Why Omum Water?

Omum is Tamil for Ajwain (Hindi) or Carom Seeds.  Few years ago, the Straits Times newspaper, Singapore carries a story of a man who drank commercially sold Omum water and how he ended up in the intensive care unit at the Singapore General Hospital for three days, with injuries and swelling in his mouth and throat!

But then on the other hand, I use lots of omum in pakoras, fish dishes, rasam and even sambar.  It is a wonderful spice.  When we were kids, Amma used to boil omum water for us at least once a week and I enjoyed the drink, especially when drunk hot.

Here are some health benefits of omum water:

1. Improves digestion
2. Relieves cough and asthma
3. Helps ease rheumatic and arthritic pain
4. Cures hiccups instantly
5. Remedy for acidity
6. Relieves pain due to migraines

HOW TO MAKE OMUM WATER AT HOME?

It is not difficult to make omum water at home and I think mothers should train children to drink it daily or at least once a week.  The only way to convince your family members to drink it is for you to set an example – be a trend setter – drink Omum water!

2 teaspoons omum seeds (also known as carom seeds or ajwain)

300 ml water

METHOD

1. Place seeds in a sieve or colander and rinse them thoroughly.
2. You can choose to crush the seeds lightly with a pestle or leave it whole.  Place in a saucepan with the water and boil for 10 minutes.
3. You can drink it strained or with the seeds.

Note:  You can also dry roast the omum seeds and keep them in airtight container.

Every night before you go to sleep, place 2 teaspoons of these dry roasted omum seeds in a cup and pour water over it.  Leave to steep overnight and drink it first thing in the morning daily!