Carom Seed

Names in Different Languages

English	Carom Seed
Urdu	اجوائن
Hindi	अजवाइन
Farsi	زنیان
Unani	Nankhwah
French	Ajowan
German	Königskümmel

Traditional Uses

In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, ajwain seed has long been used for indigestion, gas, bloating, colic and coughs, taken as seed powder, in warm water or as a steam inhalation, and as a cooking spice.

Modern Research

Thymol is the main active compound, giving ajwain its antiseptic and antispasmodic properties in laboratory studies. Human trial evidence is limited; traditional digestive and respiratory uses have the most support, mainly from small studies and long traditional use.

Uses

• Digestive support (gas, bloating, indigestion)
• Respiratory support (cough, congestion)
• Heart support (traditional)
• Cooking spice

Benefits of Use

• Digestive support: antispasmodic action may ease gas, bloating and stomach cramps
• Respiratory support: thymol steam and tea traditionally ease congestion and cough
• Heart support: traditional use for circulation, with limited modern trial evidence
• Antiseptic support: thymol has laboratory antibacterial and antifungal activity

Safe Dose & Overdose (mg/g)

Side Effects

• Acidity and burning sensation at high doses
• Mouth ulcers with excessive use
• Gastric lining irritation above 5,000 mg/day
• Nausea and dizziness at very high doses

Interactions

• Blood thinners: may increase bleeding risk
• Diabetes medicines: may add to blood-sugar-lowering effects
• Blood-pressure medicines: may add to blood-pressure-lowering effects
• Liver-processed drugs: thymol may alter metabolism in theory

Sources

• Ask Ayurveda Ajwain
• ePainAssist Ajwain BP
• Ayurtimes Carom Seeds
• Katzer Ajwain