Botanical Overview
Trachyspermum ammi (Apiaceae), commonly known as Ajwain, Carom seeds, or Bishop’s weed, is a small annual herb native to South Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa. The seed is the primary part used medicinally, valued for its strong aromatic and medicinal properties.
Energetics
This plant is considered warming and drying in nature with pungent and bitter tastes. Its energetic profile is characterized by ascending directionality and a tonifying effect, influencing the body’s qi.
Primary Actions
- Antispasmodic
- Antimicrobial
- Carminative
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Colic
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Respiratory congestion
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Intestinal spasms
- Respiratory infections
TCM
No established traditional indications documented.
Ayurveda
- Gastric pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Asthma
- Rheumatism
Syndromes
- Kapha imbalance
- Vata disorders related to digestion and respiration
Unani
- Flatulence
- Dyspepsia
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Colic
Syndromes
- Gastritis
- Phlegmatic disorders
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include thymol, carvacrol, other volatile oils, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant’s antimicrobial, carminative, and antispasmodic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Seed powder: 0.5-1 g, 1-2 times daily
- Infusion: 1-2 g seeds in water, 1-2 times daily
- Essential oil: diluted topical applications
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in culinary and typical medicinal doses. High doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Caution advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Avoid in individuals allergic to Apiaceae family plants. Potential additive effects with anticoagulants should be considered.
Astrological Correspondences
No clearly established planetary or elemental rulers from credible sources.
Selected References
- Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) Monograph – PFAF
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Trachyspermum ammi, 1999
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2011
- Unani Materia Medica: Carum copticum and Trachyspermum ammi
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 2001