Caraway- For abdominal and menstrual cramps

Name:
Common Name: Caraway seed
Botanical Name: Carum carvi, L
French Name: Cumin des pres or Carvi
German Name: Wisenkummel or Kummel.

Parts Used: Leaves, Seed

Caraway is native to Europe and Northern Asia where it grows in the grasslands and mountains. Caraway is a biennial that flowers from May through June. The active components of the plant use medically are contained in the seeds.

Terpenoid compounds (mainly carvone and limonene), calcium oxalate, fatty acids, proteins.

Caraway is used to treat abdominal fullness, dyspepsia, menstrual and gastrointestinal spasm. Also has effect to promote the flow of breast milk.

Terpenoid compounds of the volatile oils containing in the Caraway are also found in camphor oil, cardamon oil, citronella, juniper, lemon, orange, pine, sandalwood, spearmint and turpentine. Carvone and limonene are the two most important components of Caraway oil. The clinical effects of Caraway are few in proven by modern scientific studies. A double-blind placebo-controlled study, demonstrated mixtures of caraway and peppermint, as Enteroplantä, were more effective at relieving symptoms of indigestion than was the placebo. Anticancer effects have been demonstrated in laboratory animals, but not in humans. So far as we know, other effects such as increase the flow of breast milk or decrease menstrual cramping have not yet confirmed by larger clinical studies.

Caraway seeds 1.5-6 grams per day. Oil extract 3-6 drops per day. Tea also can be made by 3 teaspoons of crushed leaves in one-half cup of water, or 1 teaspoon crushed seeds steep in boiled water.

Caraway oil in the seeds is said to be good for menstrual cramps, stomach upset and the flow of breast milk. Although all these functions of Caraway were not well confirmed by modern scientific studies, but given the extremely low toxicity of caraway oil, there is no reason refuse to try it. On the other hand, one study does demonstrate an effect of relieving stomach upset when it is combined with peppermint oil.

The name of Caraway is said to come from the Arabic, karawiya. The medicinal use of caraway seeds is mentioned in the Bible. In the 15th century the roots were eaten as vegetables, and traditional herbalists recommended caraway could improve digestion. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) even mentioned caraway in his opera the Merry Wives of Windsor. Caraway seeds were thrown at newly married couples to give them good luck.