Ajowan Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

The composition of ajowan essential oil (Trachyspermum ammi or Trachyspermum copticum), also called ajwain or bishop's weed, is similar to thyme ct. thymol. This means you need to use ajowan carefully due to the high thymol content.

Basic Ajowan Facts

Plant family: Apiaceae.

Production: Steam distilled from the seeds of an annual herb.

Aroma: Strong, spicy, astringent, herbaceous, according to Stillpoint Aromatics.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Top.

Is ajowan essential oil safe to use during pregnancy? No, according to Contemporary French Aromatherapy.

Is ajowan essential oil safe for children? Do not use with children under 30 months, according to Contemporary French Aromatherapy.

Cautions: May inhibit blood clotting; low risk of skin irritation and moderate risk of mucous membrae irritation.

Main components:

• thymol     36.9–53.8%
• gamma-terpinene 14.6–35.0%
• p-cymeme  20.8–24.0%
• carvacrol    1.0–16.4%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition, which recommends a dermal maximum of 1.4%. A type of ajowan without thymol exists and contains 46% carvone and 38% limonene.

Ajowan Essential Oil Benefits

The thymol content of ajowan means the oil strongly fights bacteria, viruses, and fungus. This essential oil is a general tonic and stimulant, indicated for any type of infection, according to Contemporary French Aromatherapy.

Ajowan is heating and a strong stimulant useful for treating chronic hypotonic/weak and hyposthenic/cold terrain conditions, according to Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume 2. The oil is especially effective for infectious and parasitic skin conditions when suitably diluted and combined with a monoterpenol-rich oil, such as palmrosa or tea tree, in a 5 to 10% dilution liniment.

Stillpoint Aromatics lists these potential benefits of ajowan oil:

• Helps ease digestive discomfort, including bloating, indigestion, and flatulence, when used in digestive blends.
• Promotes clear airways and eases occasional respiratory discomfort (use in diffuser or topical blends)
• Fights fungus (use in blends to help relieve minor fungal issues)
• Relieves occasional joint or muscle pain
• Repels insects (use in outdoor blends)

Ajowan offers warmth and power for the energetic body. Use the oil for these purposes:

• Move stagnant energy or get rid of energetic parasites or vampires
• Help digest feelings causing upset
• Protect against negative influences and energies
• Feel more present, secure, and connected to your physical body
• Clear negative energies and restore balance to the physical and emotional body when you feel overwhelmed or stressed or experience emotional congestion

Ajowan helps balance the energetic body and align the chakras, promoting overall well-being and a sense of peace. Use the essential oil for the first (root) chakra (survival and support), third (solar plexus) chakra (personal power), and fifth (throat) chakra (speaking truth).

Ayurveda and Aromatherapy: Ajowan is a stimulant oil that loosens mucus, expels gas, and calms spasms and also has powerful antiseptic properties.

• Decreases kapha and vata; increases pitta.
• Taste: salty and pungent.
• Aftertaste: pungent.
• Energy: heating and moisturizing.
• Tissues: plasma and nerves.
• Indications: bronchitis, colds, cough, laryngitis, respiratory infection, arthritis.

Caution: Do not use if a hyperacid condition is present.

The Magic of Ayurveda Aromatherapy by Farida Irani adds more indications: diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, indigestion, and rheumatic and neurologic pains. Emotionally, the oil relieves hysteria and creates a feeling of warmth and exhilaration.

Ajowan Essential Oil Uses and Blends

You can use ajowan in natural cleaning blends and for occasional spot-use in personal care products.

Digestive Support Massage Oil

• 2 tablespoons carrier oil
• 3 drops ajowan essential oil

Massage a small amount of this blend onto abdomen in a circular motion.

Refreshing Diffuser Blend

• 3 drops ajowan
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Use according to your diffuser's instructions.

Fungus-Relief Foot Soak

• 5 drops ajowan
• 1/2 teaspoon carrier oil
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• Warm water

Combine the essential oil and carrier oil. Add the blend and Epsom salt to the warm water. Soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes.

Source: Stillpoint Aromatics

Chemotyped Essential Oils and Their Synergies suggests the following uses of ajowan essential oil:

• Abscess: Blend 2 drops each of ajowan, bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), and spike lavender essential oils in 2 teaspoons carrier oil. Apply directly to abscess three times a day for seven to ten days.
• Acute bronchitis: Blend 2 drops each of ajowan, tea tree, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary ct. verbenone essential oils in 1 tablespoon carrier oil. Rub on chest four times a day for ten days.
• Warts: Blend 1 drop each of ajowan, cinnamon, and lemon essential oils in 1 teaspoon carrier oil. Apply to wart two times a day for 21 days.

Caution: Patch test blends before using on large areas.

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Photo Credit: Shivsaurabhkunwar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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