286 Handbook of herbs and spices
∑ mildly antibacterial and antifungal
∑ antidyspepsic
∑ emmenogogues and lactogogues
The seeds of Carum carvi are like those of many other umbelliferous plants, aromatic
and stimulant and are perhaps the most commonly used of any and are excellent
carminatives and stomachics. Caraway fruit is mentioned by pharmacopoeias of
numerous European countries, the USA and others, and most of all is used as a
component of herbal mixtures recommended as digestives, carminatives and
galactagogues. According to Chevalier, (2001), the seeds are expectorant and tonic
and are frequently used in bronchitis and cough remedies, especially those for children.
Different caraway preparations solely (Lutomski and Alkiewicz, 1993; Ozarowski
and Jaroniewski, 1987) and or in composition with other herbs and spices (Sadowska
and Obidoska, 1998) are given in Table 15.4.
The other important functional properties reported for the caraway seed and essential
oil are as antiflatulents and antispasmodics. In colic and gastrodynia, a few drops of
this oil or half a teaspoonful of the seeds are sovereign remedies. A liniment formed
by adding a few drops of this oil to a small quantity of olive oil is rubbed over the pit
of stomach or the abdomen in cases of colic (George, 1996). Being antispasmodic,
the seeds soothe the digestive tract, acting directly on the intestinal muscles to relieve
colic and gripping as well as bloating and flatulence. The presence of d-limonene and
d-carvone probably contribute towards caraway’s antispasmodic action. Duke et al.,
(2002) have mentioned ED 5O caraway oil as a confirmed antispasmodic when used
at a dose of 20 mg/l. In a study tablets containing a combination of 100 mg of each
of peppermint leaves, caraway and fennel fruits, and 30 mg gentian root were
administered to patients with idiopathic dyspepsia. In the first study, administration
of three, six or nine tablets (or a placebo) to patients with acute symptoms immediately
after a meal showed that three tablets were sufficient to reduce these after an hour. In
the second, patients with chronic symptoms were each given two tablets three times
a day for 14 days, or a placebo. Relief was obtained in the experimental patients after
a week, with a further improvement in the second week (Uehleke et al., 2002). The
enteric-coated combination preparation consisting of (2x1 capsules containing
90 mg peppermint oil + 50 mg caraway oil) per day as compared with cisapride,
provide an effective means for treatment of functional dyspepsia (Madisch et al.,
1999; Freise and Kohler, 1999).
Caraway is recommended as a remedy for digestive tract disorders like flatulence,
eructation, stomach aches, constipation, lack of appetite and nausea. In small children
caraway is used to treat flatulence and stomach aches, in the elderly for bile flow
disorders, intestinal atony and vegetative neurosis (Ozarowski and Jaroniewski, 1987).
Fruits of caraway ingested orally produce an effect on the digestive tract, bile ducts,
liver and kidneys. They have spasmolytic properties, bile ducts and the sphincter
regulating the flow of bile and pancreatic juices to the duodenum. They act as a
cholagogue and increase the secretion of gastric juices, which results in appetite and
digestion stimulation.
The use of caraway fruits by breast-feeding women and bovines favours milk
secretion and enhances lactation and has an indirect, beneficial effect on the baby’s
digestive system, because of the antigripping quality present in it. The component
acting as a galactagogue in caraway seed has not been identified but limonene and
carvone, the main components of caraway seed having antigripping qualities, were
found in the essential oils of goat milk when goats had consumed 3.5 g caraway seeds