Characteristics

• Latin name: Trachyspermum ammi
• Common name(s): Indian thyme, Indian anise, Indian Ammi
• Family: Umbelliferae

Properties

• Antibacterial
• Antifungal (treats infections caused by fungi)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Diuretic (improves urinary tract function)
• Analgesic (relieves pain)
• Anticonvulsant (prevents involuntary muscle contractions)

Indications

• Treatment of certain infections (intestinal, urinary, lung)
• Gastroenteritis
• Diarrhoea
• Treating symptoms of malaria
• Rheumatism
• Asthma
• Flu
• Skin diseases (dermatoses)

History

Ajowan, native to India, is a medicinal plant that has long been used by Indian doctors. It is also an aromatic plant.

In Indian and Lebanese cuisine, it is used in curries, pastries and breads.

How do you recognise it?

Ajowan is mainly grown in southern India and averages 60 cm in height.

It has a main root, a striped stem and leaves that are about 12 cm long and wide.

When its white flowers ripen, they enclose small grey oval seeds.

It is from these seeds that the essential oil used in herbal medicine is extracted.

Its flavour is similar to that of thyme.

This annual plant is closely related to dill, cumin and caraway.

Parts used

• Flowers and seeds

Precautions for use

Caution: These plants are not trivial remedies. Never exceed the recommended dosage.