Kalijiri, also known as Bitter Cumin, is a commonly grown plant in India and Southeast Asia. The seeds are brownish in color, with a sharp bitter taste. Raw seeds are difficult to consume directly. They are traditionally used as an ingredient of classical Ayurvedic preparations.
Kalijiri seeds are beneficial in respiratory problems like asthma due to the presence of bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also useful in vitiligo due to its ability to promote melanin synthesis.
Kalijiri is used as an ingredient in Ayurvedic creams and oils used for managing skin infections due to its antibacterial properties. The antioxidants present in Kalijiri also helps in wound healing by accelerating the wound contraction. As per Ayurveda, applying Kalijiri seeds paste along with Neem or Coconut oil helps in early wound healing due to its Kashaya (astringent) property [10-12].

What are the synonyms of Kalijiri?

Centratherum anthelminticum, Vernonia anthelmintica, Somaraaj, Purple Flebane, Worm Seed Fleabane, Kaaleejeeree, Kadavijeeree, Kaalijeeree, Karajiri, Soharaai, Kaadujeerage, Kaarijirige, Krimishatru, Kattujirakam, Kadujire, Kaattuchirakam, Chittilai, Adavijilakaroa, Garetikamma, Somaraji[15].

What is the source of Kalijiri?

Plant Based

Benefits of Kalijiri

1. Indigestion
Kalijiri helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Using Kalijiri in your diet helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.

Tips for using Kalijiri for indigestion
a. A well-known way of consuming Kalijiri is by mixing it with Methi seeds and Ajwain.
b. Take and sieve all the above-mentioned ingredients separately to remove any stones or other impurities.
c. Now roast Kalijiri in a dry roast for a minute.
d. Repeat this process for the other 2 ingredients also.
e. Grind each ingredient separately to get powder.
f. Mix three powders to get Kalijiri, Methi, and Ajwain Powder.
g. Take 1-3gm (or as directed by the physician) of this mixture with hot water at bedtime to get rid of the symptoms of indigestion.

2. Asthma
The main Doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passages. This results in gasping and labored breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Kalijiri helps manage asthma due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. It also helps to clear the obstruction and ease breathing.

3. Cough
Cough is quite a common ailment, which usually happens with the cold. It is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. A cough is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kalijiri helps manage cough due to its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. It helps in the easy expulsion of the accumulated mucus and thus provides relief.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infection is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. Kalijiri helps manage urinary tract infections due to its Mutral (diuretic) properties. It increases the urine flow and reduces the symptoms of urinary tract infection.


Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.