bronchodilator, expectorant, anthelmintic
INDICATIONS
Digestion Specifically indicated for low digestive fire (mandagni). It combines warming digestive pungency with antispasmodic and bitter activity; antiflatulent, digestive cramps and sluggish digestion. Also benefits worms and fungal infections of the intestines (Swami Prakashananda Ayurveda Research Centre 1992). It is specific for digesting ama and stagnant toxins within the digestive tract. It works on samana vayu, the prana that controls digestion in the centre of the abdomen, and stimulates pacaka pitta, the pitta subtype overseeing digestion in the small intestine. It is specifically indicated for hiccups, belching and rebellious apana vata moving upwards instead of downwards.
Lungs As an antispasmodic it effectively eases wheezing and constricted lungs due to vata and cold. Used where there is white and copious phlegm with high avalambaka kapha. Also beneficial in sinus and nasal congestion; it stimulates and opens the channels of the head (manovahasrotas).
Nerves Ajwain relaxes tension in the nervous system; especially in the lower abdomen, reproductive system and lungs. Use in menstrual cramping, colic, wheezing and general anxiety. As it benefits the whole nervous system it can help to lift the sluggish lethargy of mild depression. It normalises the flow of vata and all the pranas around the body. By aiding udana vayu, the prana regulating speech and enthusiasm, and by clearing the lungs and throat, it opens the way for clear communication (Frawley & Lad 1994).
Urine As a warming diuretic it can clear urinary frequency from cold. It also benefits painful urination caused by calculi.
COMBINATIONS
* Haritaki, amalaki, fennel, cumin for digestive sluggishness and bloating.
* Pippali, bibhitaki, vasaka for wet cough with white phlegm and asthma.
* Brahmi, gotu kola, ashwagandha for mental tension.
* Shatavari, ginger, turmeric, rose for menstrual pain.
* Gokshura, bhumiamalaki, manjishtha and shilajit for urinary stones from kapha.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Acidity; high pitta; during pregnancy.
SAFETY
No drug–herb interactions are known
DOSAGE
250 mg–5g per day or 3–15ml per day of a 1:3 @ 60% tincture.
