Kali Jiri – Kaali Jeeri – Kadwa Jeera - Kadu Jira - Bitter Cumin - Kadva Jira - Kalijiri - Kaalijeeri - Centratherum Anthelminticum by IndianJadiBooti

Kali Jeeri (also known as Kalijiri or Kaali Jeeri), often referred to as Bitter Cumin, is a plant predominantly cultivated in India and Southeast Asia. The seeds are characterized by their brown color and intensely bitter flavor, making them hard to consume raw. Traditionally, these seeds are used in classical Ayurvedic formulations.

Kalijiri seeds are advantageous in treating respiratory conditions like asthma due to their bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory attributes. They are also beneficial for vitiligo as they support melanin production. In Ayurveda, Kalijiri is a key component of creams and oils for managing skin infections due to its antibacterial properties. 

The seeds' antioxidant content aids in wound healing by accelerating wound contraction. According to Ayurveda, applying a paste of Kalijiri seeds mixed with Neem or Coconut oil promotes quicker wound healing owing to its Kashaya (astringent) quality.

Kalijiri Other Names:

• Latin:  Centratherum Anthelminticum
• English:  Purple Flebane
• Hindi :  Kali Jeeri, Kalijiri, Karbi Jiri, Karba Jeera, Kaali Jeeri, Soharaai, Bakshi, Bakchi, and Buckshi
• Tamil:  Kattuchirakam, Chittilai and Kattu chirakam
• Malayalam:   Karun Jiragram
• Telugu:  Adavijilakaroa, Garetikamma
• Gujarati:   Kaaleejeeree, Kadavijiri, Kadvo-Jviri
• Sanskrit:  Aryana Jeerak, Tikta Jeerak, Vrihatpali, Kalijeeri, Somaraji, Vanya Jeerak
• Bengali:  Somaraaj, Babchi
• Punjabi:  Bukoki, Kakshama, Kala-Zira, Kali-Ziri, Malwabakchi, Malwabakshi
• Kannada:  Kari Jirige

Benefits of Kali Jiri:

1. Indigestion

   Kalijiri assists in managing indigestion. In Ayurvedic terms, indigestion refers to a state of incomplete digestion, primarily caused by aggravated Kapha leading to Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Incorporating Kalijiri into the diet enhances Agni (digestive fire) and facilitates easier digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.

   Tips for using Kalijiri for indigestion:

   • One common method is to mix Kalijiri with Methi seeds and Ajwain.

   • Sieve each ingredient separately to remove impurities like stones.

   • Roast Kalijiri dry for a minute.

   • Repeat the roasting with the other two ingredients.

   • Grind each ingredient separately.

   • Combine the powders to create Kalijiri, Methi, and Ajwain Powder.

   • Take 1-3gm (or as advised by a physician) of this powder with hot water before bed to ease indigestion symptoms.

2. Asthma

   The primary doshas in asthma are Vata and Kapha. When vitiated Vata combines with deranged Kapha in the lungs, it blocks the respiratory pathways, causing gasping and labored breathing, a condition known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Kalijiri helps manage asthma by balancing Vata-Kapha and its Ushna (hot) properties, aiding in clearing obstructions for easier breathing.

3. Cough

   Cough, often accompanying the common cold, is typically seen as a Kapha disorder in Ayurveda due to mucus accumulation in the respiratory tract. Kalijiri aids in managing cough by balancing Kapha and leveraging its Ushna (hot) properties, facilitating the expulsion of mucus and providing relief.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

   Ayurveda describes UTIs under Mutrakcchra, where Mutra means ooze and krichra means painful, hence referring to dysuria and painful urination. Kalijiri helps manage UTIs due to its Mutral (diuretic) properties, increasing urine flow and alleviating UTI symptoms.

5. Wound Healing

   Wounds from external injuries can cause pain, swelling, or bleeding due to aggravated Vata dosha at the injury site. Kalijiri aids in wound management due to its Vata-balancing and Kashay (astringent) properties, reducing symptoms like pain or bleeding and promoting faster healing.

HOW TO USE KALIJIRI

Kalijiri Powder

A popular way to consume Kalijiri is by mixing it with Methi seeds and Ajwain.

• Sieve each of the ingredients separately to remove any impurities.

• Dry roast Kalijiri for a minute.

• Repeat the dry roasting for the other two ingredients.

• Grind each ingredient separately into powder.

• Mix all the powders to get Kalijiri, Methi, and Ajwain Powder.

• Take 1-3gm (or as directed by a physician) of this mixture with hot water at bedtime to alleviate indigestion symptoms.

Kalijiri Paste

• Take a few Kalijiri seeds.

• Grind them into powder.

• Mix the powder with Neem oil or Coconut oil to make a paste.

• Apply this paste to the affected area once daily to quickly relieve wounds or skin infections.

However, Kali Jiri is always confused with Kala Jira, that is a different Product altogether. Kala Jira or Black Cumin is also known as Shahi Jeera.

Also Read- BENEFITS OF KALA JEERA

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