Caraway (carum carvi)

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Other names for caraway

Caraway Seed
Caraway Essential Oil
Carum carvi Extract

Synopsis of caraway

Caraway (Carum carvi) is a flowering plant in the Apiaceae (parsley) family, native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Its crescent-shaped seeds, commonly known as caraway seeds, are widely used as a culinary spice and a traditional herbal remedy, especially for digestive complaints. With a warm, slightly peppery and anise-like flavor, caraway contains a rich profile of essential oils, flavonoids, and volatile compounds that contribute to its antispasmodic, carminative, and mildly antimicrobial effects.

Caraway’s active constituents include:

  • Carvone and limonene – primary essential oils that help relieve gas, bloating, and intestinal cramps
  • Flavonoids – provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
  • Tannins and phenolic acids – contribute to astringent and antimicrobial properties

Health benefits and traditional uses:

  • Relieves indigestion, bloating, and gas (classic carminative)
  • Soothes intestinal spasms and discomfort, useful in IBS and colic
  • Stimulates appetite and digestion
  • Reduces nausea and supports postpartum digestive recovery
  • Used in herbal formulas for coughs, bronchitis, and menstrual cramps

Caraway is consumed as:

  • Whole or ground seeds in cooking or herbal teas
  • Essential oil or tincture for more concentrated effects
  • Sometimes included in digestive bitters and liver-support blends

Historical Use:

Caraway has been used since ancient Egyptian and Roman times as both a flavoring agent and a medicinal herb. It was highly valued in Greek and Arabic medicine for treating flatulence, poor digestion, and infant colic. Dioscorides and Hildegard of Bingen both praised caraway for its ability to stimulate digestion and relieve abdominal tension.

In European folk medicine, caraway was traditionally used in digestive tonics, liqueurs, and culinary recipes to reduce heaviness after meals. It was often paired with fennel and anise in teas for soothing the gut.

Today, caraway remains a staple in herbal digestive support, included in IBS formulas, gripe waters, and gastrointestinal tonics, and is increasingly recognized for its gentle effectiveness and culinary versatility.

Caraway is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Scientific)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Belching (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)

caraway is used to support these body systems

Bronchials (Traditional)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Traditional)
Stomach (Scientific)