The health benefits of Bishop’s weed or Ajwain seeds for children include remedy against diarrhea and dysentery, it is a very good antimicrobial, possesses anthelmintic properties and is a cure for earache and boils in the ear,remedy against indigestion, gastric ulcers, cure for respiratory diseases, acts as a detoxifying agent.

1. Health Benefits of Bishop's Weed for children-
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The health benefits of Bishop’s weed or Ajwain seeds for children include it provides a
remedy against diarrhea and dysentery, remedy against indigestion, gastric ulcers, cure for
respiratory diseases, acts as a detoxifying agent, it is a very good antimicrobial, possesses
anthelmintic properties and is a cure for earache and boils in the ear.
Bishop’s Weed is known by different names including Ajwain or Ajowan or carom seeds or
thymol seeds. They can be commonly found in Asia and Africa and for this reason they are
used mainly in many cuisines throughout Asia and Africa. The scientific name for Bishop’s
Weed or Ajwain seeds is Trachyspermum ammi.
These seeds are very popular in India, particularly for treating ailments of infants and
toddlers. In most Indian households with infants or toddlers, Ajwain seeds are a must.
Bishop’s Weed has been mentioned many a times in Ayurveda for its curative properties.
Not only in Ayurveda, but in traditional medicine in Greece which is believed to the ancestor
of modern medicine. The scientific name itself has been borrowed from Greek language
which means ‘rough seeded’.

2. Bishop’s Weed gives out a strong but pleasant aroma and the fruit pods that contain the
seeds have the highest amount of aroma packed inside them. These fruit pods which often
have been confused as seeds are used to produce essential oil.
Nutritional value in Bishop’s Weed seeds
According to Herbs That Heal by HK Bakhru, the nutritional components found in 100 g of
Bishop’s weed include
Nutritional Value Per 100 g
Energy 363 calories
Moisture 7.4%
Protein 17.1%
Fat 21.8%
Minerals 7.9%
Fiber 21.2%
Carbohydrates 24.6%
Mineral traces include calcium, phosphorous, iron and vitamins include carotene, thiamine,
riboflavin and niacin.
What is the best time to introduce Bishop’s Weed seeds?
Bishop’s Weed seeds have been traditionally used as medicine for different ailments and
issues that children suffered. So, it is better to introduce it to your child who’s above 1 year.
Health benefits of Bishop’s Weed seeds for children
Here are some of the health benefits of Bishop’s Weed seeds for children.
Cure for diarrhea and dysentery: A teaspoon of Bishop’s Weed along with rock salt boiled in
a glass of water can be given to cure diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, colic and flatulence.
After you boil the seeds, make sure to filter out the seeds before you give it to your child.
(Bakhru, Herbs That Heal).
Cure for respiratory diseases: Bishop’s Weed seeds are effective in controlling and cure
respiratory diseases. For common cold, inhaling the boiled seeds of Bishop’s Weed is
recommended. Bishop’s Weed can also be given in case of bronchitis. A teaspoon of the
seeds along with buttermilk can act like an expectorant, relieving from phlegm. For
influenza, the seeds can be chewed along with rock salt and a piece of clove. (Bakhru, Herbs
That Heal).
Gastro-protective properties: Apart from aiding in digestion, Bishop’s Weed seeds are also
useful for their gastro-protective properties. The seeds displayed antiulcer activity which
can be very useful if your child is suffering from gastric ulcers. (Jeet K et al, 2012).

3. Detoxification property: Bishop’s Weed seeds also possess detoxification property. The
seeds can reduce the effect of toxins on one’s body which can accumulate over time. By
giving Bishop’s Weed seeds to your child, you can make sure that no toxin accumulation
takes place. (Jeet K et al, 2012).
Antimicrobial property: The seeds of Bishop’s Weed possess antimicrobial properties. The
extracts from the seeds displayed antibacterial properties even against some of the
persistent and resistant bacteria that resist multi-drug and multi generation antibiotics.
Bishop’s Weed seeds have an excellent use in controlling infections. Apart from this, when
Bishop’s Weed seeds are taken, it has been found that they do not go after the probiotic
bacteria living in our system. (Jeet K et al, 2012).
Anthelmintic properties: Anthelmintic or worm-killing property is another property worth
mentioning. Children and toddlers especially can be vulnerable to worm infestation. These
worms including tape worms make the small intestine as their residence, feeding off on the
pre-digested food. By giving Bishop’s Weed seeds you can make sure to kill such worms.
(Jeet K et al, 2012).
Cure for earaches and boils in the ear: One of the traditional uses of Bishop’s Weed seeds is
for curing earaches as well as boils in the ear. Not more than a teaspoon of the seeds must
be boiled in a 2-3 spoons of sesame oil until the oil turns red. After you cool down the oil to
body temperature, it can be used as eardrops. (Dwivedi et al, 2012).
Measures to be taken while using Bishop’s Weed seeds
Here are some of the important measures to be taken while using Bishop’s Weed seeds.
Abortifacient property: According to Web MD, Bishop Weed seeds should not be given to
pregnant women. One of the biochemicals found in Bishop Weed seeds, khellin is an
abortifacient. It can induce uterine contractions.
Can counteract with medications: Bishop’s Weed can interact with medications by slowing
down the rate at which medicines are broken down in the liver. It can increase the side-
effects of some medications. If you are using any medications, first ask your doctor about
interactions with Bishop’s Weed seeds.
Can interact with photosensitizing medications: Bishop’s Weed can increase
photosensitivity or sensitivity to sunlight. This can also interact with medications that cause
photosensitization. If you are using drugs that can increase photosensitivity, then do not use
Bishop’s Weed seeds.
Can decrease blood clotting: Bishop’s Weed seeds can slow down blood clotting and hence,
it should not be used while taking anticoagulant medications. It aggravates anticoagulation
and hence, even a small cut can lead to massive bleeding.

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