Ajwain, Trachyspermum ammi
Latin: Trachyspermum ammi, Carum copticum
French: Ajowan, thym indien
English: Ajwain
Family: Apiacea (Umbeliferous)
History and Origin:
Ajwain is the seed from a plant growing in South India, from the same family than caraway, cumin and dill, Apiacea. It is cultivated in India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Egypt. The plant bears wide umbels of white flowers. The fruits are rich in essential oil.
| Part Used |
Seeds
|
| Extraction |
Steam distillation
|
Main Components
|
paracymene, ?-terpinene, thymol and camphene
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Oil Characteristics
|
Visual: Pale yellow-orange liquid, Smell: Aromatic, animal and zesty.
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Properties
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Major antibacterial (wide spectrum), anti-infectious, antiviral and immune system stimulating, antifungal (fungicide), antiparasitic (parasiticide), antiseptic.
It is a general tonic, antinauseant, carminative, aphrodisiac, warming, percutaneous analgesic.
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Indications
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Intestinal parasitic infections (amebiasis, ascaris, tænia) and cutaneous parasitic infections (scabies, tinea …) +++, cutaneous, ungual and gynecological mycosis +++, infectious dermatitis, intestinal, urinary and gynecological bacterial and viral infections +++, rheumatic and muscular fever +++. |
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Type Chromatography
|
Trachyspermum ammi
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Aromatherapy: go to ''Aromatherapy Data Sheet''
Culinary: Ajwain is a spice used in India mainly in vegetarian dishes...
Safety Data
Be careful with dosages (skin irritation can occur if oil is used non-diluted). This oil should be avoided in children and in pregnant women (first three months) or while breast-feeding. Consulting a specialist is advised.
Discharge
In case of health concern, Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. You must get accurate information concerning contraindications and interactions with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used in respect of the physiological doses.
BAUDOUX, Dominique, L’AROMATHÉRAPIE, se soigner par les huiles essentielles, éditions Atlantica, 2001, pp 98-99
Wikipedia, http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajowan