Caraway (Carum carvi)

Caraway (Carum carvi) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and Central Asia. Traditionally, its fruits, seeds, and leaves have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its carminative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Caraway (Carum carvi) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Caraway (Carum carvi) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Caraway
Scientific Name	Carum carvi
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Carum
Species	carvi
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, Central Asia
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Seeds, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Carum carvi
Common Name: Caraway
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Wild Cumin, Love-In-A-Mist, Wild Caraway
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Carum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Bipinnate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Umbellate inflorescences bearing white to pale yellow flowers with five ovate petals, actinomorphic symmetry, and a prominent central tube surrounded by five distinct lobes.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ridged, and terete, the stems are upright, unbranched, and exhibit a smooth surface with longitudinal lines.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Culinary Use

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: Commonly referenced as a calming carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Antispasmodic: As described in traditional systems, a warming antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a cooling anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Expectorant: Historically regarded as a gentle expectorant, for airway-related applications.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.