Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What Is Omam Called in Kannada, and How Is It Used in Ayurveda?
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 50M : 44S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #12453
1 year ago
1,753

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

Ellie

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?

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

Dr. Priya Sharma
Dr. Priya Sharma is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda’s time-tested principles. Dr. Priya has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Priya is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women’s health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Priya’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you’re seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Priya Sharma offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
1 year ago
4.83

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.

13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Omam, known as Ajwain in Hindi, is called “oma” or “om kal” in Kannada. It’s quite popular in Karnataka for its digestive benefits, much like in other parts of India. You’ve got it right. People around here do have some unique ways to use it at home.

For indigestion or bloating, many folks in Kannada households prepare “oma water.” This involves boiling a teaspoon of om kal in water, letting it steep, and then sipping it throughout the day. It’s quite efficient and relieves discomfort pretty quickly. Another favored method is to mix roasted oma with jaggery, which not only aids digestion but also adds a bit of sweetness to the mix—it’s kinda a favorite snack, especially among the elderly.

Now, about colds, oma is often used in inhalation steam, combined with eucalyptus or other essential oils to ease respiratory congestion. Simply add a teaspoon to boiling water and inhale the steam by covering yourself with a towel… it’s like a mini sauna for the nose!

In terms of traditional remedies specific to Karnataka, many use oma infused in milk. They warm up a cup of milk with a pinch of oma, sometimes adding turmeric or ginger, to create a soothing drink for coughs and colds. This blend warms you from the inside out, providing a comforting relief during cool seasons.

There’s also a lesser-known remedy around here where oma seeds are lightly crushed and then marinated in ghee. It’s believed to help with menstrual cramps by balancing the Vata dosha, which is often considered the root cause of such pains in Ayurveda.

In Ayurvedic terms, omam is known for its hot potency. It’s great for boosting agni, your digestive fire, but you should use it with caution if you tend towards a Pitta imbalance. Also, if someone’s prone to excessive heat or acidity, they might want to moderate their intake.

So yea, omam or oma isn’t just a spice, it’s a versatile medicinal herb with roots deep in both classical and folk medicine here. And it’s always cool to learn how different cultures use the same thing in unique ways!

