- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, Africa (North)
- Sanskrit
- Krishna jira
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Folk magic and herbal magic
Europe · Herb · № 214
Carum carvi
Herb · Europe
Caraway
Carum carvi
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, aromatic, stomachic, stimulating, promotes milk flow; for flatulence and intestinal cramps, corrects nausea-inducing medicines, scabies.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Powder of the fruits 0.5–1 g; oil as a flavouring; oil in castor oil against scabies.
Use in traditions
Caraway seed is one of the oldest spices in Europe and has been found in Neolithic pile dwellings. It is used in rye bread, cheese and Kümmel liqueur and chewed after heavy meals against wind. In Ayurveda it is called krishna jira, 'black cumin'. Sanskrit name: Krishna jira. In herbal magic associated with health, mental powers, protection and fidelity.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Carminative, aromatic, stomachic, stimulating, promotes milk flow; for flatulence and intestinal cramps, corrects nausea-inducing medicines, scabies.
Preparation and amount
Powder of the fruits 0.5–1 g; oil as a flavouring; oil in castor oil against scabies.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Health, mental powers, protection, fidelity, against theft.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Seed in garden sachets against rodents; in protection sachets in the house.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen