Introduction
Wild Carom Seeds (Wild Ajwain)
Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum
Introduction
Wild carom seeds, commonly known as wild ajwain, are a small, aromatic herb valued for their medicinal properties. It is widely found in mountainous regions and is known for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in traditional medicine.
Botanical Characteristics
The plant is small, soft, and highly branched. Its branches are hairy and fragrant. It usually grows to a height of about 8 to 9 inches and may appear either straight or slightly bent.
Leaves
The leaves are small, round to slightly elongated, and without noticeable stalks. They have a smooth surface with tiny glandular dots.
Flowers
The flowers are small and may appear in shades of purple or scarlet.
Habitat and Distribution
Wild ajwain grows in the following:
- The Himalayan region
- Dehradun
- Gorakhpur
- Himachal Pradesh
- Kashmir
- Iran
Chemical Constituents
The plant contains:
- Volatile oils
- Tannins
- Thymol (main active compound)
- Gum-like substances
Temperament (Mizaj)
In traditional medicine, it is considered hot and dry in the third degree.
Pharmacological Actions
Wild Ajwain possesses several medicinal properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antifungal
- Astringent
Dosage
- Flowers: 1.5 to 3 masha
- Seeds: 2 to 4 ratti (corrected from “rice”)
- Oil: 1 to 3 masha
Wild Thyme
Botanical Name: Seseli indicum
Botanical Characteristics
Wild thyme is an erect plant with widely spreading branches.
Leaves
The leaves are divided into three parts and arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters. (Note: “light pink” corrected to describe flowers rather than leaves.)
Temperament
It is considered:
- Warm
- Refreshing
- Tonic
- Digestive
Actions
Wild thyme has the following properties:
- Cooling and refreshing effect
- Digestive stimulant
Uses
Wild thyme is used for the following:
- Treating stomach pain
- Improving appetite
- Acting as a substitute for parsley in some traditional uses
In rural areas, it is also used for treating stomach disorders in cattle.
Dosage
- Recommended quantity: 1 to 3 doses (as per preparation)
