Caraway - Medicinal Spice

In short: Caraway (Carum carvi) is a biennial spice whose seeds contain essential oil rich in carvone and limonene, substances that act on the digestive tract and help counter bloating. As a decoction, use about half a teaspoon of seeds per cup, taken twice daily. Seeds are harvested only in the second year; sow in a sunny spot 20 cm apart.

Caraway (Carum carvi) is a biennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family (formerly known as Umbelliferae). It is mainly cultivated for its seeds, which are used as a spice. However, caraway leaves, which resemble carrot leaves, also have their uses. Due to its medicinal properties, it was known and valued even in ancient Greece and Rome.

Sometimes we may also come across spices called "black" or "Roman" cumin. Although they don't have much in common with caraway, they also have their uses both in cooking and as medicinal plants. You can read more about these herbs here.

Using Caraway in Cooking

Caraway seeds are used mainly in baking, but also often to flavor meat, soups, and fish. It is also essential for sauerkraut or boiled potatoes. Young caraway leaves can be used in preparing soups, meat, salads, or spreads.

When cooking potatoes, caraway doesn't just serve as a flavoring. Its important ability to neutralize the harmful toxin solanine contained in potatoes, especially in sprouting tubers, is crucial.

Medicinal Properties of Caraway

Caraway seeds contain a large amount of aromatic essential oil, which consists mainly of carvone and limonene. These substances have beneficial effects on the digestive tract, digestive system cramps, the heart, breast milk production, and menstrual pain. It improves blood formation, disinfects the intestines, and facilitates expectoration.

It is advisable to add it to vegetables that cause bloating - using caraway neutralizes this effect. Chewed seeds eliminate bad breath. Caraway can also be used for infants and children.

Externally, caraway essential oil is used to improve blood circulation in the skin for rheumatic pain, or against parasites.

It is most commonly used as a decoction and can be combined with other herbs. It is taken twice daily for abdominal pain, bloating, or to support lactation. To prepare one cup of decoction, use about half a teaspoon of caraway seeds.

Grow Caraway at Home

Growing caraway is not difficult, but it's important to realize that the seeds are only harvested in the second year. However, from the beginning we can use the young leaves, which, although not as aromatic, have a delicate fresh taste.

For growing caraway, we choose a sunny location to ensure the highest content of aromatic substances. We sow the seeds at a sufficient distance from each other (approximately 20 cm). It doesn't require any special care. It flowers and bears fruit only in the second year. This plant is not particularly suitable for growing in pots.

Black Cumin and Cumin

Although these herbs also have cumin in their name, they have nothing in common with classic caraway.

Black cumin are the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant that is grown here as an ornamental annual also suitable for drying.

Its crushed or ground seeds also have medicinal effects - they help against viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. It is mainly used in treating respiratory tract and digestive system diseases.

Cumin comes from a plant called Cuminum cyminum. It is also used in cooking, but its taste is much stronger than classic caraway, so it should be used carefully. We find it mainly in curry spice, Mexican and Indian cuisine. It can also be added to sauerkraut instead of classic caraway. Its medicinal effects are similar to those of caraway - it supports digestion and appetite, helps with bloating.

Image source: https://www.woodenearth.com/