Carum carvi
Common name: Caraway
Family: Apiaceae
Part used: seeds
Habitat: This relative of celery and cumin is native to the Middle East, but is widely cultivated for culinary and traditional medicinal use. Caraway is a biennial plant, growing to 25 - 60cm tall with white umbellifer shaped flower heads and deeply segmented leaves. The taste of the seeds is spicy and aromatic.
Constituents: Volatile (essential) oil up to 7%, flavonoids, fatty oils, polyacetylenes, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and other minerals.
Actions: Antimicrobial, astringent, carminative (soothes digestion), expectorant, emmenagogue, spasmolytic (relieves spasm)
Traditional and current uses:
- Primarily used for gastric complaints: flatulence, dyspepsia, colic or cramping, bloating, poor appetitie, diarrhea, hiccoughs
- Painful periods
- As a gargle for laryngitis
- as a mild expectorant during bronchitis
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.