Today I bring to you 4 ways by which you can use ajwain for cold and cough in babies.
You might have read about the 21 home remedies for cold and cough in babies and kids. Ajwain, ajowan, omam or carrom seeds play an important role in all the home remedies for cold, cough and chest congestion in babies and adults alike.
Ajwain or carom seeds are one of the popular Indian spices. As a kid, I used to love ajwain paratha and ajwain ki puri. I got to know about the health benefits they offer after my first delivery.
My mother used to prepare a mix of roasted ajwain, saunf/fennel seeds and til/sesame seeds. This mixture was supposed to be eaten after every meal.
Trust me I did not suffer from any digestive problem even after the C-section delivery. The mix also helps in lactation. You can also read about the 15 superfoods that increase lactation.
Medicinal properties of Ajwain:
The thymol, present in ajwain gives it the antimicrobial properties and thus helps to relieve congestion.
Ajwain seeds are sort of olive green to brownish almost khaki in color and have oval or elliptical shape. They are very flavorful and these tiny spice seeds have enormous health paybacks too.
Ajwain seeds are very beneficial for digestive and respiratory problems.
4 Home remedies using ajwain for cold and cough in babies:
Here are the 4 home remedies for cough and cold using carom seeds which are very safe for babies, toddlers, kids and let me say everybody. I use these remedies as a preventive as well as corrective measure for my kids.
- Ajwain Kada or Herbal Decoction
Ajwain kada or herbal concoction with ajwain can be given to babies of 6 months and above.
It is a very simple and effective recipe to combat cough and cold. This decoction also cures digestive problems.
Ingredients:
- Ajwain – 1 teaspoon
- Tulsi leaves – 8 to 10
- Dry ginger powder – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Clove – 1
- Black pepper – 5
- Turmeric – 1/2 teaspoon
- Jaggery – 1/3 cup
- Water – 1/2 cup
Method:
Mix all the ingredients in a heavy bottomed pan and boil for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, let it cool and then give it to your little one.
For toddlers above 1 year, 2 tablespoons of honey can also be added to the decoction (once it is cold) and given.
Dosage:
For 6 months to 1 year: 1 teaspoon – 2 times, after food, morning and night for 3 days.
For kids above 1 year: 1.5 teaspoon – 2 times, after food, morning and night for 3 days.
Please avoid giving it along with cough syrups and medicines. In case the problem persists or aggravates, do get the medical assistance.
- Ajwain potli or ajwain hot pad:
Roast 2 tablespoons of ajwain on a tawa or heavy bottom pan for a few minutes until the smell emanates.
Transfer the roasted ajwain to a clean muslin cloth and make a potli or tight pouch. Apply this potli on your child’s chest as hot pad. Do make sure it is not very hot, first test on your palm.
The ajwain potli helps to counter congestion in chest and stuffy nose too.
You can also refer to the home remedies for chest congestion in babies and kids.
- Ajwain and garlic potli smoke:
Dry roast 2 big garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon ajwain seeds on a tawa. Once cooled, make a potli out of it.
Place this potli in the baby cot or cradle where baby sleeps. The garlicky ajwain smoke from the potli would help to unblock the nose and relieve from congestion providing relief for the baby.
NOTE: Kindly DO NOT keep the potli near baby to avoid chances of choking or breathing hazard in anyway.
- Massage with ajwain infused oil:
Massaging your little one with ajwain infused oil is a great way to combat the cough and cold. It can be used as a preventive measure as well.
To make the oil, add 1 pinch of ajwain to 1 tablespoon of massage oil and heat the oil for a few seconds. Let the oil come to a bearable warm temperature. The infused oil is ready to be used. Apply this oil on the chest and back while massaging the baby gently.
One can also add 1 to 2 cloves of garlic for additional health benefits.
Hope this post on ajwain for cold and cough in babies and kids was helpful. Please do share in comments the tried and tested home remedies for your little one’s cold and cough. It may be useful to the community.
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