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 | Caraway Other Names: Caraway Seed.
Botanical Name: Carum Carvi (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Umbelliferae |
Description: |
Caraway is another member of the group of aromatic, umbelliferous plants characterized by carminative properties, like Anise, Cumin, Dill and Fennel. It is grown, however, less for the medicinal properties of the fruits, or so-called 'seeds,' than for their use as a flavouring in cookery, confectionery and liqueurs .
It is a biennial, with smooth, furrowed stems growing 1 1/2 to 2 feet high, hearing finely cut leaves, and umbels of white flowers which blossom in June. The fruitswhich are popularly and incorrectly called seeds - and which correspond in general character to those of the other plants of this large family, are laterally compressed, somewhat horny and translucent, slightly curved, and marked with five distinct, pale ridges. They evolve a pleasant, aromatic odour when bruised, and have an agreeable taste.
The leaves possess similar properties and afford an oil identical with that of the fruit. The tender leaves in spring have been boiled in soup, to give it an aromatic flavour. |
Habitat: |
| The plant is distributed throughout the northern and central parts of Europe and Asia, though where it occurs in this country it is only considered a naturalized species, having apparently escaped from cultivation. |
Ancient Lore: |
CARAWAY CARUM CARVI
Caraway confects, once only dipped in sugar, and a spoonful of them eaten in the morning fasting, and as many after each meal, is a most admirable remedy for those that are troubled with wind.
It bears stalks with finely divided leaves, and at the top, tufts of white flowers.
Where to find it: It is a cultivated herb, both in gardens and commercially.
Flowering time: From early to midsummer.
Astrology: This is a mercurial plant.
Medicinal virtues: The seed hath a moderate sharp quality whereby it breaketh the wind and provoketh urine, which also the herb doth. The root makes a better food than Parsnips. It is pleasant and comfortable to the stomach and helpeth digestion.
The seed is conducing to all cold griefs of the head, stomach and bowels, as also the wind in them, and helpeth to sharpen the eyesight. The powdered seed made into a poultice taketh away the black and blue spots of blows and bruises.
The herb itself, or with some of the seed bruised and fried, applied as a hot compress to the lower parts of the belly, easeth colicky pains. The roots eaten like Parsnips strengthen the stomachs of old people.
Modern uses: Caraway, like Anise, Dill and Fennel, is ideal as a children's medicine for flatulence or stomach upset. It also flavours other medicines. The powdered seeds are mostly used and in doses up to half a teaspoonful at a time. The essential oil pressed from the seeds is also used for flatulent dyspepsia, the dose being from one to four drops on sugar. A dose of the powdered seeds can be taken in hot milk when a cold threatens. It forms an ingredient of compound tincture of Cardamom Aromatica, an official medicine. |
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