Caraway Seeds probiotic for a Healthy Gut!
Caraway Seed - Carum carvi L.
Origin: Brazil
Used part: Seed
Description:
Caraway, sometimes referred to as Meridian Fennel of Persian Cumin, is a biennial flowering plant in the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family. The Apiaceae family includes celery, carrot, fennel, and parsley varieties, notable for their hollow stems and aromatic qualities. Caraway is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It grows wild in damp meadows, pastures, and roadsides. The caraway plant has also been widely cultivated.
As a biennial plant, caraway won’t mature (produce fruit) until the second growing season, though its leaves in the first year can be a nice addition to a soup or salad. The caraway plant can grow up to three feet tall, with delicate, feathery leaves. Caraway will bloom white or pink flowers from May to July before producing its fruit.
Caraway seeds are not seeds at all. The caraway plant produces its seeds in achenes. Achenes are a type of fruit defined by its simple, dried form – and that they contain only one seed. So technically, the “seeds” we use from the caraway plant are an achene, or fruit. The fruit (and leaves) of the caraway plant are very similar to other plants in the celery family, which is why caraway is sometimes confused with fennel or cumin.
Health benefits:
Caraway has been a valued spice throughout history. Hosts would lavish caraway seeds on their guests to show appreciation and generosity. Caraway seeds are valued as both a healing culinary spice and a medicinal plant. Caraway promote overall balance and clear thinking. Those who include caraway in their diet would experience improved health, a greater sense of well-being, and renewed vitality.
For conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, caraway helps rebuild intestinal flora and yeast. Caraway also has some antimicrobial properties that may support the development of beneficial intestinal bacteria, such as bifidobacteria, a common ingredient in probiotics, while fighting off bacteria like streptococcus.
In Germany, caraway’s primary medicinal uses are for the relief of cramps and for probiotic and antimicrobial benefits within the digestive system. Caraway improves digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices and improving circulation of blood and intestinal mucus through the stomach. Caraway improves overall digestion, which tends to reduce bloating and flatulence, and help stimulate a healthy appetite. The natural probiotic effect also helps rebuild healthy intestinal flora.
Caraway has also received official recognition in treating Roemhild syndrome, a condition involving anxiety and panic attacks arising from chest pains derived from large accumulations of gas in the stomach and intestines. Among caraway seeds health benefits, caraway has also been shown to resolve mild lung conditions. It’s recommended using caraway seasoning regularly in foods for people with asthma. In addition, whether used with a warm towel on the forehead, or in tea, caraway is an effective home remedy for headaches and migraines. In infants, caraway helps facilitate the digestion of breast mild and simultaneously promotes lactation for the mother during breast-feeding. For infants, add one tablespoon to the bottle.
Good Herbal Remedy:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Relaxing effect
- Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome relief
- Improves overall digestion
- Stimulate a healthy appetite
- Resolve mild lung conditions
- Headaches relief
- Anti-stress solution
Directions:
Use caraway seeds to improve the taste of certain vegetables. Put a teaspoon of caraway seeds into a piece of muslin. Tie the muslin with string. Place this bag into the boiling water for cabbage and cauliflower. The caraway seeds will add flavour, as well as lessening the odour of the vegetables during cooking.
Contraindications:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s possibly unsafe to take caraway in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. Caraway oil has been used to start menstruation, and this might cause a miscarriage. Don' t use it. Not enough is known about the safety of using caraway during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Diabetes: There is a concern that caraway might lower blood sugar. If you have diabetes and use caraway, watch your blood sugar carefully. The dose of the medications you use for diabetes might need to be adjusted.