Caraway – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Saturday, July 22, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Caraway seeds are aromatic spices that are commonly used in traditional European cooking. The spice belongs to the Umbelliferae plant family, which includes other herbs and spices such as parsley, anise, cumin, and fennel. Caraway is cultivated across Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor regions. An article posted on VeryWell.com notes that while caraway seeds are commonly used as spice, the seeds are also sold as supplements to improve the body’s overall health.

List of known nutrients

Caraway contains some of the most beneficial nutrients that help stave off a plethora of adverse conditions. According to health and wellness website Nutrition and You, caraway is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals such as:

Beta-Carotene
Calcium
Carveol
Carvone
Copper
Cryptoxanthin
Folates
Iron
Limonene
Lutein
Magnesium
Manganese
Myrcene
Niacin
Phosphorus
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zeaxanthin
Zinc

Medicinal uses for caraway

Caraway seeds and their essential oils are best known for their beneficial effects to the digestive system. The superfood is found to relieve digestive issues such as dyspepsia, colic, and flatulence. Likewise, the aromatic spice may help improve symptoms of upset stomach, bloating, and stomach cramps as well as spasms, nausea, and vomiting. Caraway is also valued for its appetite-stimulating effects that improve the body’s overall digestion. Additionally, the flavorful spice is notably high in dietary fiber that help relieve constipation. Aside from these, both the seeds and oils contain anthelmintic properties that strengthen the stomach and kill parasitic hookworms.

The aromatic spice is also known to boost the body’s immunity against a variety of infections. The superfood contains antitussive properties that help treat cough, as well as disinfectant and antiseptic properties that address various diseases such as urinary tract infections. Likewise, infused caraway tea may be used to improve symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds.

In addition, caraway is valued for its positive effects on the cardiovascular system. The flavorful spice is known to strengthen cardiac muscles and reduce the odds of developing atherosclerosis. Likewise, caraway is found to help lower the body’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Aside from this, caraway is valued for its anti-inflammatory effects that help relieve various conditions including sciatica, lower back pain, and hemorrhoids as well as gout and arthritis.

Moreover, the superfood is notably effective in supporting the female reproductive system. The aromatic spice is found to improve the start and flow of menstruation. Caraway is also touted to ease symptoms associated with the menstrual process. Likewise, caraway tea has been traditionally used to boost milk production in nursing mothers.

Furthermore, essential oils from caraway can be used as a topical treatment to various skin injuries and diseases such as burns, boils, acne, and similar skin eruptions. The spice is also beneficial in keeping healthy, youthful skin. Additionally, caraway is known to improve oral health and eye condition.

Body systems supported by caraway

Caraway is particularly beneficial to the digestive, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Likewise, the superfood supports the urinary, respiratory and female reproductive system. The spice also promotes the skin and eye health.

Ways to use caraway

Caraway seeds are among the most versatile spices that can be used in a variety of recipes. The flavorful seeds can be incorporated in various baked goods such as breads, crackers and cookies. Caraway seeds are also a staple of savory meat dishes, particularly in roasts and goulash. Likewise, the spice can be added to soups and stews, salads and sauces. Online recipe curator AllRecipes.com includes some of the most interesting caraway recipes found on the web.