Ajowan Chai Tea Recipe to Help with Congestion

For centuries, people from India have been drinking ajowan tea to help with respiratory congestion.  Also called ajwain tea, I have modified the traditional Indian recipe slightly.  Instead of using cow’s milk, I have substituted it with coconut milk.  You can choose whatever type of milk suites you best.  Also, I have sweetened my recipe with honey.  However, you could also choose sugar, agave, or pure maple syrup instead.

If you are feeling the cold weather sniffles, you may want to give this hot ajowan tea recipe a try!

Ajowan Tea Ingredients

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of coconut milk
• 3 Tbsp of honey
• 1 Tbsp of minced ginger
• 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp of ajowan seeds
• 3 cardamom seeds
• 4 cloves
• 5 peppercorns

Ajowan Tea Instructions

• First, grind the ajowan, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorn together into a powdered spice.  Then, add in the cinnamon.
• Next, in a pot, add all the ingredients and bring to a gentle boil.  Then, reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• Adults, drink 1-2 cups a day.

Use of spices, especially beyond normal food amounts, can be contraindicated with certain medications or medical conditions.  Consult your Doctor with questions or concerns.

Ajowan Tea References

• This review of research on ajowan discussed insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasite, hypotensive, analgesic, antitussive, and hepatoprotective scientific studies on the plant.  From:  Chahal, K. K., Dhaiwal, K., Kumar, A., Kataria, D., & Singla, N. (2017). Chemical composition of Trachyspermum ammi L. and its biological properties: A review. J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem, 6(3), 131-140.
• In studies, ajowan demonstrated antiseptic, stimulant, carminative, diuretic, anesthetic, antimicrobial, antiviral, nematicidal, antiulcer, antihypertensive, antitussive, bronchodilatory, antiplatelet and hepatoprotective as well as antihyperlipidemic effects.  Human studies are needed.  From:  Zarshenas, M. M., Moein, M., Samani, S. M., & Petramfar, P. (2013). An overview on ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) pharmacological effects; modern and traditional. Journal of natural remedies, 14(1), 98-105.
• Natural Medicines (2017).  Bishop’s weed monograph.  Retrieved from: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com.  Retrieved in March, 2018.
• Click here for more research about ajowan:  Ajowan Research.

Post by: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), Professional NAHA and AIA Member, LMT

Posted: 12/3/18

The listings of research represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.