This plant is a member of the Apiaceae family and looks like its cousin the carrot. It’s native to Western Asia, Europe and North Africa and prefers a warm sunny climate Caraway produces a tiny fruit erroneously referred to as a seed. The literature cites several possibilities for the derivation of the name Caraway, many referring it to a blending of the Latin (cuminum for cumin) and Greek (karon, also for cumin) into the current Latin genus, Carum. If you’ve eaten Rye Bread you’ve tasted Caraway fruits.
What is Caraway Used For?
It contains large amounts of essential oils and has been traditionally used to flavor various liqueurs and digestive aperitifs. The fruits were also used in Sauerkraut to help dispel gas and flavor the sour tasting delicacy. Many digestive teas in Europe use Caraway seeds to help ease occasional digestive discomfort and tension from bloating.
It contains large amounts of essential oils and has been traditionally used to flavor various liqueurs and digestive aperitifs. The fruits were also used in Sauerkraut to help dispel gas and flavor the sour tasting delicacy. Many digestive teas in Europe use Caraway seeds to help ease occasional digestive discomfort and tension from bloating.
Carvone, Limonene, and various other essential oils
Parts Used
Fruits
Additional Resources
1.) Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
2.) Monographs on the medicinal uses of plant drugs. Exeter, UK: European Scientific Co-op Phytother, 1997.
3.) Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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