Caraway
Introduction
Caraway is a biennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, native to Europe and western Asia. The primary active component of caraway is volatile oil, which typically comprises 4-6% of the plant and includes compounds such as carvone and limonene. The fruit of the caraway plant contains fixed oil, carbohydrates, and proteins. Caraway is recognized for its carminative properties, which help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and gas pain. Additionally, the volatile oil may serve as a remedy for bowel spasms.
Common Names
- Caraway
- Persian cumin
Latin Names
- Carum carvi
What It Is Used For
Caraway is traditionally used for various health issues, including:
- Appetite loss
- Bronchitis
- Colds
- Cough
- Fever
- Liver and gallbladder problems
- Sore throat
- Tendency to infection
- Colic
- Gingivitis: A mouthwash combining sage oils, peppermint oil, menthol, chamomile tincture, Echinacea, myrrh tincture, clove oil, and caraway seed has shown effectiveness in treating gingivitis.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): When used with peppermint, fennel, and wormwood, caraway may soothe gastrointestinal issues. While there is insufficient clinical evidence for caraway’s efficacy alone, it has been successfully used in conjunction with peppermint oil for IBS.
How It Is Used
Caraway is commonly consumed as a tea. The roots can also be cooked and eaten like parsnips or carrots.
What the Science Says
Research indicates that when taken at normal dosages, caraway supplementation poses no known side effects or health risks.
Side Effects and Cautions
- High doses of volatile oil taken over extended periods may lead to potential kidney and liver damage.
Sources
Wikipedia: Caraway
