A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
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Sanskrit Name: यवानी (Yavānī), अजमोदा (Ajamodā), दीप्यक (Dīpyaka), उग्रगन्धा (Ugragandhā)
Botanical Name: Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Syn. Carum copticum)
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Part Used: Fruits (seeds) (फल - Phala)
Classical Categorization: It is classified under Pippalyādi Varga (group of herbs starting with Pippalī) in classical texts.
A. Rasa (Taste) :कटु (Kaṭu - Pungent), तिक्त (Tikta - Bitter)
B. Guna (Qualities) : लघु (Laghu - Lightness), तीक्ष्ण (Tīkṣṇa - Sharp, Penetrating), रूक्ष (Rūkṣa - Dryness)
C. Vīrya (Potency) : उष्ण (Uṣṇa - Hot)
D. Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) : कटु (Kaṭu - Pungent)
E. Prabhāva (Unique/Specific Effect) : Its profound ability to kindle the digestive fire (दीपन - Dīpana) and relieve Vāta-related colic and pain (शूलप्रशमन - Śūlapraśamana) is considered its special effect.
F. Doṣa Karma (Action on Humors) : कफवातहर (Kaphavātahara - Pacifies Kapha and Vāta). Due to its hot and sharp properties, it aggravates Pitta (पित्तकृत - Pittakṛta) if used in excess.
Source: Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu (Pippalyādi Varga)
यवानी तिक्तका कट्वी उष्णा दीपनपाचनी ।
लघ्वी कटुविपाका च कफवातामशूलहृत् ॥
रूक्षोष्णा गर्भशय्यास्रपित्तकृच्छुष्णवेदिनाम् ।
नेष्टा स्याद्यवनी ज्ञेया ग्राहिणी परमार्त्तिजित् ॥
Translation:
"Yavānī (Ajwain) is bitter and pungent. It is hot in potency, kindles digestive fire (Dīpana), and promotes digestion (Pācanī). It is light, has a pungent post-digestive effect, and pacifies Kapha, Vāta, and pain (Śūlahṛt). It is dry and hot and is not suitable for those suffering from threatened abortion, bleeding disorders, Pitta conditions, and those sensitive to heat. It is known to be absorbent (Grahiṇī) and highly effective in relieving severe pain."
A. Therapeutic Actions (Karma):
Dīpana: Kindles digestive fire (appetizer).
Pācana: Digests toxins (Ama).
Śūlahara: Relieves colicky pain, spasms.
Anulomana: Facilitates downward movement of Vāta (carminative).
Kaṣāya: Mild astringent (absorbent effect - Grahiṇī).
Kuṣṭhaghna: Useful in skin diseases.
Mūtrala: Promotes urination.
Vedanāsthāpana: Analgesic (pain-relieving).
B. Common Uses (Prayogarha):
Digestive Disorders (Āmavāta, Ajīrṇa): Loss of appetite, indigestion, flatulence, bloating, abdominal colic.
Respiratory Conditions (Kāsa, Śvāsa): Cough, asthma, bronchitis (as it helps liquefy and expel Kapha).
Pain Management (Śūla): Renal colic, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), rheumatic pain.
Other Uses: Common cold, hiccups, parasites, and as a post-partum herb to cleanse the uterus and promote lactation
Ajwain is a key ingredient in many digestive and carminative formulations.
Yavānī Chūrṇa: A simple powder of Ajwain.
Hingvastaka Chūrṇa: An iconic digestive powder.
Chitrakādi Vati: Digestive tablets.
Ajamodā Arka: A hydro-alcoholic distillate.
Kankāyana Gutikā: Used for hemorrhoids and digestive issues.
Pitta Aggravation: It is contraindicated in individuals with high Pitta, presenting as hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, inflammatory skin conditions, bleeding disorders, or excessive thirst.
Pregnancy: Its strong Uṣṇa and Tīkṣṇa properties make it generally contraindicated in pregnancy, especially in high doses, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
General Caution: Can cause dryness and burning sensation if used inappropriately by Pitta-predominant individuals.
Dosage depends on the form and the condition.
Curna (Powder): 1 - 3 grams, per day, divided into doses. Often taken with warm water, honey, or buttermilk.
Arka (Distillate): 10 - 20 drops, mixed with water.
Svarasa (Fresh Juice): Not commonly prepared from the dry seeds.
Home Use: A teaspoon of seeds can be chewed or boiled in water to make a decoction for indigestion.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only