What Stillpoint "Nose"

Ajowan is a great essential oil used when fighting infection. Ajowan has long been used as a carminative, helping with many digestive issues.
Ajown is extremely antiviral as well as antifungal.  It is also a bit analgesic to help with a slight numbing effect.

We have used ajowan in many blends to combat fungal and bacteriacidal infections both topically and for respiratory issues.

1. Digestive Aid: Ajowan oil is often used in traditional medicine to relieve indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea. The oil contains thymol, a compound known for its antispasmodic properties, which may help ease digestive discomfort.
2. Respiratory Support: Ajowan oil has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and common colds, possibly due to its expectorant properties which may help clear mucus from the airways.
3. Antimicrobial and Antiseptic: The thymol in ajowan oil also has strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which could potentially be useful in wound care and prevention of infections.
4. Pain Relief: In traditional medicine, ajowan oil has been used for pain relief, especially for conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, or headaches. It is typically diluted in a carrier oil and applied topically to the affected area.
5. Antifungal: Ajowan essential oil has also been used to treat fungal skin infections due to its potential antifungal properties.
6. Insecticidal Properties: The oil has been utilized as a natural insecticide and is thought to repel various types of insects.
7. Nerve Tonic: Ajowan oil is considered a nerve tonic in traditional medicine and has been used to treat neuralgia and other nervous disorders.

Traditional Use of Ajowan (Bishop's Weed)

Botany

Energetics and Chakras

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Ajowan (Bishop's Weed)

1. Purification and Clearing: Ajowan is often used for its energetic cleansing properties. It is believed to clear negative energies and restore balance to the physical and emotional body. This makes it a useful tool for people who feel overwhelmed, stressed, or are experiencing emotional congestion.
2. Protection: Similar to its physical antimicrobial properties, ajowan essential oil is also believed to offer spiritual protection. It's thought to create a barrier against negative influences and energies.
3. Grounding: Ajowan essential oil is also used for its grounding properties. It's believed to help people feel more present, secure, and connected to their physical body.
4. Energetic Balance: Ajowan essential oil is thought to balance the energetic body and align the chakras, promoting overall well-being and a sense of peace.

Traditional Folklore

1. Ayurvedic Tradition: Ajowan seeds have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system developed in India over 3,000 years ago. The seeds are believed to balance the Vata (air and ether) and Kapha (water and earth) doshas (energies) in the body, promoting digestion, and relieving respiratory conditions.
2. Postnatal Care: In many Indian cultures, Ajowan seeds are given to women after childbirth. The seeds are believed to cleanse the uterus and boost digestion, enhancing recovery. The practice stems from the belief that Ajowan has potent warming and medicinal properties.
3. Protection against Evil Spirits: In some Indian cultures, Ajowan seeds are used in rituals intended to ward off evil spirits or to counter the effects of harmful magic.
4. Culinary Beliefs: Ajowan is a valued spice in Indian cooking, not just for its flavor but also for its digestion-promoting properties. There's a common belief that adding Ajowan to foods high in starch and fat can make them easier to digest.
5. Traditional Medicine: Apart from Ayurveda, Ajowan is used in traditional medicine in various cultures. For example, in Unani (Greco-Arabic) medicine, it's used to treat various health conditions, including gastrointestinal issues and respiratory disorders.
6.  The boiled seeds were used to cleanse the eyes and cure deafness. An old belief was that Ajowan seeds soaked in lemon juice and dried 7 times before ingested cured impotence.

Therapeutic Benefits of Ajowan (Bishop's Weed)

Aroma-Chemistry of Ajowan (Bishop's Weed)

Ajowan essential oil is similar in chemistry to Thyme ct thymol because of its high content of phenols (over 50%).  It also contains a high percentage of monoterpenes y-terpinene (25%) & para-cymene (22.9%), which when combined with the thymol, synergistically support the anti-viral, antibacterial properties that this oil contains. Para-cymene is also known to be analgesic, thereby reducing pain as well.

Aroma of Ajowan (Bishop's Weed)

Recipes and Blends

Blends Well With...

Safety Information for Ajowan (Bishop's Weed)

References