6 Top Benefits & Side Effects Of Ajwain Water (Omam Water)

Ajwain water is a popular home remedy for treating gastritis and indigestion in Tamil Nadu and it is also consumed for aiding weight loss. I always stock ajwain seeds at home and use it in home remedies extensively. We get ready made ajwain water in the markets but it is loaded with sugar, so it is best to make it at home yourself and it is so easy to do.

What Is Ajwain Water?

Ajwain seeds (Hindi name) commonly called “Omum” in Tamil, “Bishop’s weed” in English are small grayish colored seeds with a very strong distinctive smell. The decoction of the seeds got by boiling the seeds in water has wonderful health benefits both for adults and children. We call it omum water | omam | oma water in Tamil and ajwain water in Hindi.

Ajwain Water Health Benefits:

1. Ajwain Water For Cold & Cough:

Ajwain water is great for consuming while suffering from cold or cough as it helps reduce cough, this is due to it’s antitussive and bronchodilating properties. If you are suffering from any respiratory problems like cold, cough, headache or asthma, try a cup of warm ajwain water, it will greatly help.

2. Ajwain Water For Stomachache:

When I was younger, whenever I came home from hostel, I used to overeat often and get stomachache. To cure it, my mom always used to give me ajwain water and usually I will be alright very soon. Ajwain water is a very good home remedy for people suffering from stomach related problems which includes indigestion, stomach pain and gastritis.

3. Ajwain Water For Babies:

Ajwain water can be safely given to very small babies too. Oma water is so very famous here in Tamil Nadu as a medicine for treating indigestion in children, it is also given to babies who don’t have a good appetite. I think every home with children should have a bottle of ajwain seeds, ready to make ajwain water any time.

4. As An Insecticide:

Ajwain seeds have insecticidal properties and is effective in getting rid of cockroaches and mosquitoes if used as a spray. To make the spray, take ajwain water in a spray bottle, add in 10 drops of rosemary or peppermint or citronella essential oil and mix well. Spray this in all nooks and corners to get rid of insects for good.

5. Ajwain Water For Weight Loss:

Ajwain water is now popularly consumed as a weight loss drink. I couldn’t find any studies supporting the claim but thymol extracted from ajwain seeds has been proven to help prevent weight gain, you can read the study that supports this claim here. Please remember that herbs only helps speed up the process. For any meaningful weight loss, a healthy calorie deficit diet and regular exercise is important.

6. Other Health Benefits:

It helps with all metabolic diseases which includes high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. If you are suffering from any of the above mentioned diseases, try including ajwain water in your diet regularly in moderation. It also helps reduce inflammation very effectively so people suffering from inflammatory conditions like arthritis will highly benefit including it regularly.

Ajwain Side Effects

Pregnant women should not consume ajwain water. It was tested for abortion in some states in the year 1987 in India. The results were striking! Out of 75 pregnant woman who were tested, 50 experienced abortion and fetotoxicity! It is also used as a male contraceptive, it has been clinically proven to reduce the number of sperms, sperm motility and testis weight. So it is best to avoid ajwain water when planning for pregnancy and also during pregnancy.

Excessive consumption of ajwain water can lead to bloating and stomach irritation. Some people can be allergic to ajwain seeds, ajwain allergy can cause nausea, dizziness and vomiting. It also interacts with certain drugs, if you are on any medication and planning to consume ajwain water regularly please mention it to your physician without fail.

How To Make Ajwain Water:

1. Take the required amount of ajwain (for adults use around 1 teaspoon and for children, usually 1/2 teaspoon will do) in a heavy bottomed roasting pan. Roast in medium low flame for about 2 minutes until the seeds start popping and a wonderful aroma wafts. Keep stirring often and don’t let it burn.

ajwain water recipe

2. Pour about 1 cup of water (250 ml) and let it boil and boil till the color of the water changes.

Omam Water

3. After a few minutes, the color of the water would have changed to brown color. Now strain the mixture and your ajwain water is ready!

oma water

4. This omum water is not bitter. If small children still refuse to drink it, add tiny bit of honey and give them for treating all stomach and respiratory related problems.

ajwain water for weight loss

NOTE:

Please drink it immediately once it cools down but if you can’t, you can store the left overs in a glass bottle and consume it the next day too.
For small children, don’t go above the mentioned dosage. A cup a day will work well till they feel better.

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