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
1396 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
577 reviews
Dr. Sumit Doraya
I am Dr. Sumit Doraya, and honestly it’s been over 22 years now walking with Ayurveda—not just practicing it, but kinda living it every day. I'm the Director of SN Herbals and started Arogya Wellness Clinic with one simple thing in mind: give people real, root-level healing. No shortcuts, no masking symptoms. Just genuine care through classical Ayurvedic methods that work. I deal a lot with what we call lifestyle disorders—like people struggling with thyroid swings, PCOD issues, diabetes creeping up, and weight that just won’t shift no matter how clean they eat. These aren’t just medical cases to me—they’re people trying to make sense of their bodies in a hectic world, and Ayurveda actually gives us the tools to do that. I start by studying their prakriti, how their doshas are acting up, even things like daily routine and emotional patterns... All of that matters. Every plan is tailor-made with classical herbs, mindful diet guidance, and sometimes just a reminder to breathe deeper or sleep earlier, honestly. One thing I’m super invested in is child immunity. I offer Suvarna Prashan regularly—a beautiful ancient practice that supports kids’ immunity and brain growth. And I do see a lot of worried parents who come in for this especially before school season kicks off or monsoon hits. Another area I’ve really worked in is infertility—couples who’ve been trying for a while and just feel stuck. With proper Ayurvedic protocols focused on hormonal balance and reproductive strength, we’ve seen many get positive outcomes, naturally. Besides all that, I handle chronic digestion problems, constipation, acidity, skin troubles like psoriasis, acne, pigmentation... Sexual wellness too—those are delicate spaces where people don’t always open up easily, but Ayurveda gives gentle long-term solutions without harsh drugs or side effects. My clinic’s not a place for rushed prescriptions or one-size-fits-all fixes. It’s where you come, talk openly, get heard fully, and then start a treatment that makes sense for your body. I believe healing isn’t just about physical symptoms going away—it’s about feeling whole again. Balanced. Resilient. That’s what I try to help people reach—whatever stage of life they’re in.
5
9 reviews
Dr. Manjula
I am an Ayurveda practitioner who’s honestly kind of obsessed with understanding what really caused someone’s illness—not just what hurts, but why it started in the first place. I work through Prakruti-Vikruti pareeksha, tongue analysis, lifestyle patterns, digestion history—little things most ppl skip over, but Ayurveda doesn’t. I look at the whole system and how it’s interacting with the world around it. Not just, like, “you have acidity, take this churna.” My main focus is on balancing doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—not in a copy-paste way, but in a very personalized, live-and-evolving format. Because sometimes someone looks like a Pitta imbalance but actually it's their aggravated Vata stirring it up... it’s layered. I use herbal medicine, ahar-vihar (diet + daily routine), lifestyle modifications and also just plain conversations with the patient to bring the mind and body back to a rhythm. When that happens—healing starts showing up, gradually but strongly. I work with chronic conditions, gut imbalances, seasonal allergies, emotional stress patterns, even people who just “don’t feel right” anymore but don’t have a name for it. Prevention is also a huge part of what I do—Ayurveda isn’t just for after you fall sick. Helping someone stay aligned, even when nothing feels urgent, is maybe the most powerful part of this science. My entire practice is rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts—Charaka, Sushruta, Ashtanga Hridayam—and I try to stay true to the system, but I also speak to people where they’re at. That means making the treatments doable in real life. No fancy lists of herbs no one can find. No shloka lectures unless someone wants them. Just real healing using real logic and intuition together. I care about precision in diagnosis. I don’t rush that part. I take time. Because one wrong assumption and you’re treating the shadow, not the source. And that’s what I try to avoid. My goal isn’t temporary relief—it’s to teach the body how to not need constant fixing. When someone walks away lighter, clearer, more in tune with their system—that’s the actual win.
5
297 reviews
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
1841 reviews
Dr. Batu
I am an Ayurvedic doctor trying to bring the old wisdom of chikitsa into daily life, even if sometime I feel I am still learning new things every single day.. I work mostly with the classical principles, the ones I studied again n agin during my training, and I try to see how they fit with each patient’s prakriti and the tiny details of their health story. I am often thinking how Ayurveda doesn’t rush anything, it asks for understanding of the roga and even the rogi in a deeper way, and I keep that in mind when someone walks in and tell me their concerns. Some cases are simple, some not really, but I do my best to look at the ahara, vihara, dosha pattern and even the habits they don’t notice at first. Sometimes I get a bit caught up in analysing too many factors at once, or typing notes too fas and mixing commas,, but at the core I focus on using authentic Ayurvedic approaches—herbal formulations, routine correction, panchkarma suggestions where needed—and I try to guide people gently without overwhelming them. I am also aware that many patients come with doubts or half-heard ideas about Ayurveda, and I try to clear those without sounding too “doctorly,” just explaining what makes sense for their body. I want them to feel they can trust the process, even if progress take time or feel slow on some days. I am still growing in this field, and every person who comes to me reminds me why I chose Ayurveda in the first place: clarity, balance, and healing that respects the person as a whole. There are moments where I wish I had more hours in a day to study more granthas or revise a chapter I skipped, but I stay committed to giving care that is genuine, thoughtful and rooted in traditional practice—even if the journey gets a bit messy here n there !!
0 reviews
Dr. Haresh Vavadiya
I am an Ayurvedic doctor currently practicing at Ayushakti Ayurveda—which honestly feels more like a learning ecosystem than just a clinic. Being here has changed the way I look at chronic conditions. You don’t just treat the label—you go after the cause, layer by layer, and that takes patience, structure, and real connection with the person sitting in front of you. Ayushakti has been around 33+ years, with global reach and seriously refined clinical systems. That means I get to work with protocols that are both deeply rooted in traditional Ayurveda and also super practical for today’s world. Whether I’m managing arthritis, asthma, skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, hormone trouble, gut problems, or stress overload—my first step is always a deep analysis. Prakriti, doshas, ahar-vihar, past treatments—everything gets mapped out. Once I’ve got that picture clear, I create a plan using herbal medicines, detox programs (especially Panchakarma), Marma therapy if needed, and definitely food and routine corrections. But nothing’s random. Each piece is chosen for *that* person. And I don’t just prescribe—I explain. Because when someone knows *why* they’re doing a certain thing, they stick with it longer, and the results hold. One thing I’ve learned while working here is how powerful Ayurved can be when it's structured right. At Ayushakti, that structure exists. It helps me treat confidently and track results properly. Whether I’m working with a first-time visitor or a patient who’s been dealing with the same thing for 10 years, my goal stays the same—help their system return to a natural, sustainable state of balance. What I really enjoy is seeing how people’s mindset changes once they start to feel better. When they stop depending on just temporary relief and start building their health from within—that’s when the real shift happens. And being part of that shift? That’s why I do this.
