culinary, medicinal & skin care uses of caraway
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Properties:
Planetary Ruler: Mercury |
culinary
Caraway has a mild aniseed flavour which is very popular in sweet breads, cakes and biscuits. The liquorice flavour of caraway also works well in savoury soups, stews, casseroles, and curries, and is commonly used in traditional German dishes, such as saurkraut.
medicinal / remedies
A syrup made from caraway seeds is beneficial as an expectorant, and soothes coughs and sore throats. Caraway seeds are renowned for aiding digestion, and can be chewed to freshen breath. Caraway macerated in a carrier oil or balm can also be used externally as a gentle massage to soothe stomach discomfort. Caraway is most commonly used in a herbal tea to soothe a variety of stomach upsets, including heartburn, flatulence and diarrhea. In particular, caraway tea is very beneficial in reducing spasms, and easing the pain and discomfort of colic in infants, young children and adults. Read how to make caraway tea on our Caraway tea for colic page.
skin care
Caraway is antioxidant and can be used in a natural facial steam blend, and when added to face masks and scrubs, acts as a gentle exfoliant. A cooled caraway tea rinse conditions the scalp and hair. In a diluted herb vinegar, the antiseptic, antibacterial properties of caraway help cleanse and tone oily skin, and help to relieve itchy skin conditions.
folklore
Traditionally, caraway has been used in sachets and blends to protect, keep things close to home, and deter theft. Caraway has also been used in bedtime blends to encourage dreams and divination.
Important consideration & cautions:
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.