Caraway's therapeutic uses
Caraway, a natural herb commonly known for its seeds, has been utilized for various therapeutic purposes, particularly related to digestive health. Traditionally used as a carminative, it is believed to help alleviate dyspepsia (nonspecific indigestion) and intestinal gas. Historical records indicate its medicinal use dates back to ancient Egypt, and it has been employed in Europe since the Middle Ages. While research supporting caraway's effectiveness is limited primarily to combination products, some studies suggest it may effectively treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and general digestive discomfort.
Typical therapeutic dosages involve taking caraway essential oil in small amounts, usually three times daily. There is also emerging evidence of its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with some studies hinting at its benefits for conditions such as periodontal disease and canker sores. However, the evidence for these uses remains inconclusive. While caraway is generally considered safe when consumed in recommended amounts, caution is advised, as concentrated forms can be harmful, especially for young children and certain populations. Overall, caraway presents a rich history of therapeutic use, with ongoing interest in its broader health benefits.
Caraway's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Dyspepsia (nonspecific indigestion), intestinal gas
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Irritable bowel syndrome, canker sores, periodontal disease, appetite stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Overview
Caraway has a long history of use as a “carminative,” an herb said to relieve gas pain. Egyptian records mention caraway for digestive problems, and the herb has been used in Europe for this purpose since at least the Middle Ages. The seeds, in the form of their essential oil, are the part of the plant used medicinally.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of caraway is 0.05 to 0.2 milliliters of the essential oil, taken three times daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove a treatment effective, and thus far, such studies on caraway alone have been limited. Preliminary studies on caraway alone do appear to show its effectiveness in treating indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. However, double-blind studies reporting on combination products containing caraway oil for the treating dyspepsia (nonspecific stomach distress) have been more plentiful.
For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of thirty-nine people found that an enteric-coated peppermint oil and caraway oil combination taken three times daily by mouth for four weeks significantly reduced dyspepsia pain compared with a placebo. Of the treatment group, 63.2 percent of participants were pain-free after four weeks, compared with 25 percent of the placebo group. In other double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, a combination of caraway, bitter candytuft, feverfew, peppermint leaves, licorice root, and lemon balm also proved effective for dyspepsia.
An additional double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 118 people found that the combination of peppermint and caraway oil was about as effective as the standard drug cisapride (a drug used for dyspepsia that is no longer available). After four weeks, the herbal combination reduced dyspepsia pain by 69.7 percent, whereas the conventional treatment reduced pain by 70.2 percent. Finally, a preparation of peppermint, caraway, fennel, and wormwood oil was compared with the drug metoclopramide in a double-blind study enrolling sixty people. After seven days, 43.3 percent of the treatment group was pain-free, compared with 13.3 percent of the metoclopramide group.
Far weaker evidence hints that caraway extracts may have anticancer, antibacterial, and antidiabetic actions. However, the evidence for these potential benefits is far too weak to rely on. More research emerged in the 2010s that looked at the benefits of caraway as an isolated supplement, and these reported caraway to have anti-inflammatory properties that aided in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Other studies confirmed caraway’s digestive benefits. Teas made from caraway are recommended for periodontal disease and canker sores. However, there is no meaningful supporting evidence for any of these uses.
Other potential therapeutic uses for caraway include as an appetite stimulant, to relieve menstrual cramps, for lactation support, and for respiratory health.
Safety Issues
Caraway is generally regarded as safe when used in recommended doses. However, essential oils can be toxic to very young children, and excessive doses could also be dangerous for adults. Maximum safe dosages in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established.
Bibliography
Butler, Natalie. "Everything You Need to Know about Caraway." Healthline, 6 Dec. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/caraway. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
"Caraway: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews." WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-204/caraway. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
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Iacobellis, N. S., et al. "Antibacterial Activity of Cuminum Cyminum L. and Carum Carvi L. Essential Oils." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 53, 2005, pp. 57-61, doi: 10.1021/jf0487351.
Madisch, A., et al. "Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia with a Herbal Preparation." Digestion, vol. 69, no. 1, 2004, pp. 45-52, doi: 10.1159/000076546.
Singh, G., et al. "Studies on Essential Oils: Part 10–Antibacterial Activity of Volatile Oils of Some Spices." Phytotherapy Research, vol. 16, 2002, pp. 680-682, doi: 10.1002/ptr.951.