English: Caraway, Carvies, Carum, Persian Cumin, Medidein Fennel, Wild Cumin, Carroway Hindi: Gunyan, Jeerka, Jangi Dhania, Jeero, Kalazera, Kaalaa Jiiraa, Kalazira French: Anis Des Vosges, Cumin De Montagne, Carvi, Cumin Des Prés, Carvi, Faux Cumin German: Echter Kümmel, Feld-Kümmel, Feldkümmel, Gemeiner Kümmel Spanish: Alcarahueya, Alcaravia, Alcaravea, Comino De Prado, Carvi Latin: Carvum, Careum Sanskrit: Karavi
What is Caraway Seed?
Caraway plant has interesting legends claiming that it prevents thefts and lovers from losing interest in each other. In Ayurveda, specifically, it is mostly used in the form of oil, fruit and seeds for its medicinal and healing properties.
Caraway seeds are rich in dietary fiber, essential to maintain digestive health, and acts a laxative to prevent constipation. The fiber adds bulk to the diet and improves bowel movement in the gut. The fiber from caraway seeds binds with the toxins (mainly carcinogens) and flushes them out of the body acting as an effective anti-carcinogen and protects the colon membrane. It also lowers the bad cholesterol level.
Common forms of Caraway Seed
Oil, Seeds, Powder
Caraway Seed is commonly used for:
Treating asthama
Curing poor appetite
Treating nausea, constipation, gas, stomach ache, indigestion (dyspepsia) etc.
Treating menstrual cramps, poor blood flow etc.
Increasing milk secretion in Lactating mothers.
Stabilizing blood sugar levels
Aiding weight-loss
Reducing and managing blood cholesterol levels
Improving sleep
Anti-oxidant property
Anti-carcinogenic property
Promoting heart health
Treating colds/congestion
Stopping endless coughs
Diuretic action
Caraway Seed Dosage
Oil: 50-100 mg of caraway oil per day has been used in combination with peppermint oil
Caraway Seed Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Liver damage if consumed in excess. Not so common side-effects: People with sensitive skin can have rashes and itching. Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Possibly unsafe as caraway oil is been used to start menstruation which might lead to miscarriage. Children: Not Known.
Warnings:
Using caraway oil with peppermint oil might lead to burping, heartburn and nausea.
Consumption of caraway seeds must be stopped before 2 weeks of scheduled surgery as it lowers blood pressure and acts as blood-thinner
Chinmayi is a Nutritionist turned Marketer, with Masters in both Marketing and Nutrition. Her focus is to combine her knowledge to understand and evangelize Ayurveda.
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