Vaamu Puvvu has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an antiseptic, a spice, and a preservative, as well as for respiratory and GI ailments. It is used in the Unani system of medicine as an enhancer of the body's resistance. However, there are no clinical trials available to date to support these uses.
Traditionally, Vaamu Puvvu has been used as a spice and as a preservative. The fruits (seeds) are used to flavor curries, pickles, biscuits, confections, and beverages. The plant also is used in soaps and perfumes. The oil, called Ajowan oil, is used in India as an antiseptic to treat nasal catarrh and as an antifungal for skin diseases. It is used as a mouthwash, gargle, or toothpaste preparation in dentistry. Vaamu Puvvu has been used as an insecticide and anthelmintic. The plant has been made into solutions, ointments, lotions, powders, and deodorants.
Ayurvedic use of Vaamu Puvvu has been to treat atrophy, cachexia, spasms, and rheumatism. Patients with fever and lung ailments, including bronchitis, the common cold, cough, consumption, and emphysema are said to benefit from bishop's weed. A paste of crushed fruit is applied on the chest for asthma and used for colic. Bishop's weed is thought to be helpful in treating several GI disorders, including diarrhea, gastrosis, dyspepsia, cholera, flatulence, and indigestion. In the Unani system of medicine, Ajowan is used as an enhancer of the body's resistance.