Carried Away with Caraway (Carum carvi) by Tricia Ambroziak, NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®

This article originally appeared in the NAHA Journal (Autumn 2024.3) and it is re-published here according to the NAHA Writer Guidelines 2022 copyright statement.

Most of us probably think of caraway (Carum carvi) as a familiar part of rye bread. But this “seed” (more about this misnomer later) has a long history of both culinary and medicinal traditions well beyond rye bread. Let’s get to know caraway beyond its “pastrami on rye” fame.

Botany and Distribution

C. carvi also known as Persian cumin and meridian fennel, is an herbaceous, biennial of the Apiaceae family whose leaves, “seeds,” and roots are edible. Caraway (Carum carvi) is native to temperate Eurasia from Spain, but not Portugal, Western China and most of Russia.¹ Caraway (Carum carvi) has also been introduced to other parts of Europe, Greenland, and North Africa and can be found growing in meadows, along roadsides, and fields.

It looks similar to other members of the carrot (Apiaceae) family, with feathery leaves growing on long 20 – 30 cm (8 – 12 in) stems with small white or pink flowers arranged in 5-16 compound umbels. Although the part most often associated with caraway (Carum carvi) are its “seeds,” these are actually a fruit or flattened, crescent-shaped, mericarp about 3 mm (1/8 in) long.

The fruits are ridged and aromatic when crushed. Caraway (Carum carvi) like carrot (Daucus carota) has a taproot system. Its main root averages about 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter, is whitish-brown, and lightly branched.² Flowers appear in summer with seeds ripening in late summer.

Caraway (Carum carvi) prefers well drained soil and full sun or partial shade. In addition to attracting pollinating bees the flowers can also attract parasitic wasps which may help reduce garden pests such as aphids.

From Culinary Staple, Water of Life, to Perfumer’s Pallet: Investigating the Timeless Power of Caraway

Dioscorides, a Greek physician and botanist first called caraway Carum in reference to the district in which it was grown. The Romans referred to it as carvi from which the Latin name Carum carvi is derived.³

Caraway (Carum carvi) is believed to have been cultivated and consumed in Europe longer than any other spice and has an extensive history of culinary use dating back to the Middle Ages from Sicily to Scandinavia.⁴

Caraway (Carum carvi) was enjoyed in ancient Greek recipes and Dioscorides also recommended the “seed” for its health benefits. In modern use caraway (Carum carvi) finds its way into sauerkraut, breads, cakes, salad, pickles, meats, cheeses, liqueurs, and even desserts – such as caraway (Carum carvi) pudding, a special treat enjoyed during Ramadan.⁵

In addition to the fruit, the leaves and roots can be consumed but are not generally available in markets. The leaves, like the “seeds,” are spicy and can be used in soups, salads, or stews. The roots are similar to parsnips and can be prepared like other root vegetables.

Caraway (Carum carvi) is an essential ingredient in the distilled spirit, akvavit or aquavit, which is derived from the Latin aqua vitae meaning “water of life.” It is typically distilled from potatoes or grain and, like gin, flavored with botanicals. The dominant flavor must be caraway (Carum carvi) or dill (Anethum graveolens) or a combination of both. It may also contain cumin (Cuminum cyminum), cardamom (Amomum subulatum), anise (Pimpinella anisum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), or even amber.

The spicy, intense aroma of caraway (Carum carvi) has been used by niche perfumers to create layers of spicy, exotic, aromatic warmth and a hint of mystery. The oil is used to fragrance soaps, lotions, shampoos, and other cosmetics.

Ethnomedicinal, Traditional, and Modern Uses of C. carvi 

As an herb caraway (Carum carvi) is often used for digestive support. It reportedly increases digestive secretions, can help ease inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and help ease feelings of nausea due to medications.⁶

C. carvi is useful in cases of halitosis and lack of appetite. Considered a warming astringent, it can have a balancing effect on the body, warming tense areas and tightening loose areas.⁶ 

In Greek medicine, caraway (Carum carvi) is touted as one of the “four great hot seeds” alongside fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), anise (Pimpinella anisum), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) in regard to their ability to stimulate digestion.⁶

Caraway (Carum carvi) is thought to stimulate appetite. It reportedly increases gastric secretions and promotes bile production to support a healthy appetite and digestion. It can also ease flatulence and relax spasms of the digestive system.^7,8

In the Middle East C. carvi is a popular weight loss aid.⁹ Herbalist Matthew Wood notes that the volatile and fixed oils of caraway (Carum carvi) have an affinity for the digestion of fatty foods and lipid metabolism.⁶ In a 90-day clinical study with 70 subjects, those consuming 30mL of a caraway (Carum carvi) extract daily lost significant amounts of weight as compared to the placebo group without changes to diet or physical activity.¹⁰

