Some spices in every kitchen do more than just add flavor—they support wellness in ways modern medicine is only beginning to appreciate fully. Two such unsung heroes are ajwain seeds and cloves. These aromatic powerhouses have been staples in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani for centuries, and science is now catching up to their powerful digestive benefits.

Ajwain Seeds: The Tiny Titans of Digestion

Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, is small but mighty. With a flavor similar to thyme and an aroma similar to ajwain seeds, they have both culinary and medicinal value.

Digestive Benefits:

• Stimulates digestive enzymes: Ajwain contains an active compound called thymol, which helps release gastric juices that accelerate digestion.
  
   
• Reduces bloating and gas: A natural carminative, ajwain helps relieve flatulence and abdominal discomfort.
  
   
• Eases indigestion: Consuming ajwain with warm water or a pinch of salt can rquickly relievestomach acidity and indigestion
  
   

How to Use:

• Chew a few roasted ajwain seeds after meals.
  
   
• Add to tadka or spice blends for dals and curries.
  
   
• Brew into a digestive tea with warm water and a dash of honey.

Cloves: Aromatic Allies for Gut Health

Cloves, the dried flower buds of the clove tree, are known for their intense fragrance and warm, sweet taste. But beyond flavor, clove spice offers a host of digestive advantages.

Digestive Benefits:

• Improves gut motility: Cloves help stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, enhancing overall digestion and nutrient absorption.
  
   
• Combats indigestion and nausea: Their antiemetic properties help soothe nausea and motion sickness.
  
   
• Reduces inflammation: Thanks to eugenol, cloves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that protect the gut lining and prevent microbial imbalances.
  
   

How to Use:

• Add a couple of cloves while brewing herbal tea or chai.
  
   
• Grind and sprinkle a small amount in warm milk or soups.
  
   
• Suck on a whole clove after meals to reduce bad breath and aid digestion.

Ajwain & Cloves Together: A Winning Combo

Combining ajwain and cloves creates a potent remedy for digestive discomfort. Here’s a quick DIY tip:

Digestive Infusion Recipe:

• ½ tsp ajwain seeds
  
   
• 2 whole cloves
  
   
• 1 cup hot water
  
   

Steep the ingredients in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and sip slowly after meals to soothe bloating and stimulate digestion.

Historical Roots in Traditional Medicine

Both ajwain seeds and cloves have stood the test of time in ancient healing systems.

Ajwain in Ayurveda:

In Ayurvedic texts, ajwain is classified as a “deepana” (appetizer) and “pachana” (digestive). It's often used in trikatu churnam (a spice blend) to balance vata and kapha doshas, which are commonly associated with digestive sluggishness and gas formation.

Cloves in Unani & Chinese Medicine:

Cloves have long been used in Unani medicine to treat gastric irritability and flatulence. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cloves are believed to "warm the middle"—helping regulate cold in the stomach and relieving hiccups or vomiting.

Daily Rituals for Better Digestion

Incorporating ajwain and cloves into your routine doesn’t require a drastic diet overhaul. Here are some gentle ways to make them part of your daily life:

• Morning detox water: Soak ½ tsp ajwain seeds and 1 clove in a cup of warm water overnight. Drink on an empty stomach.
  
   
• Post-meal munch: Mix roasted ajwain, fennel seeds, and crushed cloves for a flavorful mouth freshener that aids digestion.
  
   
• Spiced ghee mix: Infuse ghee with ajwain and cloves and drizzle over rice or lentils for an aromatic, gut-friendly boost.
  
   

Who Should Use It With Caution?

While these spices are natural, they’re also potent. Keep in mind:

• Ajwain in excess may cause heartburn or aggravate ulcers due to its strong nature.
  
   
• Cloves should be used moderately, especially in powdered form, as high doses can irritate the digestive tract or interact with blood-thinning medications.
  
   

Always consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Supporting Ingredients That Work in Harmony

While ajwain seeds and cloves are powerful, combining them with other digestive-friendly ingredients can amplify their effects.

1. Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

• Cooling and sweet, fennel seeds balance ajwain’s heat.
  
   
• Helps reduce bloating, soothes the stomach lining, and freshens breath.
  
   
• Pairs perfectly with ajwain for a post-meal digestive mix.
  
   

2. Ginger

• Adds warmth and boosts circulation to the digestive tract.
  
   
• Stimulates saliva, bile, and gastric enzyme production.
  
   
• A clove-ginger tea is excellent for relieving nausea and sluggish digestion.
  
   

3. Lemon & Honey

• Lemon is alkalizing and stimulates bile flow.
  
   
• Honey soothes the gut and adds antimicrobial action.
  
   
• Together with ajwain and clove, they form a soothing tonic to calm an upset stomach.
  
   

DIY Recipes for Everyday Wellness

Here are some simple, effective remedies and culinary applications that bring ajwain and cloves to your plate—and your wellness routine.

Clove & Ajwain Gut-Soothing Tea

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp ajwain seeds
  
   
• 2 whole cloves
  
   
• 1 slice fresh ginger
  
   
• 1 cup hot water
  
   
• Optional: a dash of honey or lemon
  
   

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to hot water.
   
    
2. Steep for 10–15 minutes.
   
    
3. Strain and sip slowly after meals or before bedtime.
   
    

This tea helps relieve gas, indigestion, and bloating.

Digestive Spice Blend (Homemade Churna)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp roasted ajwain
  
   
• 1 tbsp roasted cumin seeds
  
   
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
  
   
• 1 tsp dry ginger powder
  
   
• 3–4 ground cloves
  
   
• Pinch of black salt
  
   

Instructions:

1. Grind all ingredients into a fine powder.
   
    
2. Store in an airtight jar.
   
    

How to Use:
 Take ½ tsp with warm water after meals to promote digestion.

Ajwain-Clove Infused Oil for Cooking

Infuse your cooking oil with ajwain and cloves for added digestive benefits and flavor.

How to make:

• Heat 1 cup of ghee or coconut oil.
  
   
• Add 1 tsp ajwain seeds and 3 cloves.
  
   
• Let them sizzle until aromatic (30 seconds).
  
   
• Strain and store. Use for sautéing veggies or drizzling over rice.
  
   

This method subtly adds flavor while offering digestive support.

The Bottom Line

Ajwain seeds and cloves are more than pantry staples—they're age-old tools for maintaining digestive health and overall vitality. Whether sipping them in a tea, incorporating them into meals, or chewing them after dinner, these spices offer a simple, natural way to keep your gut balanced.

So next time you’re looking for relief from a heavy meal or simply want to boost your digestive system, skip the pills and trust in nature’s pharmacy.