CARAWAY, A GREAT HERB FOR THE HERBALIST AND GARDENER WHO LIKES THE UNUSUAL! GREAT FOR COOKING AND FOR MEDICAL NEEDS, THERE ARE SO MANY USES! CARAWAY CAN CAUSE UNWANTED ISSUES IN SOME PEOPLE – PLEASE SEE THE SAFETY NOTE.

Caraway has a long history of cultivation, having been known and described by various ancient civilizations. The seeds of this plant have been found in Stone Age settlements and Egyptian tombs.

Caraway seeds contain 2-7% essential oil, with carvone making up 45-65% of it, along with smaller amounts of limonene, carveol, and other compounds. The seeds also have about 20% fatty oil. Wild caraway plants generally produce more oil than cultivated ones, resulting in a stronger flavor. Additionally, the leaves are rich in vitamins B and C, as well as iron.

Caraway has a range of medicinal properties, including antihistaminic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, and vermifuge effects. It has been traditionally used to alleviate toothaches and as a carminative. Caraway seed herbal tea is commonly used to treat digestive issues, heartburn, lack of appetite, and to expel worms. It is also thought to be beneficial for conditions like dyspepsia, hysteria, and as a stomach tonic.

The distilled water from caraway is used as a remedy for infantile flatulent colic, while a poultice made from powdered seeds is applied to wounds. The seeds, leaves, and roots are believed to stimulate glandular activity and enhance kidney function. Caraway seed infusions can help with digestion, menstrual cramps, and gas relief.

Caraway seed oil is sometimes consumed to help with bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The oil also contains an effective anthelmintic, particularly against hookworms.

Botanical Name: Carum carvi
Other Common Names: Carroway, carvies, karve, Persian cumin, wild cumin, carvi (French), alcaravea (Spanish), kummin (Swedish), Kümmel (German).
Habitat: Native to central Europe and western Asia, caraway is now commonly cultivated in Eastern Europe, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and North Africa, thriving in meadows.

Safety Note: The essential oil of caraway is not recommended for children under two years old due to potential skin and mucous membrane irritation. In high doses, the oil may cause abortion or be neurotoxic, so it should be avoided by pregnant women.

This information is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies to treat any medical conditions.

Grow Notes
Position in full sun to part shade in rich well-drained soils. Not suited to container growing due to their long taproot.

Use a liquid seaweed fertiliser every 3 weeks and mulch with a well-rotted compost once the seedlings show strong growth for best results.

Sow
Sow direct in early Autumn 1cm deep. If planted in Spring wait until the last frost has passed to plant, flowing will then occur its second year. Autumn planting, depending on growth may allow for first year flowers.

Water as needed to keep the soil moist but not wet.

Germination
7-14 days at 18-25°C. However, germination can be slow depending on the time of year planted, Autumn or early Spring may be slower till the soil warms sufficiently.

Maturity
In Spring of its second year, flowers form, attracting beneficial insects. Harvest the seed heads when light brown and plump, hang to dry in a well-ventilated spot. Thresh to remove seeds.