Aroma: Herbaceous, green and woody
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Part used: Seed
Main benefits:
Caraway is a well-known spice with a sweet, hot, rather exotic taste that makes it popular among cooks and bakers all over the world. Caraway essential oil has a bit of a peppery yet sweet aroma that makes it a pleasure to the senses.
Caraway can effectively improve a wide range of gastrointestinal tract ailments, making it a good choice for you to include in your medicine chest. Initially, it was mostly recognized as a digestive tonic. Now studies show that caraway can be successfully used to treat even chronic diseases such as IBS, colitis, dyspepsia and even diabetes.
MAIN CONSTITUENTS
Carvone, limonene, myrcene
CARAWAY ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS
While caraway is commonly used as a culinary spice, it finds its way as a beneficial oil and is often recommended by professional aromatherapists.
On an emotional level, it has an uplifting effect and blends well with basil, bergamot, coriander, ginger, Roman chamomile, cinnamon, lime and frankincense.
HISTORY OF CARAWAY
The caraway plant grows in Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. It is often called Meridian fennel, Persian cumin, or European caraway. Finland and Canada are the largest exporting countries with the leading market destinations being India, Germany and the US. (MARKET ANALYSIS OF CARAWAY SEED, CQ University Australia)
The plant is very similar to fennel with clusters of small, white flowers. Caraway reaches half a meter in height and it generally begins blooming and producing seeds in its second year. The long and tiny seeds are collected and the caraway essential oil is extracted through a steam distillation process.
Some evidence found in lake beds in Switzerland suggests that caraway dates back at least 5,000 years. The Roman Empire often gets credit for spreading caraway throughout Europe during the Crusades. It is said that caraway seeds were cultivated in Europe through the Middle Ages.
A curious myth about Caraway tells the story of the gift of retention. It was believed that caraway could prevent the theft of any object, provided there were caraway seeds inside it. Likewise, according to a common belief, a caraway-infused love potion could keep lovers from fickle and going astray.
It can relieve flatulence and abdominal cramps
Limonene and carvone, which are the two main constituents of caraway essential oil, have a rather soothing effect on the body. Caraway essential oil is most commonly used to support the digestive system.
To take advantage of caraway oil benefits, you can dilute in a base oil and rub it on your belly. It will soothe cramps and bloating associated with IBS.
Uplifts the mood
When inhaled, caraway oil uplifts the mood and spirit. Although it is not one of the most popular essential oils, caraway is recommended when you feel mentally exhausted. It can help boost your energy bar, while it can soothe those overwhelming thoughts.
Stressed or anxious about something? Take a few sniffs of Caraway and let it go. Caraway essential oil is also a good remedy for general frustration. It will make you feel at peace with life.
Ideal for oral care and keeping teeth healthy
Limonene, a key constituent in citruses, is also found in caraway oil. Limonene exhibits strong cleansing properties, making caraway essential oil an ideal natural remedy for oral hygiene. It will help you keep your teeth healthy and looking clean.
You can apply one drop of caraway oil directly to your toothbrush before brushing your teeth in the morning and night. Additionally, you can mix one drop of caraway oil and one drop of peppermint oil with water and use it as a daily natural mouth rinse.
Supports a healthy respiratory system
Caraway essential oil is rich in terpenes that have been reported to have antimicrobial activities.
One particular study proved caraway oil efficacy against the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes infectious diseases such as pneumonia, septic shock and skin infections.
Can help water retention management
Caraway oil has an aquaretic effect on the body, which means it can help you flush excess water and toxins, without making you lose electrolytes. It is ideal for lymphatic drainage blends.
You can mix caraway with black pepper, ginger and cinnamon to create the perfect massage blend and support your weight loss goals.
MEDICIANL USES OF CARAWAY OIL
Caraway essential oil decreased the fasting blood sugar in diabetic rats. The study concluded that the effects of caraway oil on serum blood glucose were caused by a mechanism independent of insulin secretion, as the insulin levels remained unchanged. Rather, the antioxidant effects of caraway oil may have improved glucose levels.
Through clinical trials, the immunological effects of caraway have also been confirmed. Caraway essential oil reduces the proinflammatory cytokines and can be a good remedy for the management of inflammatory diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Caraway essential oil (including its aquaretic solution) was tested towards diazepam in efficacy against convulsions in a mice animal model. Caraway oil and its extract had a preventive effect against tonic seizure and PTZ-induced death. The study concluded that the anticonvulsant effects of essential oil were higher than its aqueous extract.
Caraway seed extract is also proven to be an effective diuretic. Caraway could increase the urine output, without causing loss of electrolytes. The plasma K+ and Na+ were not affected by the caraway seed extract. Moreover, caraway seed extract showed no renal toxicity during the clinical trial.
There are some clinical studies, that evaluate caraway efficacy in the management of obesity. Caraway seed aqueous extract could decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Moreover, caraway aquaretic extract and essential oil positively affected mean weight, BMI, waist circumference and body fat percent in a randomized trial.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6328425/
- Use in the bath for aromatherapy benefits
- Diffuse for the emotional and mental benefits
- Massage, well diluted, for physical ailments
Healing properties:
- pectolytic (breaks up secretions, especially phlegm)
- choleretic (promoting bile secretion by the liver)
- carminative (relieves flatulence or abdominal pain)
- aquaretic (promotes the excretion of water without electrolyte loss)
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: Caraway oil is a highly concentrated product and should only be used with extreme caution. Please note that all information is provided for informational purposes. We always recommend additional consultation with a specialist before usage, especially when used in childhood, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if you suffer from chronic diseases! Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, inner ear and other sensitive parts of the body! Keep out of reach of children!
Comforting aroma blend with caraway
Use this aroma blend whenever you feel too stressed out. Feeling intense fear, helplessness or anger can be quite overwhelming, even paralyzing. Use a diffuser or aroma lamp and mix:
Homemade mouthwash with Caraway Oil
Most conventional mouthwash has synthetic ingredients that aren’t good for your health. Here is an easy all-natural recipe to make your mouthwash:
Cheer-me-up aroma blend with Caraway
You can try this aroma blend if you feel a little bit down and you need a punch of motivation. Use a diffuser or aroma lamp:
Caraway blend for a healthy respiratory system
Are you feeling cold? Do you have a sore throat? Here is an easy aroma blend to help you next time you catch the flu:
DIY lymphatic drainage massage oil
Here is an easy DIY recipe that you can use to make your lymph detox massage oil. It is all-natural, a perfect way to kick off your day. You need:
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Good morning! I cannot see the origin countries for exotic line essential oils. Where can I find this information? Thank you!