Aqua Ptychotis, or Ajwain arak, is a herbal extract obtained from ajwain. Ajwain is an uncommon spice except in certain areas of Asia. It is the small seed-like fruit of the Bishop's Weed plant, egg-shaped and grayish in colour. Aqua Ptychotis is an orange coloured carom seed-based stomach healer used for indigestion, flatulence, dyspepsia and diarrhoea, swear by all Bengalis. Aqua Ptychotis is a concoction which reminds Bengalis of their childhood and less enlightened races of mouthwash. Administered in the formative years, it guarantees protection from the crippling depredations of acidity for all time. It is used in Indian cuisine and is an important commercial spice.