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, feather like leaves 2.5 cm long and 4 to 12 ray flower heads, each bearing 6 to 16 flowers. The fruits are minutes, egg shaped and grayish.
The trade name ajwain is based on the Indian name which is derived form adarjawan. Ajwain or bishop’s weed has been used as a carminitive medicine form the time of Charaka and Shusruta. Even Greek physicians like Dioscrides and Gelen used it various carminative medicines. Some very valuable unani medicines are prepared from ajwain seeds.
Bishop’s weed is cultivated I Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan and India. An analysis of the ajwain seeds shoes them to consist of moisture 7.4 per cent, protein 17.1 percent, fat 21.8 per cent, minerals 7.9 per cent, fiber 21.2, and carbohydrates 24 per cent per 100 grams. Calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin are amongst the vitamins and minerals. Its calorific value is 363
Steam distillation of crushed seeds yields an essential oil in 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
The seeds are stimulant and useful in essential in counteraction 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 undistributed, a part of the thymol may separate from the crystals, which is sold in Indian markets under the name of ajwain ka phul. It is much valued in medicine as it has nearly all the properties described to the ajwain seeds.
Gastro intestinal disorders
Bishop’s weed has long been used in indigenous medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, 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 the indigestion.
The volatile of extracted from the seeds is also useful in cholera, flatulent oil, 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: ½: ¼ 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 table spoon of seeds crushed and tied up in a cloth bundle can be used for inhalation. A similar bundle placed near the pillow, while sleeping. For infants and small children a small pouch can be pinned to their dress under their chin when they are sleeping. In case of adults, a teaspoon of the seeds can be 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 in acute pharyngitis, sore and congested throat hoarseness of the voice due to colds or shouting.
Earache
The herb is beneficial for earache. About half a teaspoon of the seed is heated in 30 ml of milk till the essence of the seed 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 strained and cooled to body temperature and used as ear drops.
Other Uses
Aphrodisiac: ajwain seeds, combined with the kernel and tamarind seeds seen are an effective aphrodiasic. These should be fried in equal quantity of pure ghee, powdered and preserved in airtight containers. A teaspoon of this powder mixed with 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 for flavoring numerous foods as anti oxidants, preservatives and medicine
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