Caraway
Carum carvi
Warm, earthy seed studied with peppermint oil for indigestion
Preliminary evidenceAbout Caraway
Caraway is a carrot-family plant whose crescent-shaped seeds give rye bread and sauerkraut their warm, slightly bitter flavour. Like fennel, it has a long history as a digestive spice, used for fullness, bloating and wind after heavy meals. Its oil, rich in carvone, is best known for its role in a peppermint and caraway oil combination that has been tested in several randomised trials for indigestion with fullness and upper-abdominal discomfort. On its own, as a tea or kitchen spice, its use rests mainly on tradition.
Key benefits
- Traditionally used for fullness, bloating and wind
- Studied in combination with peppermint oil for indigestion
- May help relax the stomach after a heavy meal
- A familiar kitchen spice that is easy to add to food
How to use
Crush 1 teaspoon of seeds and steep them covered in just-boiled water for 10 minutes for a simple after-meal tea, or add the whole seeds to breads, cabbage dishes and roasted vegetables. For the studied indigestion combination, use enteric-coated peppermint and caraway oil capsules as directed on the label.
Did you know?
In medieval Europe caraway was believed to stop things from being stolen, and it was added to love potions in the hope of keeping a partner from straying.
Research
European Medicines Agency (HMPC), Community herbal monograph on Carum carvi L., fructus, 2015 — traditional use for mild digestive complaints; May et al., Arzneimittelforschung, 2000 — Randomised controlled trial of a fixed peppermint oil and caraway oil combination in functional dyspepsia
Remedies that use Caraway
Frequently asked questions
What is Caraway good for?
Traditionally used for fullness, bloating and wind; Studied in combination with peppermint oil for indigestion; May help relax the stomach after a heavy meal; A familiar kitchen spice that is easy to add to food.
What is Caraway?
Caraway is a carrot-family plant whose crescent-shaped seeds give rye bread and sauerkraut their warm, slightly bitter flavour.
How do you use Caraway?
Crush 1 teaspoon of seeds and steep them covered in just-boiled water for 10 minutes for a simple after-meal tea, or add the whole seeds to breads, cabbage dishes and roasted vegetables. For the studied indigestion combination, use enteric-coated peppermint and caraway oil capsules as directed on the label.
What does the research say about Caraway?
European Medicines Agency (HMPC), Community herbal monograph on Carum carvi L., fructus, 2015 — traditional use for mild digestive complaints; May et al., Arzneimittelforschung, 2000 — Randomised controlled trial of a fixed peppermint oil and caraway oil combination in functional dyspepsia