Caraway (Latin: Carum carvi) is a biennial perennial. Growing up to a height of half a meter, the plants are classified as umbelliferae (Apiaceae).
Occurrence and cultivation of caraway
Caraway is related to dill, parsley and fennel.
So, caraway is related to dill, parsley and fennel. The circle of Apiaceae also includes the carrot perennial, which looks very similar to caraway with its feathery leaves and umbrella-shaped white to reddish flower umbels.
Man has been using caraway since early historical times. Ancient sources already mention caraway as a medicinal and spice plant. Originally native to the Near East and the Mediterranean, caraway also found its way into the monastery gardens of Central Europe.
From there, caraway went wild, especially in the low mountain ranges in the heartland of Europe. Cooks and physicians appreciate the brown, curved fruits for their aromatic ingredients.
Effect and application
Caraway contains essential oils as well as some fatty substances. The characteristic intense fragrance of these substances adds an extra note to hearty dishes. The pharmaceutical effect of the essential oils in caraway unfolds predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, caraway has an antispasmodic and digestive effect by stimulating the secretion of bile. These “emulsifiers“, produced in the liver, are needed for fat digestion.
Caraway is also a well-known remedy for flatulence and is often used, especially in children. The essential oils in caraway also inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
In terms of quantity, the most widely used are the whole caraway fruits. The both seasoning and healing effects come into their own when caraway is added to dishes. However, the fruits can also be used to prepare a tea for acute digestive problems. In this case, it is recommended to crush the fruits so that the active ingredients are optimally absorbed into the aqueous solution. Gastrointestinal teas are commercially available that contain caraway along with other medicinal herbs.
In concentrated form, caraway is available as a tincture. An alternative to these alcoholic extracts is the pure essential oil. Manufacturers extract the 100% active ingredient from caraway by distillation. The concentrate unfolds its effectiveness even when only 1 to 2 drops are taken. Applied externally, caraway oil stimulates blood circulation.
In addition to liquid remedies, pharmacies offer powdered caraway, which is mainly contained in other herbal mixtures. Pressed pellets of such powders in tablet form are easier to dose. Fast-acting caraway suppositories are available especially for children. In addition, caraway is also a component of some mouthwashes, which are used for disinfection. Furthermore, caraway is processed into homeopathic preparations.
Importance for health
Caraway is used in the kitchen, especially in cabbage dishes. This has not only taste reasons, but the “carminative” effect prevents flatulence. Responsible for this is the antibiotic effect, which is proven for caraway. The inhibition of microbes stops excessive fermentation processes in the intestine. By the same effect, the ancient antibiotic prevents intestinal infections.
Caraway is also said to be particularly helpful against the colonization of the dreaded “Heliobacter pylori”. The bacterium causes ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.
In folk medicine, caraway is said to have several other health effects, although these have not been scientifically proven. Thus, caraway is said to promote the production of breast milk and help against discomfort during menstruation. It is very likely that caraway has a healing effect on colds such as coughs, because other essential oils are also used for respiratory infections. The aromatic oils also help with headaches and can relieve toothache.
