Caraway is a traditional Ayurveda spice that has been used in Indian cooking for centuries. In America, its seeds are frequently sprinkled on top of dark rye bread. In Ayurveda Medicine, caraway is used for digestive problems including: vomiting, IBS and indigestion, low appetite, dysentery, diarrhea, bloating or gas, dysmenorrhea, nervous disorders, anorexia, emesis, flatulence, abdomen pain and constipation (26).
In research, caraway extract lowered the biochemical indicators of stress and exhibited nootropic activities, indicating that it may be useful in combating stress-induced disorders (27).
Studies have demonstrated an antispasmodic effect attributed to peppermint/caraway oil preparations. The exact mechanism of action is not well understood, and the effects of caraway alone in these studies are unclear (28).
REFERENCES
- The Bhavprakashnighanut with elaborated Hindi commentary by Padmashri prof. K.C. Chunekar, edited by Dr. G.S. Pandey: edition of 1998: verse 81-85, page no-30-32. Interpreted by Dr. Vikram Chauhan. http://www.planetayurveda.com/library/caraway-carum-carvi.
- Koppula S, Kopalli SR, and et al. Adaptogenic and nootropic activities of aqueous extracts of Carum carvi Linn (caraway) fruit: an experimental study in Wistar rats. Aust J Med Herbalism. 2009;21(3):72-78.
- Forster HB, Niklas H, Lutz S. Antispasmodic effects of some medicinal plants. Planta Med. 1980;40:309-319.
