AJMODA

Description

Ajmoda is an annual herb that grows up to the height of 69 to 90 cm. The wild variety grows with fragrance and pinnately divided leaves. But in other forms, plants have a basal rosette of leaves and in later near summers its flowers are off-white and are in umbels. Flowers are so small with 5 petals of ovule shape in floured tips. Fruits are of 1 to 2 mm diameter, aromatic, with two mericarps, ellipsoid, and suborbicular, and are grayish-brown in color
Chemical constituents :
The tuber contains methoxsalen, 5- methoxy psoralen, and allergic profiling
Seeds contain furocoumarin, limonene, and selinene and also contains 2 to 3% of essential oil.
Other constituents are limonene, linoleic, phthalide, palmitic acid, sedanenolide, palmitoleic, stearic acid, camphene, cymene, oleic, santalol, terpinolene, 3-n-butyl phthalide, pinene, etc.
Properties
Rasa- (Taste)- Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter)
Guna- (Quality)- Laghu (light) and Rooksha (dry)
Veerya -(Potency)- Ushna (hot)
Vipaka -(Undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Katu (Pungent)
Karma- (Effect on Tridosha)- Vatakaphahara (balances Vata and Kapha dosha)
Pharmacological action – Ajmoda exhibits anti-fungal, antihypertensive, hepato- protective, anti-cancerous, diuretic activity, etc.
Benefits:
Indigestion:
Ajmoda is used in disorders related to the digestive system because of the presence of phytochemicals in it. The water content and fibers present in it improve digestion and treat constipation.

Menstrual pain:
Due to high water content, it eases abdominal bloating. A study stated that it reduces cramps and eases discomfort during menstruation. This herb also balances hormonal levels in the body.

Headache:
Ajmoda has anti-inflammatory and analgesic property which is due to the presence of flavonoid in it that reduces the activity of pain mediators. Hence, it lowers the pain as well as inflammation.

Gout:
In gout, ajmoda works as an anti-inflammatory due to the presence of apiin (a natural flavonoid). Hence it helps in lower inflammation and pain.
Insomnia:
In insomnia, it works as a calming agent on the central nervous system because of the presence of n-butlyphthalide in it. It works by slowing down the activity in the brain and allows sleeping

Containdication:

It should be taken cautiously in the high pitta, hyperacidity as it increases Pitta / bile. As a medicine it should not be used in pregnancy. As a spice it can be added to dishes. It is drying in nature.