Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Surprising Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & Relevant Lab Tests

Carom seeds, commonly known as ajwain, are a staple in Indian kitchens. Beyond adding a strong, aromatic flavour to food, carom seeds are packed with medicinal properties that support digestion, respiratory health, metabolism, and more.

In this article, you’ll learn:

Key nutritional and medicinal properties of carom seeds (ajwain)
Evidence-based health benefits and traditional uses
How to use ajwain safely at home
Possible side effects and precautions
Relevant laboratory tests and health packages you can take to monitor your health

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before using any home remedy, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

What Are Carom Seeds (Ajwain)?

Carom seeds are the dried fruits of the plant Trachyspermum ammi, belonging to the Apiaceae (parsley) family. They have a pungent, thyme-like aroma and a sharp, slightly bitter taste. In Ayurveda and traditional medicine, ajwain has been used for centuries as a:

Digestive aid
Carminative (relieves gas)
Antispasmodic (relieves cramps)
Antimicrobial and antifungal agent

Key Active Compounds in Carom Seeds

The health benefits of carom seeds are largely due to their rich phytochemical profile, especially:

Thymol – a powerful compound with antimicrobial, antifungal, and carminative properties
Essential oils – including p-cymene, γ-terpinene, β-pinene
Flavonoids and phenolic compounds – providing antioxidant effects

These compounds work together to support the digestive system, fight infections, and reduce inflammation.

Top Health Benefits of Carom Seeds (Ajwain)

1. Supports Digestion and Relieves Gas

Ajwain is most famous as a natural digestive aid. Traditionally, it is consumed after heavy meals to reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion.

How Ajwain Helps Digestion

Stimulates digestive enzymes and gastric juices
Helps break down food more efficiently
Relieves gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort
Reduces intestinal spasms and cramps

A study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry found that ajwain exhibits significant carminative and antispasmodic activities, supporting its traditional use in digestive disorders.^[1]

Simple Ajwain Remedy for Gas and Indigestion

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of roasted ajwain seeds with a pinch of black salt
Chew well after meals and swallow with warm water

Related Lab Tests & Health Packages

If you frequently experience indigestion, acidity or bloating, it’s wise to rule out underlying issues such as infection, inflammation, or food intolerance.

H. pylori Testing (if suggested by your doctor for chronic acidity or ulcers)
Comprehensive Digestive / Gastrointestinal Panel – to assess overall gut health and inflammation
Comprehensive Health Check-Up Package – ideal if you have multiple symptoms such as acidity, fatigue, or weight changes

2. Helps in Managing Acidity and Heartburn

Ajwain is often used as a home remedy for acidity, acid reflux, and heartburn. The essential oils in carom seeds may help neutralise stomach acid and improve gastric secretions.

Traditional medicine practices suggest that ajwain water or ajwain with rock salt can provide relief from:

Acid reflux
Burning sensation in the chest or stomach
Sour belching

Ajwain Water for Acidity

Boil 1 teaspoon ajwain seeds in 1 cup water for 5–10 minutes
Strain and drink warm after meals

Relevant Diagnostic Tests

Persistent acidity and heartburn should not be ignored, as they may indicate GERD, gastritis, or ulcers. Consider:

Upper GI / GERD-focused blood tests (as part of a physician-directed panel)
Annual Health Packages – to monitor general metabolic and liver function, which can influence digestive health

3. May Support Weight Management & Metabolism

While ajwain alone will not cause weight loss, it may support a healthy weight loss plan by improving digestion and metabolism.

Possible Ways Ajwain Supports Metabolism

Improved digestion may enhance nutrient absorption and reduce bloating
Some animal and laboratory studies suggest ajwain may help regulate lipid (fat) metabolism^[2]
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help support overall metabolic health

Ajwain Water for Metabolic Support

Soak 1 teaspoon ajwain in a glass of water overnight
Strain and drink on an empty stomach in the morning

Note: Weight management depends primarily on diet, physical activity, sleep, and overall lifestyle. Ajwain can be a supportive add-on, not a replacement for these fundamentals.

