Caraway Seed Tincture

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.