Ajowan is scientifically known as Trachyspermum Capticum which belong to the family of Apiaceae. Ajowan is also known as Ajuan, Ptychotis ajowan, T. amini, Ammi Copticum, C.copticum and Carum ajowan.
Ajowan generally present as a greyish brown seed which similar to parsley in its features.
Ajowan can be found in India, Afghanistan, Egypt, Seychelles Island and the West Indies.
Traditionally, ajowan’s seeds are used in curry powders and as a household remedy fro any intestinal problems. Ajowan is well known as treating cholera in Indian medicine in the form of essential oil, thymol and tincture.
Ajowan is well known as powerful antiseptic agent, germicide and carminative (facilitating the expulsion of gas in gastrointestinal system).
The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the seed.The essential oil will appear as a reddish or yellow orange liquid with herbaceous spicy medicinal odor like thyme. It may also consist of thymol, cymene, pinene, carvacrol, terpinene and dipentene.
The side effect of ajowan’s essential oil is dermal or mucous membrane irritation ( due to high level of thymol). Should be avoided in pregnancy.