My mom says Ajwain can help reduce uric acid levels

In today’s fast-forward lifestyle, everyone, from young to old, is falling victim to lifestyle-related diseases. Uric acid is one of the illnesses. Uric acid is your body’s natural waste product that forms when chemicals called purines break down. These chemicals are broken down into uric acid and your body gets rid of it through urination and bowel movement. When your body makes too much uric acid, it builds up in your blood and joints, which can cause inflammation. This health condition is known as gout, which can also lead to kidney diseases. So, of course, you need to keep it in control. One home remedy from my mother’s treasure trove of home remedies is carom seeds or Ajwain for uric acid. Here’s how it works and how you can include it in your diet.

Health Shots asked Ayurveda expert Dr Chanchal Sharma to help us understand how Ajwain for uric acid works if at all it does.

Benefits of Ajwain in uric acid

Derived from a herb plant known as Ugragandha it offers a bitter and pungent flavor to your dishes. Thanks to its strong aromatic essence, it is often added to several dishes to enhance their flavour. However, Ajwain not only adds flavour but also offers a lot of health benefits. Dr Sharma says that omega-3 fatty acids in Ajwain help regulate elevated uric acid.

Here are the benefits of carom seeds or Ajwain for uric acid you should know:

1. Contains anti-inflammatory properties

Uric acid causes inflammation, and foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties can be included in your diet. Increased uric acid causes painful and swollen bones. Ajwain contains anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce swelling in your feet and discomfort. Including Ajwain in your diet can help minimise swelling if you have it every day, recommends Dr Sharma.

2. Helps remove stones

A study published in BioMed Research International found that Ajwain is an effective herb that can help you get rid of uric acid-induced stones. Drinking Ajwain and black salt solution can flush out these stones and aid detoxification. It will also help you get rid of bone pain.

3. Increases metabolic rate

Consuming black salt plus Ajwain accelerates the metabolism and purine breakdown. The body subsequently proceeds to actively metabolise proteins, which enables the body to appropriately digest purines. As a result, a large amount of purine is expelled from the body and is unable to build up inside. As a result, it’s quite advantageous to regularly consume Ajwain and black salt, explains the expert.

How to consume ajwain to control uric acid?

You can either have Ajwain water first thing in the morning or Ajwain tea to get rid of uric acid. Here are the recipes that the expert has shared with us:

How to make Ajwain water?

1. Soak one or two spoonfuls of Ajwain or carom seeds in a clean bowl of water to make Ajwain water. Keep it overnight.
2. You can add some ginger or black salt to the water for added benefits.
3. Drink the filtered Ajwain water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for best results.

How to make Ajwain tea?

1. Boil one or two glasses of water.
2. Add some Ajwain to it along with some ginger.
3. Let it stay for a few minutes putting the gas on the sim. Once it comes to a boil again, strain and serve hot as tea.

While Ajwain can help you deal with elevated levels of uric acid, it is important to note that it should be taken under a doctor’s advise. You should avoid overconsuming it as it can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and might even raise your body temperature, says Dr Chanchal. So, make sure you are consulting a doctor before making any changes to your diet.