Ajowan

​Ajowan 
 
Ajowan is also known as Trachyspermum copticum which falls under the family of Apiaceace or Umberlliferae.
 
The synonyms of ajowan is Ammi copticum, T.ammi, Calum ajowan, omum, ajuan,and Ptychotis ajowan.
 
Ajowan is an annual herb. It is greyish brown seed and resembles parsley in form and appearance. 
 
Ajowan is distributed in India mostly and in Egypt, Afghanistan, Seychelle Islands and West Indies. 
 
Traditionally, the seeds of ajowan is used in curry powders extensively and as remedy for intestinal problems. The essential oil, tincture and thymol are used in treating cholera as part of the Indian medicine. 
 
Ajowan is a powerful carminative ( a drug that relieves flatulence), germicide ( to kill harmful microorganism) and antiseptic. 
 
Ajowan essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the seeds. 
 
The ajowan essential oil is reddish or yellow orange in liquid with herbaceous spicy medicinal odour. 
 
The ajowan essential oil consists of thymol, terpinene, carvacrol and cymene as well as pinene. 
 
The common side effects of ajowan essential oil include irritation of the mucous membrane and dermis. It should be avoided in pregnancy due to the presence of thymol.