C. carvi is also noted for its antimicrobial activity and has a history of topical use. Phenolic extracts of caraway (Carum carvi) have displayed antibacterial and antioxidant effects, while alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed a high level of antimicrobial effects against E. coli and the fungus Aspergillus niger.^11,12

English botanist and herbalist Nicholas Culpeper records the traditional use of a caraway (Carum carvi) seed powder poultice applied to bruises as well as the use of crushed or fried seeds placed in a hot cloth to ease gas pains.¹³

In modern studies, a C. carvi poultice made with caraway (Carum carvi) essential oil diluted in olive (Olea europaea) oil was explored for its potential in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study found that a little over half of those using the caraway (Carum carvi) essential oil poultice had adequate relief and a significant difference in symptom management as compared to the control group.¹⁴

Other traditional uses of caraway (Carum carvi) include its use in regulating fertility and as an aphrodisiac, as an emmenagogue and antispasmodic to ease menstrual discomfort, and as a galactagogue to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers.^7-,9

 C. carvi has also been used to soothe bronchial spasms and for asthma given its expectorant action. It has been used for cases of pneumonia as well as a gargle for a sore throat, particularly in the case of inflammation and irritation.^6,7,8                     

As an herb caraway (Carum carvi) can be used in food, as a tea, tincture, or poultice. Herbalist David Hoffman suggests 1 tsp. of crushed seeds per 8-oz. of water steeped ten to fifteen minutes one to three times daily for tea. He recommends 1- 4mL of tincture (1:5 in 40%) three times daily. Caraway (Carum carvi) can also be easily found in capsule form.

Likewise, the essential oil is available in gel capsules, often combined with peppermint (Mentha × piperita) essential oil in enteric coated capsules for gastrointestinal tract support.

Therapeutically it can be used in diffuser and inhaler blends as well as topically diluted in carrier oils or lotion (see further on for inspiration and usage guidelines).

The hydrosol is not as easy to find as the essential oil but can likely be beneficial in supporting digestive health, freshening the breath, as a throat gargle, or easing muscle aches or spasms.

Therapeutic Benefits and Uses of C. carvi Essential Oil and Hydrosol

Herbalist David Hoffmann reports C. carvi constituents include aromatic oils rich in carvone and limonene, flavonoids (mostly quercetin derivatives), polysaccharides, proteins, fixed oils, and calcium oxalate.⁷

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of the essential oil suggests it typically consists of 47.3-59.5 % carvone and 36.9-48.8% limonene with smaller amounts of other aromatic molecules such as β-myrcene.¹⁵

Carvone has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, liver protective, and sedative properties.¹⁶

Limonene offers many similar benefits and is antioxidant, vasorelaxant, and a skin penetration enhancer as well.¹⁷

Although GCMS data for the hydrosol is not readily available it is imaginable that carvone and small amounts of limonene would find their way into the aromatic waters.

The essential oil has a spicy, sweet, licorice-like aroma. It is not widely used in aromatherapy but can be a useful ally when combined with other essential oils.

As an herb, C. carvi is often touted for its support of digestive health. In aromatherapy it is typically used topically alongside other antispasmodic essential oils such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), cardamom (Amomum subulatum), or Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), diluted in carrier oil or unscented lotion to ease cramps, digestive distress, or assist slow digestion.

Its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties make it an interesting addition to massage oils, bath products, or topical blends to ease muscle and joint aches (see the blend in this article for inspiration).

Caraway (Carum carvi) essential oil also supports respiratory health and may be helpful in cases of bronchitis, coughing, or colds. Try adding it to a steam blend, diffuser blend, inhaler, or chest rub (see blend in this article for inspiration).

C. carvi essential oil is also noted for its ability to repel insects and would be a welcome addition to natural repellant sprays. Try combining it with essential oils like peppermint (Mentha × piperita) or lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citronella) in blends to deter pests.

The hydrosol can be useful undiluted as a throat gargle or to freshen the breath as well as in blends to support muscle aches or respiratory complaints.

As you can see, with caraway (Carum carvi) there’s more to it than meets the rye. I hope you enjoyed getting a little carried away with caraway (Carum carvi) and learning about its history, botany, and benefits.

Easy Does it Massage Oil

When I was enrolled in a circulatory massage course, the school sold a massage oil that included lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil. As an aromatherapist I knew that I could create aromatic massage oils with a palate of essential oils that could deepen the experience. Creating a massage oil with caraway (Carum carvi) essential oil for your clients can add a unique experience to your practice. This blend is also perfect as an abdominal massage oil to ease digestive distress. Lavender – we love you, but there’s a new oil in town. This formulation makes about 100g (3.6-oz.).

