Caraway | Carum carvi
Caraway is a culinary and medicinal seed valued for easing digestive discomfort, calming spasms, and supporting overall gastrointestinal health. It has been traditionally used for colic, bloating, and respiratory support.
Benefits & Uses
Digestive Health: Relieves gas, bloating, cramps, and indigestion.
Colic Relief: Traditionally used for infants and children with colic.
Antispasmodic: Helps reduce smooth muscle spasms throughout the body.
Respiratory Support: Acts as an expectorant, easing coughs and congestion.
Topical Use: Crushed seeds applied as poultice for bruises.
Galactagogue: Used to promote milk production in nursing mothers.
Form & Dosage
Tea/Infusion: 1 tsp crushed seeds steeped in hot water, up to 2–3 times daily.
Capsules/Powder: Standardized supplements available.
Culinary Use: Seeds commonly used in soups, breads, salads, and spice blends.
Poultice: Crushed seeds mixed with vinegar for topical application.
Parts Used
Seeds
Precautions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Culinary use is safe; medicinal doses should be used cautiously.
Children: Traditionally used for infant colic, but dosage should be supervised.
Overuse: Excess intake may cause nausea or liver irritation.
Allergy: Avoid if allergic to other Apiaceae family plants (e.g., fennel, dill, celery).
For more detailed information about the different ways to take herbs, consider taking a course at the HomeGrown Herbalist Online School of Botanical Medicine.
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