Caraway is a bi-annual herb that originated from Asia Minor, but is now cultivated in Northern Europe, Africa and Russia. It grows up to 60cm (2 feet) and has soft fern-like leaves, umbels of white/pink flowers and small brown fruit. The oil is used in India for parasites in a basti (enema) and is not commonly used in aromatherapy. However, Caraway also helps in mental clarity and alertness. It has a very heating and drying energy, with carminative, stimulant and antispasmodic effects, working on digestive tissues and scalp.
Caraway is a plant that has an interesting place in legend. Superstitions held that caraway had the power to prevent the theft of any object that contained the seed and to keep lovers from losing interest in one another.
Extraction of Caraway Oil
The essential oil of Caraway is extracted from the seeds of the caraway plant. Caraway is scientifically known as "Carum Carvi". Sometimes, it is also labeled with the scientific name "Apium Carvi".
Health Benefits of Caraway Oil
•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 up phlegm, improve control of urination, kill bacteria in the body, and relieve constipation.
•Women use caraway oil to start menstruation and relieve menstrual cramps; nursing mothers use it to increase the flow of breast milk.
•Caraway is used in mouthwashes and in skin rubs to improve local blood flow.
•Caraway oil is also used to flavour certain medications.
•It is also commonly used as a fragrance in toothpaste, soap, and cosmetics.
There are many other applications for caraway oil. Its external application can clear congestion in cases of cough and cold, makes the skin bright and fair, can cure inflammation of inner thighs and the areas around the genitals, as well as curing vitiligo, leprosy, rashes, acne, warts, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, vision loss, headache, backache, toothache, and hair loss. Its internal application is capable of curing nervousness and tension, fatigue, meningitis, loss of memory, diabetes, renal calculi, nausea, vomiting, heart diseases, impotency, hypertension, diarrhea, fever, insomnia and problems related to secretions from the endocrine glands. Regular intake of caraway oil is said to protect from all ailments and diseases and keep people healthy and looking young for a long time.
Caution: There are no inherent dangers to Caraway essential oil, except in some rare cases of irritation when a highly concentrated form was applied to the skin.
Blending: Caraway oil blends well with Dill , Fennel , Anise , Basil , Jasmine , Coriander, Frankincense, Chamomile, Ginger, Orange and Lavender Oils.
