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Caraway (carum)
Carum carvi
This page contains information on caraway and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as indigestion, menstrual cramps, to produce more milk for breastfeeding mothers and disperse bruising.
On this page
Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Family |
Apiaceae |
Genus and specie |
Carum carvi |
Carum and Zang Hui Xiang.
Caraway is a biennial that reaches 2 feet. It has feathery leaves and umbrella-like clusters of tiny white flowers, which bloom in early summer.
The dried ripe fruits (caraway seeds) are used as an herbal remedy and an essential oil is also distilled.
Stimulant, strongly aromatic herb that calms spasms of the gastric tract and uterus and is used as an expectorant for respiratory complaints.
Its main active ingredient is the (+) carvone found in the volatile oil, which also contains limonene, dihydrocarvne and carveol, while the fruit (seeds) contain the volatile oil, fatty oil, polysaccharides, phenylpropanoids (such as caffeic and chlorogenic acid), flavonoids and flavonolglycosides (quercetin and isoquercitrin), as well as traces of furanocoumarins.
Caraway is one of the most effective of all carminative herbs and the seeds have excellent carminative as well as stomachic properties, while the oil has spasmolytic and antimicrobial activity.
- Internal use
- Caraway is used to aid the digestion, and is recommended for indigestion, gas, and infant colic since time immemorial.
- Antispasmodics, which are present in caraway, are thought to relax the uterus and may provide relief from menstrual cramps.
- Breastfeeding mothers take it to help produce more milk and it is also used for hiatus hernia, stomach ulcers, diarrhea and bronchitis and is added to laxative medication to prevent griping.
- The chewing of caraway seeds is a popular way of aiding digestion after a meal.
- External use
- Used as a gargle for laryngitis.
- Aromatherapy and essential oil use
- The essential oil is used for its antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aperitif, astringent, cardiac, carminative, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, parasiticide and stimulant properties.
- Caraway essential oil is used to ease mental strain and boost energy while settling digestive disorders, detoxifying the body, increasing milk in breastfeeding mothers and helping the skin disperse bruises.
- It is also helpful in reducing boils, acne and other skin problems and seems to liven pale complexions.
Pregnant women should not ingest excessive amounts of caraway seeds.
The essential oil is very potent and may irritate the skin. A skin patch test is advised, before the diluted oil is applied to the skin.
To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.
Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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