Other Names: Alcaravea, Anis Canadien, meridian fennel, Persian cumin, Anis des Prés, Anis des Vosges, Apium carvi, Carraway, Carum carvi, Carum velenovskyi, Carvi, Carvi Commun, Carvi Fructus, Cumin des Montagnes, Cumin des Prés, Faux Anis, Haravi, Jeera, Jira, Kala Jira, Karwiya, Krishan Jeeraka, Krishnajiraka, Kummel, Kummich, Roman Cumin, Semen Cumini Pratensis, Semences de Carvi, Shahijra, Shiajira, Wiesen-Feldkummel, Wild Cumin.
Caraway, or Carum carvi, is a biennial plant in the family of Apliaceae that is native to Asia. Europe and Africa. Caraway is popular for fruits (also known as “seeds”) that has pungent anise-like flavor and aroma and is used for culinary preparations with medicinal benefits.
Special Precautions of Caraway
- Caraway may cause heartburn and belching.
- Caraway seeds contains highly volatile essential oils that if taken in large dosage over a long period can cause liver and kidney damage.
- Caraway may cause abortion for pregnant women.
- It is also not safe for lactating mothers Caraway can lower blood sugar levels for diabetics
- Caraway may have narcotic effects such as drowsiness, nausea and mental clouding.
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CARAWAY
The benefits of Caraway are
- Caraway might improve appetite and digestion and relieve spasms in the stomach and intestines and useful in strengthening the functions of the stomach
- constipation
- heartburn : When used in combination with other herbs. Taking caraway oil as part of a specific combination with peppermint oil (Enteroplant, Spitzner Arzneimittel) seems to relieve heartburn, including symptoms of fullness and mild gastrointestinal (GI) spasms, about as well as a drug called cisapride.
- menstrual cramps. It relieves period pains, also good in case of menopause.
- nausea
- indigestion : A combination of caraway oil and peppermint oil may help treat indigestion.
- act as a carminative, which is a substance that prevents the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. By inhibiting gas formation, caraway is thought to prevent bloating (and, in turn, keep your stomach from appearing larger after eating).When used as a carminative, caraway oil is often taken in combination with peppermint oil. A cup of tea made from caraway seeds gives relief in it.
- Diabetes : Preliminary research from animal-based studies raises the question of whether caraway may also be of some benefit to people with diabetes.
- It also helps in increasing milk in nursing mothers. Moreover, when mother uses caraway, her baby won't suffer from flatulence and indigestion.
- When blended in a cream, it can help to fight itching skin, scalp and skin problems such as acne and reduces bruising.
- Aromatherapy :
- soothe emotional fatigue
- maintain normal digestion
- support healthy respiratory system : Bronchitis, coughing, laryngitis, colds.