Ajowain Oil / Ajwain Oil

Botanical Name: Trachyspermum ammi
 
Ajowain essential oil is derived from the seeds of the ajwain plant through steam distillation. This oil is valued for its numerous medicinal properties, including galactagogue, antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, and amoebicidal effects. It also possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and tonic properties.
 
About Ajowain
 
Ajowain seeds are mature, dried fruits of a biennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Their botanical name is Carum copticum. In India, these seeds are mainly cultivated in the plains of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The chemical composition of ajwain primarily includes thymol (39.1%), followed by oleic acid (10.4%), linoleic acid (9.6%), gamma-terpinene (2.6%), p-cymene (1.6%), palmitic acid (1.6%), and xylene (0.1%). Thymol, the primary active ingredient, is well-known for treating gastrointestinal issues.
 
Ajowain Oil
 
Ajowain oil is extracted from its seeds, which typically contain 2.5% to 5% essential oil, while its flowers yield 2% to 4%. The oil is either colorless or pale brown in appearance.
 
Uses of Ajowain Oil
 
Medicinal Uses
Antimicrobial Properties:
The high thymol content in ajwain oil makes it highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It also aids digestion, alleviating nausea, flatulence, and abdominal cramps.
Antispasmodic and Circulatory Stimulant:
Ajowain oil's antispasmodic properties promote better circulation, helping with fatigue, weakness, and recovery after illness or injury. It also soothes mental and physical exhaustion.
Cancer Prevention:
Studies have shown the chemopreventive effects of ajwain seeds in reducing tumor development in DMBA-induced skin papillomas and B(a)P-induced forestomach papillomagenesis.
Dental Care:
Ajowain oil contains a unique compound, (4aS, 5R, 8aS) 5, 8a-di-1-propyl-octahydronaphthalen-1-(2H)-one, which has been identified as a therapeutic agent against dental caries.
 
Culinary Uses
Ajowain is widely used as a spice and culinary ingredient globally. Its pungent aroma and distinct flavor, attributed to thymol in its essential oil, make it an essential aromatic base in many recipes.