What Is Omam Called in Kannada, and How Is It Used in Ayurveda?

Question

I have been using omam (ajwain/carom seeds) for years as a home remedy for digestion and colds. But recently, I was talking to a Kannada-speaking friend, and she called it by a different name. Now I’m curious—what is omam in Kannada, and does it have any special uses in Karnataka’s traditional medicine?

From what I know, omam in Kannada is commonly used for indigestion, bloating, and respiratory relief. But I heard that Kannada households prepare it differently—sometimes as an infused water, sometimes mixed with jaggery, and sometimes roasted with ghee.

Are there any unique home remedies that involve omam in Kannada that I should know about? Also, does the Kannada traditional system of medicine use it for any other benefits apart from digestion?

If anyone here speaks Kannada or knows about omam in Kannada, please share its exact name and any special ways it is used. Are there any folk remedies that are lesser-known but highly effective?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Kannada, omam (ajwain) is called "Ommi." It is widely used in traditional Kannada medicine, particularly for its digestive and respiratory benefits. It is often prepared as an infused water (ajwain water), which is consumed to ease indigestion, gas, and bloating. Additionally, roasting ommi with ghee or mixing it with jaggery is a popular remedy for alleviating colds and congestion. Ommi is also considered helpful for relieving cough and respiratory issues, and sometimes it is used in combination with other herbs like tulsi or pepper for more potent effects. In Kannada folk remedies, ommi is sometimes applied as a paste to the chest for chest congestion, or it can be included in a warm decoction for joint pain relief. It is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful not just for digestion but also for general wellness and detoxification.

What Is Omam Called in Kannada, and How Is It Used in Ayurveda? - #12453

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