Ajowan for cramp, muscle spasms and griping pain

Ajowan’s latin name is Trachyspermum ammi, but it is another favorite of the taxonomists, so may also be found labeled Ammi copticum, Carum copticum, Sison ammi or Trachyspermum copticum. It has several other common names, including ajwain and ajwan, ajowan caraway, carom and also Bishop’s weed. Ammi majus is the true Bishop’s weed, and ground elder is also sometimes called by this name. Ajowan is in the same family as caraway (and was in the same genus for a time), so they are related, though not closely.

Ajowan is a half hardy annual which reaches a height of around 2 feet (60cm). It needs moist soil and will not grow in shade, but is otherwise unfussy as to soil and situation. Since it is a member of the Umbelliferae, it is best not to attempt to collect this plant or its seeds from the wild (though it’s fairly unlikely you would find it anyway), as it is similar in appearance to the deadly Hemlock. However, it’s very likely that you will be able to obtain seeds in large quantities from your local Asian supermarket, if you can’t find them in the seed catalogs.

The seed is the part used for medicine, though the oil can also be used, but it’s difficult to distil oil at home. The seed can also be powdered in a coffee grinder or similar device and tied tightly in a thin cloth to treat migraine headaches and heavy colds by inhaling the aroma frequently throughout the day.

Make a standard infusion using 2 tsp of bruised seeds or 1 tsp of ajowan powder to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) cold water in a small pan. Bring to a boil, simmer for no more than 2 minutes, then strain for use. This can be used to treat respiratory and digestive infections, asthma,  colic and griping pains, cramp and muscle spasms, edema, rheumatism and arthritis. It can also be used externally as an antiseptic to clean wounds and treat skin infections.

As with all medicinal herbs, it’s important that ajowan is grown organically to avoid its intrinsic properties being partly or completely eliminated by the presence of foreign substances. To find out more about growing organic ajowan visit the Gardenzone.

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