Navratri fasting is not only about spiritual devotion but also about cleansing the body through a sattvic diet. Devotees avoid grains, pulses, onion, garlic, and strong spices, choosing instead fruits, vrat-friendly flours, and mild seasonings.
But many people are unsure about which spices are actually allowed. One common question is: Can we eat ajwain (carom seeds) in Navratri fast?
Let’s explore this in detail.
What is Ajwain?
Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, is a spice with a sharp, pungent taste and a distinct aroma. Even a small amount adds a strong flavor to dishes.
In Ayurveda, ajwain is valued for its medicinal qualities. It is known to:
- Aid digestion,
- Relieve stomach discomfort,
- Improve metabolism, and
- Boost immunity.
Because vrat meals often include starch-heavy foods like sabudana, potatoes, and kuttu atta, ajwain can help prevent bloating and indigestion.
Is Ajwain Allowed in Navratri Fast?
Yes, ajwain is sattvic in nature and can be consumed during Navratri fasts, but it is not as commonly used as jeera. Its strong flavor means people usually use it in very small amounts, mainly for digestion.
Fasts Where Ajwain is Commonly Allowed
- Navratri Vrat – Used in parathas, pooris, or light curries made with vrat-friendly flours.
- Ekadashi – Helpful when meals include starch-heavy foods like sabudana or aloo.
- Mahashivratri & Janmashtami – Can be used sparingly in vrat recipes.
Fasts Where Ajwain May Not Be Used
- Strict or Nirjala Fasts – Where only water is consumed, ajwain and all other spices are avoided.
- Traditional/Regional Practices – In some households, pungent spices like ajwain are skipped to keep the vrat meals extremely plain.
👉 So, whether ajwain can be used or not may also depend on family traditions and regional customs.
Health Benefits of Ajwain During Fast
Including ajwain in small amounts during vrat can make your meals healthier and easier to digest. Here are the key benefits:
Aids Digestion
Ajwain helps the stomach break down heavy starchy foods like kuttu atta, sabudana, or potatoes, making them easier to digest.
Relieves Gas & Bloating
It acts as a natural remedy for indigestion, reducing gas and bloating that often occur after consuming vrat-special dishes.
Boosts Metabolism
Ajwain stimulates digestive enzymes and helps keep energy levels steady during long fasting hours.
Reduces Acidity
If you feel heaviness or acidity after vrat meals, ajwain can provide quick relief and soothe the stomach.
Supports Immunity
Ajwain contains thymol, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties, supporting overall immunity during fasting.
How to Use Ajwain in Fasting Recipes
If you’re fasting and want to include ajwain, here are some simple ways:
Ajwain Water
Boil a teaspoon of ajwain seeds in water and drink it warm. This acts as a natural digestive drink and relieves acidity.
Ajwain in Vrat-Friendly Flours
Mix ajwain seeds into kuttu atta or singhara atta while making parathas or pooris. This not only enhances flavor but also improves digestion.
Light Tempering in Curries
Ajwain can be used for tempering vrat-friendly aloo curry or other simple sabzis. It adds a mild bitterness and balances flavors.
Roasted Ajwain with Warm Water
Roast ajwain lightly and consume a pinch with warm water to instantly relieve gas or indigestion during fasting.
Precautions While Using Ajwain in Fast
While ajwain has many health benefits, you should use it carefully during fasting:
Strong Flavor – Use Sparingly
Ajwain has an intense taste, so only a small quantity is needed. Too much may overpower the dish.
Risk of Acidity if Overused
Excessive consumption can cause acidity or dryness in the body. Stick to moderate amounts.
Special Conditions
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or those with stomach ulcers should avoid taking ajwain without consulting a doctor.
Respect Traditions
If your family or community avoids all pungent spices during fasting, it is best to follow those customs.
Conclusion
So, the answer to the question “Can we eat ajwain in Navratri fast?” is a resounding yes! Ajwain not only enhances the flavor of your vrat dishes but also supports your digestive health, ensuring you stay light and active during the fast. However, it’s always best to consume it in moderation and respect your family’s fasting traditions.
By incorporating Ajwain into your fasting diet, you can ensure both taste and well-being throughout Navratri.
Read more: Can We Eat Jeera in Navratri Fast?
FAQs
Can ajwain be taken during fast?
Yes, ajwain (carom seeds) can be taken during fasts like Navratri, Ekadashi, or Mahashivratri. It is considered sattvic and helps with digestion, bloating, and acidity, which are common during vrat. However, it should be used in moderation due to its strong flavor.
Which spices are not allowed in Navratri fast?
During Navratri fasting, spices considered tamasic or too strong are avoided. These include turmeric (haldi), asafoetida (hing), mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and regular table salt. Instead, mild and sattvic spices like jeera (cumin), black pepper, cardamom, clove, ajwain, and sendha namak (rock salt) are preferred.
Which seeds can we eat in Navratri fast?
Seeds that are light, sattvic, and vrat-friendly are allowed. These include jeera (cumin seeds), ajwain (carom seeds), black pepper, cardamom, clove, and fennel (saunf). Some people also consume chia seeds or flaxseeds, but this depends on family traditions, as not all regions accept them during vrat.
Can we eat ajwain in Sawan fast?
Yes, ajwain can be consumed during Sawan (Shravan) fasting. Just like in Navratri, it is considered sattvic and aids digestion, especially when meals are dominated by potatoes, sabudana, or kuttu flour. Still, its use should be limited to small amounts.