Caraway seeds are not seeds at all. The caraway plant produces its seeds in achenes. Achenes are a type of fruit defined by its simple, dried form – and that they contain only one seed. So technically, the “seeds” we use from the caraway plant are actually an achene, or fruit. The fruit (and leaves) of the caraway plant are very similar to other plants in the celery family, which is why caraway is sometimes confused with fennel or cumin. Caraway, however, is a distinct plant. Caraway seeds are also distinct, though only upon close inspection. The crescent shaped caraway seed is darker in color and smoother than the cumin seed. Caraway seeds are also more bitter than cumin. The aroma of caraway seeds can be described as slightly minty or peppery.
Caraway is a unique spice long used in cooking and herbal medicine Although frequently mistaken for a seed, this small, brown pod is really the dried fruit of the caraway plant (Carum carvi L.)
Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor is reminiscent of licorice, coriander, anise, and fennel. It can be used whole or ground in both sweet and savory dishes, such as breads, pastries, curries, and stews. It’s sometimes infused into spirits and liqueurs as well.
When used medicinally, caraway can be made into a tea or taken as a supplement. You can also apply its essential oils to your skin
In fact, emerging research suggests that the aromatic compounds responsible for its distinct taste may also provide health benefits, such as improved digestion.
In Germany, caraway has a long tradition as the best herbal remedy for stomach bloating and intestinal cramps. It calms an irritated or nervous stomach, promotes complete digestion of the food we eat, and prevents bloating and flatulence.
For conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, caraway helps rebuild intestinal flora and yeast. Caraway also has some antimicrobial properties that may support the development of beneficial intestinal bacteria, such as bifidobacteria, a common ingredient in probiotics, while fighting off bacteria like streptococcus.
In Germany, caraway’s primary medicinal uses are for the relief of cramps and for probiotic and antimicrobial benefits within the digestive system. Caraway improves digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices and improving circulation of blood and intestinal mucus through the stomach.
The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (“ESCOP”) has also officially recognized caraway for use in resolving stomach difficulties and flatulence in colicky children.
Caraway has also received official recognition in treating Roemhild syndrome, a condition involving anxiety and panic attacks arising from chest pains derived from large accumulations of gas in the stomach and intestines.
Caraway has been used in traditional and folk medicine for centuries. Interestingly, preliminary research supports several of
these benefits.
Several caraway compounds demonstrate strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
While inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to various ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its symptoms may include ulcers, cramping, gas, diarrhea, bowel urgency, and irritation of digestive tissue.
In a study in mice with IBD, both caraway extract and essential oil reduced inflammation in colon tissue as effectively as common
steroid-based drugs.
Caraway has historically been utilized to treat several digestive conditions, including indigestion and stomach ulcers.
A handful of small human studies show that caraway oil relaxes your digestive tract’s smooth muscle tissue, thus relieving indigestion symptoms like gas, cramping, and bloating.
Caraway may support weight loss and body composition.
Another property of caraway is helping women with low milk production during lactation and helps them increase their milk production. In addition, it treats the vaginal discharge of women.