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Origin, Distribution and Composition
Bishop's weed is a small, erect, annual shrub, with soft fine hairs. It
has many branched leafy stems; feather-like leaves 2.5 cm long; and 4 to
12 ray flower heads, each bearing 6 to 16 flowers. The fruits are minute,
egg-shaped and grayish.
The trade name ajwain is based on the Indian name which is derived from
adarjawan. Ajwain or Bishop's weed has been used as a
carminative medicine from the time of Charaka and Sushruta.
Bishop's weed is cultivated in Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan and India. An
analysis of the ajwain seeds shows them to consist of moisture 7.4 per
cent, protein 17.1 per cent, fat 21.8 per cent, minerals 7.9 per cent,
fibre 21.2 per cent and carbohydrates 24.6 per cent per 100 grams.
Calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are
amongst the vitamins and minerals in it Its calorific value is 363.
Steam distillation of crushed seeds yields an essential oil which is
valued considerably in medicine on account of the presence of thymol. The
oil was, for a long time, the chief source of thymol.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
The seeds are stimulant and are useful in counteracting spasmodic
disorders. The oil of ajwain is an almost colorless to brownish liquid
with characteristic odor and a sharp hot taste. If the liquid is allowed
to remain undisturbed, a part of the thymol may separate from the
crystals, which is sold in Indian markets under the name of ajwain ka
phut or sat ajwain. It is much valued in medicine as it has
nearly all the properties ascribed to the ajwain seeds.
Gastro-Intestinal Disorders
Bishop's weed has long been used in indigenous medicine for the treatment
of diarrhoea, dysentery, atonic dyspepsia, cholera, colic, flatulence and
indigestion. For relieving flatulence, dyspepsia and spasmodic disorders,
the seeds may be eaten with betel leaves. A teaspoon of these seeds with a
little rock-salt is a household remedy for indigestion.
The volatile oil extracted from the seeds is also useful in cholera,
flatulent colic, diarrhea, atonic dyspepsia and indigestion. It is usually
given in doses of 1 to 3 drops. Omum water, that is, the water
distilled from the seeds, is an excellent carminative that relieves
flatulence and is antispasmodic in colic and flatulent dyspepsia. It is
also administered in the early stages of cholera in doses of 30 to 60
grams to check vomiting.
In case of colic, ajwain, dry ginger and black salt in the proportion of
1:1/2 : 1/4 should be ground together and taken in three gram doses with
warm water. In case of flatulence, ajwain and dried ginger in equal weight
may be soaked in two and-half times the quantity of lime juice. This is
then dried and powdered with a little black salt. About two grams of this
powder is taken with warm water.
Respiratory Disorders
A mixture of the seeds and buttermilk is an effective remedy for relieving
difficult expectoration caused by dried up phlegm. The seeds are also
efficacious in bronchitis. A hot fomentation with the seeds is a popular
household remedy for asthma. Chewing a pinch of ajwain seeds with a
crystal of common salt and a clove is a very effective remedy for cough
caused by acute pharyngitis in influenza.
Common Cold
Bishop's weed is an effective common cold remedy. It has a remarkable
power to open up clogged and congested nasal passages. A tablespoon of
seeds crushed and tied up in a cloth bundle can be used for inhalation. A
similar bundle placed near the pillow, while sleeping, also relieves nasal
congestion. For infants and small children, a small pouch can be pinned to
their dress under the chin when they are sleeping. In case of adults, a
teaspoon of the seeds can he put in boiling water and the vapors inhaled.
Migraine
The seeds are useful in the treatment of migraine and delirium. They
should either be smoked or sniffed frequently to obtain relief.
Rheumatism
The oil extracted from the seeds is beneficial in the treatment of
rheumatic and neuralgic pains. It should be applied on the affected parts.
Mouth Disorders
An infusion of the seeds mixed with common salt is an effective gargle in
acute pharyngitis, sore and congested throat and hoarseness of the voice
due to colds or shouting.
Earache
The herb is beneficial in earache. About half a teaspoon of the seeds is
heated in 30 ml of milk till the essence of the seeds permeate the milk.
The milk is then filtered and used as ear drops. It decreases congestion
and relieves pain.
In case of pain caused by boils in the ear, 3 grams each of ajwain seeds
and garlic are boiled together in 40 grams of sesame oil till they turn
red. The oil is then strained and cooled to body temperature, and used as
ear drops.
Other Uses
Aphrodisiac: Ajwain seeds, combined with the kernel of tamarind
seeds are an effective aphrodisiac. These should be fried in equal
quantity of pure ghee, powdered and preserved in airtight containers. A
teaspoon of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, taken daily
with milk before retiring, makes an excellent aphrodisiac. It increases
virility and cures premature ejaculation.
The grayish brown fruits or seeds are used as a spice, in flavoring
numerous foods, as anti-oxidants, preservatives and in medicine.
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