Home Remedy of the Week: Use Ajwain (Carom Seeds) for Stomach Problems Like Gas, Bloating and Indigestion
Easily found in every Indian household, ajwain is a folk remedy for gastric issues.
A good digestive system is the foundation of good health. When it is disturbed, almost every part of the body suffers. To keep the stomach healthy, it is important to eat a well-balanced meal full of probiotics and fibre. But every now and then, we are plagued by gastric problems such as flatulence, acidity, indigestion. And at such times, we reach out for over-the-counter drugs like antacids, which may not be good for the stomach in the long run. Try home remedies for stomach problems instead. They are not only super effective but also fast acting. One of the best remedies for an upset stomach is ajwain or carom seeds. Easily found in every Indian household, ajwain is a folk remedy for gastric issues. Traditionally it is taken with a bit of hing (asafoetida), and it banishes problems such as gas, bloating and indigestion within a matter of minutes.
Health Benefits of Ajwain (Watch Video):
Ajwain is an Indian spice used extensively in cooking. It is added to the tempering to impart a strong spicy flavour to the dish. It's also used for a functional purpose. If added to the tadka, ajwain can help keep in check some of the flatulence and bloating caused by certain foods like lentils. Ajwain for Skincare: How to Use Carom Seeds for Acne-Free Glowing Skin Effectively at Home (Watch Video).
It also has antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiparasitic and hypolipidemic effects. The active ingredients in ajwain include saponins and phenolic compounds (carvacrol) and thymol. It also contains trace minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and niacin.
In ancient medicine, there were different applications for ajwain. It was mainly used for treating gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, colic, etc. It was also noted to effective in killing Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. Adding it to foods stimulates the release of gastric enzymes, which boosts digestive functions.
How to Use Ajwain (Carom Seeds) to Treat Stomach Problems
A few teaspoons of ajwain can be eaten whenever you feel bloated or full of gas. Roasting it is said to improve its effects. So slow roast some seeds on a tawa till they turn crunchy. Either powder the seeds or eat them on their own. They will start taking immediate effect and the problem will be resolved in minutes.
Alternatively, you can also make a tea out of ajwain. Add a few teaspoons to water and boil it. This water, also known as oma water, can be had on an empty stomach or after meals.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 26, 2019 04:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).