Kümmel / Caraway / Carum carvi

Caraway is related to dill, fennel, and anise and has been thought to have many oft he same medicinal properties as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative and digestive. It has been used to stimulate milk production in mothers as well as treat infant colic and is often used to flavor children’s medicines.

Caraway is an important plant in ancient folkloric Egyptian medicine mentioned as early as 1550 BC in the Ebers Papyrus in which it was recommended for digestive upsets.

Caraway is one of only a handful of medicinal herbs whose major medicinal uses have remained unchanged throughout history. Today Caraway is used for digestive problems including heartburn, bloating, gas, loss of appetite and mild spasms of the stomach and intestines.

Caraway oil is also used to help people cough out retained phlegm, improve controle of urination, kill bacteria in the body and relieve constipation. Women also use Carawy oil to start menstruation and relieve menstrual cramps.

Caraway is also used in mouthwashes and can also be rubbed into the skin to improve local blood flow.