Relevant Tests & Packages from Seralis Lab

If you are trying to lose weight or suspect metabolic issues, lab tests can provide critical insight.

Thyroid Profile (TSH, T3, T4) – thyroid dysfunction can affect weight and metabolism
Lipid Profile – measures cholesterol and triglycerides
Diabetes / Blood Sugar Panel – fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, etc.
Comprehensive Metabolic Health Package – combines thyroid, sugar, and lipid tests for a holistic view

4. Supports Respiratory Health and Eases Cough

In traditional medicine, ajwain is often used to relieve symptoms of:

Cough and cold
Nasal congestion
Mild asthma and bronchitis (as a supportive remedy)

How Ajwain Helps the Respiratory System

Thymol in ajwain has bronchodilatory and antimicrobial properties
The warm vapours can help open nasal passages and ease breathing
May help loosen mucus and soothe sore throat when used as a gargle or steam

Some experimental studies have reported that ajwain extracts show bronchodilatory and antitussive (cough-relieving) properties, supporting their use in traditional respiratory remedies.^[3]

Home Uses for Respiratory Relief

Ajwain Steam Inhalation: Add 1–2 teaspoons ajwain seeds to hot water and inhale the steam
Ajwain Fumes: Roast ajwain seeds on a pan, carefully inhale the vapours from a distance (avoid direct contact with smoke)

Relevant Tests & Health Packages

If you have a persistent cough, breathlessness, or wheezing, you should seek medical advice. Your doctor may advise tests such as:

CBC (Complete Blood Count) – to check for infection or allergies
Allergy Panel – if asthma or allergic bronchitis is suspected
General Health Check-Up Packages – to assess immunity and overall health status

5. May Help Relieve Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Due to its antispasmodic properties, ajwain is traditionally used to relieve:

Menstrual cramps
Lower abdominal pain
Digestive discomfort during periods

The muscle-relaxing and gas-relieving effects of ajwain may ease the severity of cramps in some individuals.

Ajwain Tea for Menstrual Cramps

Boil 1 teaspoon ajwain seeds in 1 cup water for 5–7 minutes
Strain, add a pinch of jaggery or honey (optional)
Drink warm once or twice a day during periods

When to Get Tests Done

Severe, long-lasting, or progressively worsening menstrual pain may indicate conditions like PCOS, fibroids, or endometriosis. In such cases, you should see a gynecologist and consider lab evaluation.

Hormone Profile (Female) – including LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, etc.
PCOS / Women’s Health Panel – often includes hormones, sugar, and lipid profile
Anemia & Iron Studies – heavy bleeding may cause iron deficiency

6. Exhibits Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity

Laboratory studies have shown that extracts of ajwain possess significant:

Antibacterial activity against certain pathogens
Antifungal activity
Antioxidant effects, which help neutralise free radicals^[4]

These properties may contribute to:

Better gut health through control of harmful bacteria
Support for immunity
Protection of cells from oxidative stress

Note: Most of this evidence comes from in vitro (test tube) and animal studies. More human trials are needed to confirm specific therapeutic applications.

Relevant Lab Tests

Vitamin & Antioxidant Status Panel – to assess nutritional and antioxidant status
Immunity Check-Up Package – includes CBC and other markers relevant to immune function

How to Use Carom Seeds (Ajwain)

Common Culinary Uses

Added to parathas, pooris, and Indian breads
Used in tempering (tadka) for dals, curries, and snacks
Mixed in pickles and chutneys for flavour and preservation
Chewed raw or roasted after meals as a mouth freshener and digestive aid

Medicinal / Home Remedy Uses

1. Ajwain Water

Useful for: mild indigestion, gas, acidity

Boil 1 teaspoon of ajwain in 1–1.5 cups of water
Reduce to 1 cup, strain and drink warm

2. Ajwain with Salt

Useful for: gas, heaviness after meals

Mix 1/2 teaspoon roasted ajwain with a pinch of black salt
Chew and swallow with warm water

3. Ajwain Tea

Useful for: cramps, mild cough, digestive discomfort

Boil 1 teaspoon ajwain and 1 teaspoon fennel seeds in water
Strain and drink warm

Always consult your doctor if you have a medical condition, are on regular medicines, or are pregnant/breastfeeding before using ajwain medicinally.

