The Lovely Health Benefits of Caraway Seeds

Since Valentine’s Day is this Sunday, it is only fitting to talk about the caraway fruit or seeds and its essential oil. Once used as an ingredient in love potions, it was supposed to prevent one’s lover from straying and blush the cheeks of young maidens. Strangely enough, it was also used to prevent pigeons from straying . . . but I digress . Documented since the Middle Ages, caraway seeds and oil have flavored various dishes and been prepared as medicinal remedies.

Native to parts of Europe, Asia and India, the caraway plant belongs to the carminative family containing Dill and Cumen. Carminatives are herbs that help ease gastrointestinal distress, including gas and bowel spasms . Both the seeds and their oil strengthen the stomach, purge hookworms, treat gingivitis and alleviate bad breath. An Iranian study showed that the seeds’ anti-tussive (cough prevention) effect was greater than codeine on guinea pigs and provided evidence for its use in the treatment of bronchitis, colds and cough . And, another Iranian study demonstrated the protective properties of the oils on the livers of rats .

Unfortunately, the caraway seeds’ modern uses are usually restricted to a spice for bread, cakes, fruits and liquors. But, one can brew the crushed seeds in tea for indigestion or take 1 to 4 drops of the essential caraway oil on a lump of sugar for flatulence. One can even give colicky and gassy babies 1 to 2 teaspoons of water, which has had caraway seeds soaking in it for longer than 6 hours . But, please use caution as essential oils are volatile and highly concentrated and high doses of caraway seeds over a long period of time can tax the body.

Thanks to the caraway seed, I’ll try and lure my Valentine this year with rosy cheeks, sweet breath and a healthy outlook. But, I’ll try not to get too caraway . . . get it, carried away . . . oh well, at least my pigeons won’t stray.