Caraway

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Carum carvi
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Seeds
Chemicals this herb contains:
Carveo
Carvone, as volatile oils (See Glossary)
Calcium oxalate
Dihydrocarvone
Fatty acids (See Glossary)
Proteins

KNOWN EFFECTS

Acts as an aromatic (See Glossary). Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract. No effects are expected on the body, either good or bad, when herb is used in very small amounts to enhance the flavor of food.

Miscellaneous information:
Is used as a flavoring agent in baking. Oil is used to make ice cream.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Reduces flatulence in infants. Treats abdominal cramping. Treats nausea. Treats scabies.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity, see Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS