Ajowan Seed Essential Oil
Ajowan is an annual herbaceous plant, 30 -70 cm in height, bearing feathery leaves and red flowers. An erect glabrous or minutely pubescent-branched annual. Native to India, Afganistan and Egypt, now also grown in West Indies and the Seychelle Islands. Ajowan seeds contain an essential oil which is about 50% thymol which is a strong germicide, anti-spasmodic and fungicide. Thymol is also used in toothpaste and perfumery. It is used in a steeped liquid form against diarrhea and flatulence. In India the seeds are used as a household remedy for indigestion and colic, and used in poultices to relieve asthma and arthritis. It also has aphrodisiac properties and the Ananga Ranga prescribes it for increasing a husband’s enjoyment in his middle years. Essential oil mostly produced in India.....more
| Botanical Name: | Trachyspermum copticum L. |
| Family: | Apiaceae. (Umbelliferae) |
| Synonyms: | Trachyspermum ammi, Ammi copticum, Carum copticum, Carum ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan, ajwain, ajuan, omum, ajvan, true bishop's weed. |
| See Also: | Ajowan Herb Essential Oil |
| Parts Used: | Seeds |
| Extraction Method: | Steam Distillation |
| Appearance: | Pale yellow brown to brownish liquid |
| Aroma Description: | Herbal, spicy, medicinal |
| Perfume note: | Top |
| Consistancy: | Light |
| Strength of Initial Aroma: | Strong |
| Blends well with: | Thyme, parsley, sage. |
| Historical Uses: | Ajowan seeds are used in curry powders. Used in India as an antiseptic and aromatic carminative and as a general treatment for intestinal problems, the oil is often recommended for cholera. Use elsewhere in the production of thymol, also as anti spasmodic, stimulant, tonic, and carminative properties. |
| Modern Uses: | Ajowan oil is a potent anti-microbial agent. In the literature the seeds are reported to possess cholinomimetic or parasympathomimetic and hypotensive properties. The oil is occasionally used commercially in soaps under the name of thymene (after the thymol has been extracted) |
| Cautions: | Ajowan seed essential oil is toxic, Not recommended for Home use. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Possible mucous membrane and dermal irritant. Avoid if pregnant. |
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