Key Takeaways
- Ajwain's thymol compound reduces uterine contractions and eases cramps
- Ajwain water reduces gas buildup and relaxes abdominal muscles
- Ajwain tea supports circulation and eases uterine tension
- Jaggery and ajwain combined may improve warmth and reduce period discomfort
- No clinical evidence that ajwain induces periods
Ajwain may help relieve menstrual cramps due to its natural antispasmodic compound thymol, which supports muscle relaxation and improves digestion during periods. Research indicates thymol significantly reduces uterine contractions [1] induced by acetylcholine.
Traditionally used in Ayurveda, ajwain has gained attention for its role in easing digestive discomfort and reducing muscle spasms, both of which add to period pain. Research confirms that its antispasmodic and carminative properties [3] provide relief in dysmenorrhea.
In this blog, we will explore the key benefits of ajwain in periods and its role in reducing menstrual cramps.
What Are the Benefits of Ajwain During Periods?
Ajwain also has many benefits for women during their periods. During this time of the month, a lot of women experience pain from cramps caused by their uterus.
Ajwain may help reduce cramp intensity by relaxing smooth muscles and improving blood flow during menstruation. A clinical trial showed ajwain effectively reduced primary dysmenorrhea pain compared to mefenamic acid [2].
How Does Ajwain Tea Help During Periods?
Ajwain tea is commonly used for its warming effect, which may aid in circulation and ease uterine tension during periods. This is similar to how warm water during periods helps relax muscles and improve blood flow.
To make ajwain tea, all you need is water, milk and a few teaspoons of crushed ajwain seeds. Put these ingredients into a pot and bring them to a boil. Once the water has boiled for about 10 minutes, turn down the heat and allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes before straining out the milk (but keep the water!). Add some honey if desired, and drink it.
How to Use Ajwain Water for Period Pain Relief
Ajwain water is a great way to get relief from period pain. It's easy to make and even easier to drink. Ajwain water help ease cramping by reducing gas buildup and relaxing abdominal muscles.
Just boil a bunch of ajwain seeds in water for about 20 minutes. Let it cool down, then strain out the seeds and drink. You can add a few drops of lemon juice if you want, but that's totally optional. Drink when you need relief from period pain.
Jaggery and Ajwain for Periods: Why This Combination Works
Jaggery or gur is a natural form of sugar made from date palm sap. Read more about eating jaggery during periods and its benefits for menstrual health. Jaggery contains iron and calcium, which are both essential for women during menstruation. Ajwain and Jaggery concoction for periods is an excellent home remedy to reduce menstrual cramps. It also helps with menstrual pain. This combination is traditionally used to support warmth in the body, which may help reduce acupressure points for period pain.
To prepare Ajwain (carom seeds) and Jaggery concoction for periods, you need to take one tablespoon of Ajwain seeds and one cup of milk. Add it to a pan along with one cup of water, and boil it for five minutes. Then add two tablespoons of jaggery or brown sugar, and stir well until all the ingredients have dissolved completely in your drink. You can add some cardamom powder or ginger powder if you want more flavour in your drink.
Other Health Benefits of Ajwain Beyond Period Pain
Can Ajwain Help with Nausea and Vomiting?
Yes. When you feel sick to your stomach and have the urge to vomit, ajwain can provide relief. Its natural properties have been found to calm the digestive system and soothe the feelings of uneasiness. You can try consuming ajwain by chewing a few seeds directly or drinking ajwain water. This can help reduce stomach pain during periods and ease nausea and vomiting.
How Does Ajwain Help with Indigestion?
Ajwain is widely recognised in India for its ability to treat indigestion. When we eat heavy or oily foods that are difficult to digest, ajwain comes to the rescue. The active compounds present in ajwain help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food and promoting better digestion. It can alleviate common symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, acidity, and discomfort and help improve digestion.
Does Ajwain Support Weight Management?
Though not directly related to menstrual relief, ajwain’s digestive benefits may indirectly support hormonal balance. Ajwain has been shown to increase metabolic rate, which helps burn off more calories and fat. It also helps reduce inflammation in your body.
Reduced inflammation may support better metabolic function. This may support better fat metabolism over time.
If you want to start using ajwain in your weight-loss plan, try adding a teaspoon of ajwain seeds to your favourite dish or drink. You can also add it to salad dressing or use it as an ingredient in homemade seasonings.
Does ajwain help in getting periods fast?
There is no clinical evidence that ajwain can induce periods. Systematic reviews of herbal remedies for dysmenorrhea note ajwain's supportive role but lack proof for cycle induction [4] of herbal remedies for dysmenorrhea note ajwain's supportive role but lack proof for cycle induction.
It is known to help with irregular periods, and it can also help to manage PCOS symptoms, regulate your cycle and reduce pain. The question of whether ajwain induces periods definitely needs more research.
In a nutshell
Ajwain may offer natural support for managing menstrual discomfort, particularly through its digestive and muscle-relaxing properties. Reviews of in vitro and in vivo studies support herbal medicines like ajwain for primary dysmenorrhea symptom relief [5] support herbal medicines like ajwain for primary dysmenorrhea symptom relief.
Incorporating ajwain into your daily routine, such as drinking ajwain tea or trying ajwain water, can make a significant difference in your irregular periods. Adding ajwain to your daily routine may help make your period days more manageable.
If you’re exploring natural ways to ease period discomfort, ajwain may be a simple addition worth trying alongside a balanced routine.
References
1. Haeri, S., Sadeghi, H., & Parvizi, M. R. (2022). The effect of thymol on acetylcholine-induced contractions of the rat ileum and uterus under ex vivo conditions. PMC.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9627212/
2. Jenabi, E., & Ebrahimzadeh, S. (2023). A comparison of the effect of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague) with mefenamic acid on pain intensity in primary dysmenorrhea. Journal of Traditional and Integrative Medicine.
https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/710
3. Bairwa, K., Rathore, R. S., Chauhan, R., & Jachak, S. (2012). Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Ajowan caraway, bishop’s weed): A traditional medicinal plant with immense medicinal potential. PMC.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3358968/
4. Pattanittum, P., Kunyanone, N., Brown, J., Sangkomkamhang, U. S., Barnes, J., Seyfoddin, A., & Marutrakul, B. (2014). Chinese herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4177637/
5. Ye, F., Liu, X., & Chen, X. (2014). A review of in vitro and in vivo studies on the efficacy of herbal medicines for primary dysmenorrhea. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/2014/296860
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