Caraway Oil

Caraway is one of the oldest among many essential oils that is known for its culinary uses, medicinal benefit, and importance in cosmetics and perfumery. The caraway plant belongs to the plant family Umbelliferae, a flowering plant with about three thousand species and grows favorably in temperate climate. The usual Caraway plant grows about 2 ft, a sturdy but has hollow, straight stems with carrot-like leaves and the umbels of small flowers are followed by the fruits which are commonly known as seeds, and are the main source of essential oil. The oil is extracted from the roots and the composition depends with the age of the plant.

Qualities and Properties

1. Anti-histaminic

2. Antiseptic Astringent

3. Antispasmodic

4. Disinfectant

5. Diuretic

Uses and Benefits

1. It is used as seasoning or spice. In Germany they use the seeds in making sausages, pate, rye and breads, or in beetroot dishes, cabbage dishes and even meat casseroles.

2. Caraway plants with young fruits are greatly regarded as herbal hay which boosts milk yield to produce quality in dairy cattle.

3. The young leaves and the roots can be used as vegetables and can be eaten raw or cooked.

4. It can be used as butter and spread on bread when mixed with aniseed and fennel.

5. It is an excellent cure for all kinds of digestive problems such as flatulence, pain, dyspepsia, colic and colitis and the oil is regarded as a mild antiseptic.

6. Caraway oil is used in soap and perfumery industry. In the past they use the seeds to scent drawers and clothes to drive away moths and used to scent soaps.

7. It helps relieve mental strain and emotional fatigue, and aids in digestion digestive, urinary system and clears the respiratory system.

8. Caraway is safe and effective for relief of colic in young children

Chemical Contents

1. Acetaldehyde

2. Cumuninic Aldehyde

3. Carvone

4. Furfurol

5. Limonene