Side Effects and Precautions of Carom Seeds

Possible Side Effects

Heartburn or acidity if taken in excess
Mouth or stomach irritation in sensitive individuals
Allergic reaction (rare)
May interact with certain medications (especially blood thinners, antacids, or anti-ulcer drugs – consult your doctor)

Who Should Be Careful?

Pregnant women: Large quantities of ajwain are traditionally avoided as they may stimulate uterine activity. Only use small, culinary amounts unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Breastfeeding mothers: Use in moderation; consult your doctor if you plan to use it regularly as a “remedy.”
People with liver disease, gastric ulcers, or severe acidity: Use only under medical guidance.
Individuals on regular medication: Discuss possible interactions with your physician.

When to Seek Medical Help and Lab Tests

See a doctor and consider lab tests through Seralis Lab if you experience:

Persistent acidity, vomiting, or black stools
Severe abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss
Chronic cough, breathlessness, or wheezing
Irregular periods, extremely painful periods, or infertility concerns

In such cases, your doctor may order a combination of:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I eat carom seeds (ajwain) every day?

Yes, small culinary amounts of ajwain (such as a pinch in food or 1/4–1/2 teaspoon after meals) are generally safe for most healthy adults. Avoid taking large medicinal doses daily without medical advice.

2. Is ajwain good for acidity?

Ajwain is commonly used as a home remedy for acidity and heartburn. Ajwain water or ajwain with black salt can sometimes provide relief. However, if your acidity is frequent or severe, you should consult a doctor and consider appropriate tests via Seralis Lab to rule out GERD, ulcers, or other digestive issues.

3. Can ajwain help with weight loss?

Ajwain may support digestion and metabolism, which can indirectly help in weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It is not a standalone weight-loss solution. For unexplained weight gain, testing your thyroid, blood sugar, and lipid profile through metabolic health packages is recommended.

4. Is ajwain safe in pregnancy?

Ajwain used in normal food amounts is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy. However, large or medicinal doses are traditionally avoided due to potential uterine-stimulating effects. Always speak with your gynecologist before using ajwain regularly as a remedy during pregnancy.

5. Can children take ajwain for colic or gas?

Ajwain is often used traditionally for infant colic (e.g., ajwain-infused water or ajwain potli fumes), but dosing for babies is very sensitive and must be supervised by a pediatrician. Do not give home remedies to infants without consulting a doctor.

6. What tests should I consider if I have chronic indigestion or IBS-like symptoms?

If indigestion, gas, or altered bowel movements are frequent, talk to your doctor about:

7. Does ajwain interact with medicines?

Ajwain may interact with certain medications, particularly:

Blood thinners
Antacids or anti-ulcer drugs
Drugs affecting the liver

If you are on regular prescriptions, speak to your doctor before using ajwain frequently in medicinal doses.

Key Takeaways

Carom seeds (ajwain) are a powerful traditional spice with evidence-backed digestive, antimicrobial, and potential metabolic benefits.
They can help relieve gas, bloating, acidity, mild respiratory discomfort, and menstrual cramps for some individuals.
Use ajwain in moderation and primarily as a culinary spice unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
For chronic or severe symptoms, do not depend only on home remedies. Consult a doctor and use appropriate diagnostic tests through Seralis Lab to identify and manage the root cause.

References

Prajapati V, et al. “Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Studies on Trachyspermum ammi.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Available at: https://www.phytojournal.com/
Gilani AH, et al. “Pharmacological basis for the traditional uses of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) in gut disorders.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2005;97(3): 393–396. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.11.024
Shokri H. “A review on the inhibitory potential of herbal extracts and essential oils on respiratory viral infections.” Iranian Journal of Microbiology. (Includes discussion of thymol-containing plants such as ajwain). Available at: https://ijm.tums.ac.ir
Kaur GJ, Arora DS. “Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi.” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2009;9:30. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-9-30
Bairwa R, et al. “Trachyspermum ammi: A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.” Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences. 2012;4(4): 291–297. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.103256

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment or home remedy.