Ajwain for indigestion: My mom says carom seeds helps get rid of many digestive issues

My mom always says that carom seeds can work wonders for digestive problems like indigestion and stomach pain. Here are the benefits of using ajwain for indigestion and stomach pain.
View All Images Carom seeds for indigestion
Benefits of carom seeds for indigestion. Image courtesy: Adobe stock
Published by Arushi Bidhuri
Published On: 10 Oct 2023, 05:30 pm IST
  • 188

Getting an upset stomach or indigestion is not new to the world, and it happens to everyone at least once in their lifetime. As a kid, I used to get stomach aches pretty often, and my mother would make a carom seed drink that would help me get rid of the problem in no time. Just like in the heart of every home, there is an age-old remedy that proves to be the comforting ally that offers instant relief. Carom seeds used to work like magic for stomach problems. If you’re wondering how it works, let’s take a look at how carom seeds for indigestion work and what you can do!

Ajwain for indigestion and stomach pain

Carrom seeds or ajwain are a staple in many Indian households. These fragrant seeds are used to spice a variety of Indian beverages, curries, and even flatbread-like parathas. It is also highly regarded in Ayurveda due to its many health advantages. While it is known for its many health benefits, Health Shots asked Reena Poptani, Clinical Dietitian, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai to understand how carom seeds for indigestion work.

ajwain benefits
Ajwain has multiple health benefits for digestive health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Ajwain contains a bioactive compound called thymol with carminative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. All of these properties help manage gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhoea. These tiny seeds are an instant cure for bloating, explains Poptani.

Carom seeds also contain antimicrobial properties that help protect you against infections in the digestive system. The expert says that this is the reason why ajwain is considered an effective natural remedy for digestive issues. A study published in the Pharmacognosy Review found that carom seed extract may even help fight peptic ulcers. She recommends chewing on some carom seeds if you want to seek relief from bloating.

How to add carom seeds to your diet to get rid of stomach ache?

Carom seeds are a rich source of fibre, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. You can add it to any tea or water. One of the best ways to add carom seeds is used in tadkas, parathas, and bakery items or can be chewed raw as well. When consumed in the right quantity in your daily diet, ajwain can be an excellent addition to your diet.

Also, when consumed with a pinch of salt and warm water, carom seeds are an excellent home remedy for relieving gas, acidity, and stomach pain. This is because the active enzymes in it help improve the flow of stomach acids and enhance the process of digestion. The salt helps neutralise and hold the hydrochloric acid together. In other words, carom seeds are one of those rare spices that add flavour to the food and provide potential health benefits, she adds.

One way my mother recommended including carom seeds for stomach aches and indigestion is through ajwain tea. You can prepare the tea by adding two teaspoons of roasted carom seeds to water, bringing it to a boil and straining the tea. Bring it to room temperature or drink it slightly warm.

benefits of ajwain for digestive health
Ajwain tea can help get rid of indigestion! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Are there any side effects of eating ajwain?

While carom seeds are good for health, over consumption of anything can cause stomach ulcers and trigger specific side effects. The expert says that people with diverticulitis, liver diseases, and ulcerative colitis should avoid consuming carom seeds. Carom seeds are also safe for pregnant women as long as they eat them in moderation. When eaten in excess, it can intensify the heat in the body, which could lead to complications like dizziness and nausea in mothers.

Plus, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to know whether or not carom seeds are good for your health.

About The Author
Arushi Bidhuri
Arushi Bidhuri

Arushi Bidhuri is a journalist with 7 years of experience in writing, editing, and conceptualizing story ideas across different genres, including health and wellness, lifestyle, politics, beauty, fashion, and more. Arushi has a strong connection in the industry that helps her write concise and original stories as she believes in working towards writing pieces that can enlighten people.

Next Story