Caraway

A small herb growing to 60cm with green stalks, feathery leaves and tufted, pinkish white flowers.

Thirty species make up this genus of biennials and perennials, which is found in Europe, N Africa, and temperate Asia. The most important herb in the genus is C. carvi (caraway), which occurs in damp grassland and disturbed ground. It was used in the Middle East for 5,000 years before reaching Europe in the 13th century. The typical smell of caraway is produced by carvone, which forms 40-63 percent of the volatile oil of in the seeds. Various herbs were once included in the genus Carum including Petroselinum crispum (See, parsley), formerly known as C. petroselinum, and Trachyspermum ammi, (see, ajowan), formerly known as Carum copticum. Carum roxburghianum (ajmud) is grown in parts of Asia for its seeds, which are used in curries and kecap (Indonesian soy sauce). Carum is named after Caria, and ancient region of Asia Minor that corresponds to present-day southern Aydin and western Mugla in Turkey.

Erect biennial with a spindle-shaped tap root, hollow stems and deeply-divided, fern-like leaves, 8-15cm (3-6in) long. Tiny, white- to pink-rayed flowers are produced in umbels 4cm (1½:in) across in summer, followed by aromatic 5-ribbed fruits, to 6mm (¼in) long.

Common Name:	Caraway
Botanical Name:	Carum carvi
Genus:	Carum
Family:	Apiaceae
Native Location:	Europe, Western Asia, Germany, Holland, Russia, Scandinavia, United States
Cultivation:	Well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Caraway tolerates heavy soils. Flowers attract parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids.
Propagation:	By seed sown in situ in spring or early autumn. Does not transplant well. Self-seeds in suitable conditions.
Harvest:	Leaves and roots are gathered to be used fresh as vegetables. Seeds are gathered as they ripen and are dried for use in infusions, pills, and tinctures. Oil is distilled commercially for flavoring and pharmaceutical products.
Height:	60-90cm (2-3ft)
Width:	30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z3-9
Extraction:	Steam Distillation
Parts Used:	Leaves, roots, seeds, oil
Color and Odor:	The essential oil is pale yellow in color and has a sweet, sharp, slightly spicy aroma.
Background:	Know to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The seeds are popular in Arab and Northern European countries as a flavoring in baking and pastries, especially in rye breads. Caraway is also a main ingredient of the German Liqueur, "Kummel".
Properties:	Carminative, digestive, diuretic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, stimulant and tonic. A pungently aromatic, stimulant herb that reduces gastrointestinal and uterine spasms, and encourages productive coughing.
Planet:	Mercury.
Element:	Air.
Magical Influences:	Conscious mind, Physical energy, Love.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for indigestion, gas, colic (especially in children), hiatus hernia, stomach ulcer, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and bronchitis. Externally as a gargle for laryngitis. Added to laxatives to reduce griping and to various products for digestive problems. Seeds are chewed for relief of indigestion.
Uses:	Digestive Sytem—Tonic to the digestive tract. Helps with indigestion by stimulating the intestinal walls and easing spasms caused by flatulence. Urinary System—Promotes the flow of urine and encourages the flushing of toxins. Reproductive Sytem—Promotes menstruation and also lactation. Skin—Effective in tissue regeneration, helping with bruises. Also useful for skin problems such as acne, boils, and scabies. Emotions—Stimulating and refreshing to the mind, caraway enhances alertness and strengthens the memory. It eases mental strain and fatigue, replenishing lost energy.
Blends:
DIGESTIVE URINARY REPRODUCTIVE Caraway 6 Caraway 6 Caraway 5 Black Pepper 4 Juniper 4 Fennel 3 Ginger 2 Rosemary 3 Rosemary 2 SKIN EMOTION Caraway 5 Caraway 5 Chamomile (R) 4 Palmarose 4 lemon 3 Basil 3
Culinary Uses:	Leaves have a mild parsley-dill flavor, pleasant in soups and salads. Roots may be cooked as a vegetable. Seeds are especially popular in Jewish cuisine and in the cuisines of N and E Europe, flavoring cakes and bread (notably rye bread), goulash, cabbage, sauerkraut, sausages, cheese, cooked apples, liqueur (such as kümmel), and spirits (schnapps); also sugar-coated as "sugar plums".
Economic Uses:	Oil is used in perfumery and for flavoring ice cream, candy, pickles, and soft drinks.
Bibliography:	Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 72-73 Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1989 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. Pg 67 Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 157