5
283 reviews
Dr. Shazia Amreen
I am Dr. Shazia Amreen, an Ayurvedic physcian with a little over 7 years of hands-on experience in clinical practice. I did my MD in Ayurveda from Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore—and honestly, those years helped me go much deeper into the classical texts and the clinical ground. Not just theory... actual healing. Since 2017, I’ve worked closely with a diverse set of patients—from chronic gut problems to skin & hair concerns, musculoskeletal issues, hormonal imbalances, kidney stones, you name it. My core strength really lies in Panchakarma and gastrointestinal healing, where I don’t just jump into detox, but take time to see where the agni is, how deep the ama has gone, and whether the body’s ready to reset. I’m very rooted in classical assessment—looking at dosha imbalance, dhatu state, and prakriti before planning anything. But also, I keep it grounded in modern daily life. What’s the point of a great herbal blend if the person can’t sleep on time or digest their food properly, right? That’s why I focus big on Ahara-Vihara guidance. I don’t just hand over a diet list—I walk people through why those changes matter, and how to make them sustainable. In my practice, I often blend Rasayana chikitsa with basic lifestyle coaching, especially for cases like IBS, PCOS, eczema, migraines, or stress-triggered flareups. Each case is unique, and I don’t believe in repeating the same formula just because it worked for someone else. I also emphasize emotional reset, especially in long-standing chronic cases—sometimes people carry fear, shame, or frustration about their illness. I try to hold space for that too. Whether it’s someone coming in for general detox, a fertility consult, or just confused by their symptoms—I aim to build a plan that makes sense to them. It should feel doable. Balanced. And over time, it should make them feel like they’re coming back home to their own body. That’s the kind of Ayurvedic care I believe in—and try to deliver every single day.
5
7 reviews
Dr. Nayan Wale
I am working in medical field for total 7 years, out of which around 4 years was in hospital setup and 3 years in clinic practice. Hospital work gave me strong base, long duty hours, different type of cases, emergencies sometimes, and learning under pressure. Clinic work is different, slower but deeper, where I sit with patients, listen more, explain things again n again, and follow them over time. In hospital I handled day to day OPD cases, routine management, and also assisted seniors when things got complicated. That phase shaped my clinical thinking a lot, even now I sometimes catch myself thinking like hospital mode when a case looks serious. Clinic practice on the other hand taught me patience. Patients come with chronic issues, expectations, doubts, sometimes fear, and I had to adjust my approach accordingly. I focus on practical treatment planning, not just diagnosis on paper. Some days I feel I should have more time with each patient, but I try to balance it. My experience across hospital and clinic helps me understand both acute care and long term disease management. I still keep learning everyday, reading, observing patterns, correcting myself when needed, because medicine never stays same for long, and neither should the doctor.
5
9 reviews
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
1013 reviews
Dr. Suchin M
I am someone who’s honestly just really drawn to how deep Ayurveda goes—like really deep—not just treating what’s showing on the surface but getting into what’s actually causing it underneath. I really believe that even those complicated lifestyle diseases, stuff like diabetes or BP or obesity that people think they’ll just have to live with forever, can totally be managed with Ayurvedic principles. Not magically or overnight, but through proper diagnosis, diet tweaks, daily habits, and herbs that actually work if you use them right. That’s the part I focus on—making Ayurveda work practically, not just in theory. After finishing my BAMS, I’ve worked with chronic conditions for over a year now in clinical setups. Mostly patients dealing with long-term stuff that doesn’t go away with one pill—usually the kind of disorders rooted in stress, wrong food choices or too much sitting. I’ve seen that if you really listen first, like actually listen—hear their story, feel where they’re coming from—half the work’s already done. Then when you assess their Prakriti, figure out where the doshas are out of balance, and connect that with their history (plus any modern test reports they might bring), it gives you this full picture that’s so valuable. My treatment plans aren't one-size-fits-all. Sometimes it’s about bringing agni back into balance. Sometimes just clearing aam helps. Most people are shocked that things like bloating or even periods issues can shift just by aligning food and herbs with their constitution. And if the case is acute or there’s a red flag, I have no problem referring for emergency allopathic care. Integrative care makes sense—Ayurveda doesn’t have to be isolated from modern medicine. My aim? It's not just to fix a symptom. I want people to feel at ease in their own body again. To build habits they don’t need to break later. To know their own rhythm, not just follow some generic health trend. That’s what Ayurvedic healing means to me... not perfect, but real.
5
92 reviews

Latest reviews

Ella
1 hour ago
Really appreciate the advice given! It was straightforward and helped ease my worries a lot. Thank you!
Really appreciate the advice given! It was straightforward and helped ease my worries a lot. Thank you!
Noah
1 hour ago
Really appreciate the detailed response. It was super helpful and made me feel much calmer about my worries. Thank you so much!
Really appreciate the detailed response. It was super helpful and made me feel much calmer about my worries. Thank you so much!
Noah
1 hour ago
Thanks for the advice! Your response really gave me some peace of mind and a solid plan to tackle my fears. Appreciate it!
Thanks for the advice! Your response really gave me some peace of mind and a solid plan to tackle my fears. Appreciate it!
Ryan
4 hours ago
Thanks for the clear explanation! Really put my mind at ease knowing it's not something serious. The treatment tips seem really helpful too!
Thanks for the clear explanation! Really put my mind at ease knowing it's not something serious. The treatment tips seem really helpful too!