Equipment:

4-oz. glass bottle with cap

Gloves

Medium beaker (250 – 400mL)

Glass or metal stir rod

Funnel

Label

Carrier Oil:

98 g (3.5-oz.) jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

Essential Oils:

0.25g (6 drops) Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

0.5g (11 drops) ginger (Zingiber officinale)

1g (22 drops) sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

0.25g (6 drops) caraway (Carum carvi)

To Make:

Add jojoba oil to beaker. Add essential oils to jojoba and mix well with stir rod. Use funnel to add blend to bottle. Cap and add label.

To Use: Apply an ample amount of oil to palms, rub palms together, and massage desired area. Repeat as needed.

Cautions: For adult use only. Oxidized essential oils may cause sensitization. Avoid eye area. Use for short periods of time.

Breathe Easy Respiratory Blend

This combination of essential oils is useful against respiratory issues and is useful also for digestive support and supporting a more relaxed mood. It can be diffused, used in an inhaler blend, or added to lotion or oil and used as a chest or abdominal rub. This synergy blend makes 10mL.

Equipment:

10 – 15mL euro dropper bottle

Gloves

Label

Essential Oils:

2mL balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

2mL caraway (Carum carvi)

2mL sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

2mL lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

2mL frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

To Make: Add essential oils to euro dropper bottle, cap, and gently mix to blend. Label.

To Use: Add the synergy blend to a diffuser, add 15 – 20 drops to a blank inhaler, or add 10 – 12 drops per one ounce of unscented lotion or carrier oil to create a chest or belly rub.

Cautions: For adult use only. Oxidized essential oils may cause sensitization. Use for short periods of time.

References:

1.     Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew website, Carum carvi, accessed from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:839677-1

2.    Neméth, É. (Ed.). (1999). Caraway: The genus Carum. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

3.    Debaggio, T., & Tucker, A.O. (2009). The encyclopedia of herbs: A comprehensive reference to herbs of flavor and fragrance. Portland, OR: Timber Press.

4.    Neméth, É. (Ed.). (1999). Caraway: The genus Carum. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

5.    Kazemipoor, M., & Cordell, G. (2015). Clinical effects of caraway, a traditional medicine for weight loss. In P.K. Mukherjee (Ed.), Evidence-based validation of herbal medicine (pp. 339-362). Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800874-4.00016-7

6.    Wood, M. (2008). The earthwise herbal: A complete guide to old world medicinal plants. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

7.     Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

8.    Mahboubi, M. (2019). Caraway as important medicinal plants in management of diseases. Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 9(1), 1-11. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13659-018-0190-x

9.    Kazemipoor, M., & Cordell, G. (2015). Clinical effects of caraway, a traditional medicine for weight loss. In P.K. Mukherjee (Ed.), Evidence-based validation of herbal medicine (pp. 339-362). Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800874-4.00016-7

10. Kazemipoor, M., Radzi, C.W., Hajifaraji, M., Haerian, B.S., Mosaddegh, M.H., & Cordell, G.A. (2013). Antiobesity effect of caraway extract on overweight and obese women: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, Article ID 928582. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/928582

11.  Thippeswamy, N.B., Naidu, A., & Achur, R.N (2013). Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of phenolic extract from Carum carvi L. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 7(4), 352-357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopr.2013.03.028

12.  Gupta, A., Dubey, M., Parmar, M., Mahajan, S., & Sharma, R. (2011). Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Carum carvi (seeds) extract against E. coli and Aspergillus niger. Drug Intervention Today, 3(9), 211-213.

13.  Culpeper, N. (2007). Culpeper’s complete herbal: A book of natural remedies for ancient ills. Hertfordshire, United Kingdom: Wordsworth Editions (Original work published 1653).

14.  Lauche, R., Janzen, A., Lüdtke, R., Cramer, H., Dobos, G., & Langhorst, J. (2015). Efficacy of caraway oil poultices in treating irritable bowel syndrome–A randomized controlled cross-over trial. Digestion, 92(1), 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1159/000398790

15.  Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2014), Essential Oil Safety, China: Elsevier.

16.  Component Database from the Aromahead Institute website, Carvone, accessed from https://components.aromahead.com/oil-components/view/53/ (Paid access only).

About Tricia Ambroziak

Patricia (Tricia) Ambroziak is a certified aromatherapist and cosmetic formulator. She has been blessed with 30 years of marriage and is mom to two amazing young adults. She enjoys exploring the wonder and power of plants, herbs, hydrosols, and essential oils and their role in supporting wellness. She is the owner of Aromatic Formulations and formulates products for several local small businesses. You can also find her products online at her website, in Old Town Temecula at Be Kekoa Apothecary, Pure Silk Skincare and Beauty Boutique, and on Amazon Handmade.  When she’s not formulating, she enjoys reading, taking classes, spending time with family and friends, and staying active in sunny, Southern California. To learn more about Tricia visit her website at AromaticFormulations.com