Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Carum carvi

Plant Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Botanical Description:
Caraway, scientifically known as Carum carvi, is a biennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa and is cultivated in many regions around the world for its culinary and medicinal uses. Caraway grows up to 30-60 centimetres in height and features finely divided, feathery leaves that grow in a basal rosette during the first year of growth. In the second year, caraway produces tall, hollow stems with compound umbels of small white or pink flowers. The flowers give way to small, crescent-shaped seeds that are brown in colour and have a distinctive aromatic flavour. Caraway seeds are harvested when mature and dried for later use in culinary dishes and herbal preparations.

Introduction:
Caraway seeds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems and culinary traditions worldwide. They are valued for their reported carminative, digestive, and aromatic properties, making them a popular remedy in history for various gastrointestinal complaints.

Preparations:
Caraway Seed Tea: Prepare caraway seed tea by steeping crushed caraway seeds in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink as needed. Caraway seed tea can be consumed hot or cold and may be sweetened with honey or lemon, if desired.
Caraway Seed Infusion: Prepare a caraway seed infusion by soaking crushed caraway seeds in cold water overnight.
Caraway Seed Poultice: Prepare a caraway seed poultice by grinding caraway seeds into a fine powder and mixing with warm water to form a paste.