Ajwain Seeds

Ajwain Seeds (carom seeds) are the dried fruits of Trachyspermum ammi, a plant in the Apiaceae family. They are valued for their pungent, thyme‑like flavour and their potent digestive, antimicrobial, respiratory, and antispasmodic properties, primarily due to the active compound thymol (35‑60%). For the gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, gynecologist, and primary care physician, ajwain serves as a natural carminative for flatulence and bloating, an antimicrobial for mild gastrointestinal infections, an expectorant for cough and bronchitis, and an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps. For the patient, ajwain seeds can be chewed after meals, brewed as a tea, or added to cooking (breads, lentil dishes, curries) to relieve gas, soothe cough, ease period pain, and support digestion. Ajwain is generally safe in culinary amounts, but high doses (more than 2‑3 teaspoons daily) can cause gastric irritation, and it should be used with caution during pregnancy.