315.
Ptychotis, Ajwain or Omum Seeds.
The fruit of Carum (Ptychotis) Ajowan, D.C.
Ajváyan (Hind.), Ajvain, Ajván (Beng.), Ajván (Duk.), Ajwain (Punj.), Jáwind (Kash.), O'mam, or O'mum (Tam.), Omamu, Vámamu (Tel.), Hómam, Ayamód-kam (Mal.), Vóma (Can.), Vóvá, Vóva-sádá, (Mah.), Ajwán (Guz.), Oman, Assamodagam (Cing.), Samhún (Burm.), Lavinju-larmisi (Malay).
316. These small, pungent, aromatic seeds rank deservedly high in the list of native remedies; they are considered to combine the stimulant quality of capsicum or mustard with the bitter property of chiretta, and the antispasmodic virtues of asafœtida. This remedy, Dr. Bidie remarks, in moderate quantities increases the flow of saliva, augments the secretion of gastric juice, and acts as a stimulant, carminative and tonic. As a topical remedy it may be used with advantage along with astringents in cases of Relaxed Sore Throat. For disguising the taste of disagreeable drugs and obviating their tendency to cause nausea and griping, he adds, that he knows no remedy of equal power. Testimony of a similar character is borne by Mr. J. J. Wood and others, and no room is left to doubt the value of this medicine.
317. The natives employ the crude seeds in doses of about a dessert-spoonful with the addition of a little salt; this is chewed and washed down with draughts of water. They also employ them in decoction, but this is objectionable, as heat dissipates the essential oil, in which the virtues of the seeds reside. A far better form is the Distilled Water, Omum water—Aarqe-ajván (Hind. et Duk.), Ajwain-ka-arak (Punj.), Jawind-húnd-arak (Kash.), Óman-tí-nír (Tam.), Ómam-dráv-akam (Tel.). It is also sold under the name of "Sison Cordial." Every Indian domestic medicine chest should contain a good supply of this useful preparation, which is procurable in all the large towns in India, being a very popular remedy with the native and East Indian portion of the community. Where, however, it is not purchasable it can be readily prepared by any native who has a common country still; in this case care should be taken that the right proportions be used—3lb. of the bruised seeds to six quart bottles of water, and distil over four. In order to prevent the seeds touching the bottom or sides of the boiler, and thus by becoming charred communicating a burnt flavour to the water, they should be tied up in a bag or cloth of loose texture, and suspended in the centre of the water. The dose is from 1 to 2 ounces, repeated as circumstances may require; that for a child ranges from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful, according to age. The Distilled Oil is also an excellent form of administration in doses of 1 to 3 drops on sugar, or made into an emulsion with Gum Arabic.
318. In some forms of Dyspepsia, in the vomiting, Griping or Diarrhœa arising from errors of diet; in simple Flatulence and even Tympanites; in Faintness and Exhaustion; in Spasmodic Affection of the Bowels in Choleraic Diarrhœa, in certain cases of Colic; and in Hysteria, it has been found, even when given alone, pre-eminently useful (Wood). It is especially adapted for the Diarrhœa and Flatulent Colic of Children.
319. In Cholera much reliance is placed by the natives and Anglo-Indians on Omum water, and although it appears to have no claim to the character of a specific in this disease which popular opinion assigns to it, there can be little doubt that it exercises considerable power, especially in the early stage, of checking the diarrhœa and vomiting, and at the same time of stimulating the system. It is not to be trusted to alone, but forms an admirable adjunct to other remedies.
320. In Habitual Drunkenness, Dipsomania, Omum seems worthy of trial. On this point Mr. Wood observes, "On account of its biting or pungent, yet pleasant taste, and the sensation of warmth it creates in the stomach, it has been constantly recommended of late years to those afflicted with the desire for alcoholic drinks. It does not, of course, intoxicate, but it is no mean substitute for the ordinary stimulant, in removing almost immediately the sensation of 'gnawing' or 'sinking at the pit of the stomach,' which the frequent use of spirits so invariably brings on. And I have been assured that it has been the means of rescuing many otherwise sensible and useful men from slavery to the habit of spirit drinking."
321.