Are you a first-time mother and unaware of the dos and don’ts of pregnancy? From what to avoid to what to eat, there is a lot of discrepancy out there. Of all, one of the common questions that often comes up is whether pregnant women should avoid ajwain in pregnancy or not.
Ajwain also known as carom seeds is one of the main ingredients used in kitchens around the world. It has a spicy and bitter taste. It belongs to the same family of cumin and fennel seeds.
Traditionally, ajwain is well-known for its medicinal properties and is a popular spice to reduce stomach problems and ease digestion.
Pregnancy is a delicate time and what you consume matters more than ever. Therefore, pregnant women have concerns related to many foods, including ajwain.
In this blog, we will pop the myth of the usage of ajwain in pregnancy. Moreover, we will also quote the benefits of Ajwain for females in pregnancy.
Should Women Avoid Ajwain in Pregnancy?
Let’s pop a very commonly asked and searched question: Should women avoid ajwain in pregnancy or not?
The Myth:
There is a prevalent thought that pregnant women should not consume ajwain during pregnancy as it can induce uterine contractions. This belief started from traditional thoughts and ancestral evidence instead of any concrete or science-backed research. But this is a myth. There is no truth in this that ajwain can cause any issues in pregnancy.
Read More: Ajwain For Weight Loss – Is Ajwain Water Good for Belly Fat?
The Fact:
Ajwain indeed has some properties that can theoretically stimulate contractions. However, the evidence supporting its side effects on pregnancy is limited.
Doctors around the world consider it safe to consume ajwain in pregnancy.
It is totally safe to have ajwain (Carom seeds) during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should take it in moderation.
It has an intense and spicy flavor; therefore, some women find it difficult to consume it during pregnancy. Therefore, you can eat it in powdered or raw form. You can also make ajwain water and have it during pregnancy.
The use of ajwain in pregnancy in the 3rd trimester is also considered healthy. However, one should consume ajwain in any form in moderation. Excessive consumption of ajwain can cause health concerns.
It is important to practice caution and avoid excessive intake of ajwain. Moreover, you should also avoid concentrated forms of ajwain, including ajwain oils or supplements.
You can also consult a gynecologist or nutritionist to determine the balanced amount of ajwain that you can safely have in pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Drink Ajwain Water During Pregnancy?
Ajwain water is made by soaking Ajwain in water overnight. It is a common remedy in many regions to treat digestive issues. However, its safety during pregnancy is not well-studied.
While some people believe it can aid with many discomforts, including indigestion and bloating during pregnancy. There is not sufficient scientific evidence to verify its effectiveness and safety.
It is best to consult in-clinic or online with a professional doctor before consuming any herbal teas or drinks in pregnancy.
6 Benefits of Ajwain in Pregnancy
Some of the common ajwain benefits in Pregnancy (ajwain k faiday) are as follows:
1. Promotes Digestion
Pregnant women often face many digestion issues, including acidity, constipation, flatulence, indigestion, bloating, etc due to the growing uterus.
To promote digestion and avoid these issues, pregnant women can take ajwain. Ajwain has thymol which can boost digestion, provide relief from stomach issues, and also improve the overall health of the gut.
Moreover, as ajwain can speed up bowel movements, it can provide relief from constipation.
Read More: 9 Remarkable Ajwain Benefits for Hair, Skin, and Health
2. Relieves Chest Congestion
- You can take a teaspoon of ajwain and jaggery two times a day to relieve severe chest congestion
- You can also inhale the smoke of burned Ajwain seeds. It helps in opening the airways and makes breathing easy.
- Last but not least, you can make a warm Ajwain compress by putting seeds in a soft cloth, tying it, and heating it on a warm tawa. Now you can apply this warm compress on your chest to have relief from chest congestion.
Read Also: کھجور مردوں اور عورتوں کے لیے بھرپور فوائد والا حیرت انگیز پھل (Dates)
3. Relieves Food Poisoning
Ajwain seeds have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can maintain a healthy gut in pregnancy. The active compounds in ajwain can fight against microorganisms and bacteria that are responsible for food poisoning and improve overall health.
It can control the growth of bacteria including E.coli and Salmonella which are mainly responsible for food poisoning. Thus, by consuming ajwain in moderation, pregnant women can get relief from food poisoning.
4. Enhances Oral Health
Pregnancy affects the dental and oral health of the mother in various ways.
To avoid this concern, you can take ajwain seeds and boil them in water with salt. Then, allow the water to cool and gargle with this water for about 2-3 times a day. This can keep your mouth fresh, and clean, and also enhance your oral health.
Read More: اجوائن کے حیران کن فوائد بنائے آپ کو فٹ اور اسمارٹ
5. Reduces Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can affect the overall health of a person. Studies have proven that ajwain can reduce triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels (LDL). moreover, it can also increase the good cholesterol levels (HDL).
Ajwain helps in keeping blood pressure at optimal levels due to its antihypertensive qualities.
6. Reduces Headaches
Hormonal fluctuations can make pregnant women prone to headaches and they cannot take many painkillers as they are unsafe to consume during pregnancy.
But don’t worry!
You can reduce your headache by using Ajwain seeds. These tiny seeds are a great home remedy to relieve headaches during pregnancy.
Useful Tip: You can apply ajwain paste on your forehead and can also smell ajwain seeds frequently to soothe headaches.
Best Time to Consume Ajwain in Pregnancy
Expecting women face digestive issues throughout the pregnancy period; however, these digestive problems worsen during the 3rd trimester.
To get relief from these digestive issues, drinking ajwain water is considered extremely beneficial as it can help in:
- Enhancing digestion
- Improving appetite
- Reducing flatulence
- Reducing acidity
Read More: اجوائن کا استعمال چہرے کی خوبصورتی کیسے بڑھاتا ہے؟
Potential Interactions of Ajwain with Medications
Ajawian has essential oils that provide its aroma and flavor. These oils are concentrated sources of bioactive compounds that can interact with some medications.
Therefore, pregnant women who are taking any medications should consult with the best gynecologist or nutritionist in Pakistan before having ajwain in pregnancy.
You can also watch this video by Ms. Akeela Mushtaq in which she talks about how to lose weight with ajwain and also provides some tips on how to incorporate ajwain into your diet.
Side Effects of Ajwain in Pregnancy
After knowing the benefits of ajwain in pregnancy, it is important to learn about the side effects of ajwain in pregnancy. Some of the side effects of ajwain in pregnancy are as follows:
- Excessive consumption of ajwain seeds can cause stomach gas production which results in acid reflux and acidity.
- Ajwain has Thymol which can cause allergic reactions including nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
- Consuming Ajwain supplements can increase bleeding during and after surgery.
- Overconsumption of ajwain during pregnancy can affect the fetal development.
Final Words
The myth is encircling the avoidance of ajwain during pregnancy. However, the facts and evidence support that its harmful effects are inconclusive if taken in moderation.
If ajwain is taken in moderation, then it is generally considered safe for most pregnant women. However, individual tolerance and interactions with other medications can vary.
Therefore, if you are pregnant and want to incorporate ajwain into your diet, then it is preferable to consult the best nutritionist or gynecologist in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who should avoid ajwain?
Pregnant women can consume ajwain in moderation. However, they cannot consume ajwain in too much quantity as it can cause potential issues to the mother and fetal development.
2. Is Ajwain and Jeera water good for pregnancy?
In pregnancy, consuming ajwain and jeera water in moderation is considered safe and helpful. Drinking jeera water can stimulate uterine contractions which release any trapped blood. Moreover, jeera is rich in iron which can prevent iron deficiency.