Caraway: what is it, properties and how to drink it

The caraway, with the scientific name Carum carvi , is a species belonging to the Umbelliferae family. Within this family there are also other medicinal and culinary plants , such as anise, cumin and fennel. Due to its similarity, caraway is also known colloquially as meadow cumin .

This plant usually grows in grasslands and mountainous meadows since they require humid and cool places for their optimal development. For example, in Spain, we can find it naturally in the Pyrenees, in the Cantabrian mountain range and in some specific areas of the Iberian and Central system.

It is a biennial type plant. This means that it takes two years to complete its life cycle. During the first year it will grow and during the second its characteristic white , umbel-shaped flowers appear . It also has a certain resemblance to the carrot, due to its bright and intense green leaves, and even because of the flavor of its root. In fact, it is still widely used for culinary uses.

As for caraway seeds , which are the ones that concentrate the most valued properties of this plant, they have 16% essential oil that mainly contains limonene and carvone. Thanks to them, it is used to combat different types of stomach ailments.

As mentioned above, caraway seeds have been and are still used as part of traditional medicine to alleviate discomfort and disorders. Among the properties of caraway seeds we see the following:

• Painkillers
• Antiseptics
• Tonic.
• Digestive
• Carminatives.
• Antispasmodics.
• Diuretics
• Antiparasitic.

In addition, we want to highlight some of them:

• Digestive, carminative and analgesic: thanks to them, taking this plant can help people who suffer from digestive ailments and problems, such as stomach heaviness or to combat the effects of intolerance depending on what type of food. In addition, it also helps the expulsion and accumulation of gases, avoiding the unpleasant sensation and discomfort of a swollen belly.
• Antispasmodic: it is also used to prevent spasms in the digestive system, as well as for the appearance of cramps and other muscle pain. The effect it produces is a slight relaxation that soothes and relaxes the muscles.

We have made a list with all the uses of caraway so that you can learn when you can choose to consume it to avoid ailments, minor discomforts or other symptoms that can be solved thanks to this natural remedy. These are the uses and benefits of caraway :

• Regulate intestinal transit, to stop colic and to reduce flatulence.
• Eliminate intestinal parasites.
• Reduce stomach aches, toothaches and even those that occur on the days of menstruation.
• Stimulate the appetite.
• Improve respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
• Heal and treat burns, and even to disinfect minor wounds.
• Fight migraine and other types of headaches.
• Avoid bad breath or mitigate halitosis.
• In addition, due to its diuretic and carminative properties, in recent years many have used caraway to lose weight and deflate.

The next step to using this plant well is learning how to take caraway seeds . We can find it both in seeds for infusion or tea, as in capsules, ointments and caraway oil in health food stores and pharmacies. It is recommended to drink the teas after meals and can be combined with other plants, such as chamomile , peppermint, fennel and even senna.

How to drink caraway tea

Preparing caraway infusion or tea is very simple.

1. Boil two glasses of water in a saucepan and when it has been boiling for a minute or two, turn off the heat.
2. Add a tablespoon of seeds of this plant or of the mixture that you have wanted to make.
3. Let it sit covered for at least 10 minutes.
4. Filter the infusion to drink it when it is still warm.

As with any type of medicinal plant or medicine, we should not take caraway without consulting our doctor beforehand. Thus, we advise you to ask your family doctor or nutritionist directly before taking it on your own. Among the contraindications of caraway are:

• It is not advisable to take it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• It is also not recommended to give it to children.
• People allergic to any of its components.

As a possible side effect if consumed in excess, we find that due to the oils it contains it can be slightly addictive, therefore it should always be taken in moderate amounts.