Caraway
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Botanical Name |
Carum carvi |
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Family |
Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) |
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Other Names |
Apium carvi, caraway fruits, caraway seeds, carum, wild cumin |
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Habitat |
Fields, roadsides, waste ground |
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Description |
Annual/Biennial, hairless. Average growing height 60 cm/24 in Smooth, furrowed stems. Finely cut leaves and large umbels of white flowers May- June |
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Native to |
Europe, Siberia, Turkey, Asia, India, North Africa, parts of North America |
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Part Used |
Seeds |
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Cultivation |
Sow seeds late summer or early autumn. Well-drained soil, full sun. Thin to 20cm apart |
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Harvesting |
Collect the flowers in July and leave to ripen |
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Preserving |
Hang the heads somewhere dry so the seeds can drop into a container. Keep in a closed container somewhere dry and dark. The leaves do not freeze well but can be used fresh in soups and salads |
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Actions |
Antihistaminic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperitif, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, larvicidal, stimulant, spasmolytic, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge |
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Extraction |
Steam distillation of dried seed or fruit |
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Constituents |
Up to 6% volatile oils including carvone, limonene, dihydrocarvone, carveol, dihydrocarveol, pinene, thujune, anethofuran. Fatty oil, tannin. P-menthane triols. Flavonoids –quercetin derivatives |
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Traditional uses |
Dyspepsia, menstrual cramps, laryngitis, bronchitis |
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Culinary Uses |
Breads, cakes, cheese, soups, stews, pork, liver |
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Combines with |
Aniseed, chamomile, cinnamon, peppermint |
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Respiratory |
Bronchitis, laryngitis, coughs |
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Digestive |
Digestion, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence |
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Immune |
Colds |
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Other Notes |
Name from Karaways meaning seeds The seeds are used in rye bread, cheeses, liquors and cakes May have been used by mankind since 3000BC |
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Caution |
Essential oil: Can cause dermal irritation. Use with care |