Caraway helps against indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual problems

Caraway helps against indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual problems

Caraway seeds (Carum carvi) is an aromatic plant similar to other members of the carrot family, with pinnate leaves and tiny white flowers that yield small hard brown crescent-shaped seeds. These seeds are the most commonly used part of the plant and they are popular as a spice in cooking. They add a distinctive earthy licorice flavor to soups, stews, and—more commonly—baked goods (you may recognize them from rye bread).

Like many other aromatic plants, caraway is often used for medicinal purposes. In fact, cumin seeds have been used since ancient times to treat various medical problems in traditional healing systems, including Ayurveda, around the world. Its use as a digestive aid was first reported in an Egyptian text on herbal knowledge from around 1550 BC. Mentioned. More recently, the seeds, rich in essential oils with a dense supply of antioxidants, are being actively studied for their chemical composition and biological activity.

Health benefits

The most widely studied and established uses for cumin are for digestive problems, including those associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Indigestion

During the Middle Ages, people consumed caraway seeds after a feast as a digestive aid to avoid bloating and other digestive problems - and research has proven these benefits. In Germany, where the healing powers of herbs are widely recognized, Commission E, a scientific advisory board that approves substances previously used in traditional folk, folk and herbal medicine, has recommended caraway for mild, spastic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Bloating and fullness since 1990. More than 25 years later, in 2016, the University of Würzburg in Germany chose caraway as the medicinal plant of the year to highlight its scientific importance as an effective medicine. ((link removed))

Caraway belongs to a class of herbs called carminatives (also known as aromatic digestive tonics or aromatic bitters). These plants are helpful in relieving gastrointestinal problems. The volatile oils of this group of plants, including carvol and carven, have been found to soothe the muscles of the digestive tract, relieve spasms, and help expel gas.

While cumin is effective on its own, when combined with peppermint and other herbs, it tends to provide more relief. For example, in a review of 17 randomized clinical trials, nine of which involved peppermint and cumin, up to 95 percent of patients reported improvement in digestive disorders. In a multicenter, double-blind study, people with digestive disorders took peppermint and cumin oil capsules or placebo twice daily, morning and evening. The group that took the peppermint cumin oil supplement reported significant improvements in abdominal pain and discomfort compared to the placebo group, 62% to 26%. (Source 1, Source 2)

Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study with the combination oil showed greater reductions in pain intensity (40% versus 22% for placebo) and in feelings of pressure, heaviness, and fullness (44% versus 22% for placebo). In terms of global symptom improvement, people who received the combination oil reported a mean response of “much improved,” while those who received the placebo reported a result of “minimally improved.” Another study found that a combination with peppermint, caraway, fennel and wormwood was useful in reducing gas and cramping in people with indigestion, while a combination of caraway with herbs anise and fennel was shown to reduce bloating and mild abdominal cramps, especially in children. (Source 1, Source 2)

Irritable bowel syndrome

Cumin has also been used successfully in combination with peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes a range of symptoms including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. The combination of 90 mg of peppermint oil plus 50 mg of cumin oil in enteric-coated capsules taken three times daily resulted in a significant reduction in IBS symptoms in a double-blind study. (Enteric coating protects the oil from stomach acid and vice versa.) In a similar trial, capsules that were not enteric coated were as effective as enteric-coated capsules. The same combination compares favorably with the drug cisapride (Propulsid), which has since been withdrawn from the market, in reducing the symptoms of IBS. (Source 1, (link removed))

Cumin also appears to be helpful for IBS when applied topically. In one study, participants with diarrhea-dominant IBS applied a hot compress containing cumin oil or hot or cold placebo compresses for three weeks. Nearly 52% of people who used cumin packs reported adequate relief, compared to 24% to 26% for placebo packs. ((link removed))

To try this at home, you can apply cumin oil to your stomach, cover it with a wet towel and a dry towel, and then place a heating pad on top.

Other possible benefits

Although other putative benefits of caraway are being studied, much of it is preliminary – conducted on animals and has yet to be replicated in humans. One potentially exciting application is lowering cholesterol. A study in diabetic rats found that cumin lowered blood sugar and cholesterol,and another study showed significant cholesterol reduction in both normal and diabetic rats.There areHowever, more research is needed before caraway seeds can be recommended for this use. ((link removed), source 2)

In the past, women have used cumin oil to relieve menstrual cramps, and its antispasmodic effects may prove helpful in soothing the muscles of the uterus.

Selection, preparation and storage

Caraway seeds are available in most grocery stores. Caraway supplements are widely available and can also be purchased at many health food stores and stores specializing in nutritional supplements.

To make a tea, use two to three teaspoons of freshly crushed caraway seeds per cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes and then strain. Drink it up to three times daily to aid digestion and relieve gas or menstrual cramps.

Homemade tinctures of the extracted herb, one-half to one teaspoon, can also be taken three times daily. A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract usually made by soaking herbs and other plant parts in alcohol for weeks to extract the active ingredients.

For commercial preparations, follow package directions. A popular over-the-counter remedy, Iberogast, contains cumin and peppermint as two of its nine active ingredients. Iberogast (known as STW 5 in research articles) has been used for over 50 years and there is plenty of research supporting its usefulness in relieving indigestion and IBS. ((link removed))

It is important to note that supplements have not been tested for safety and supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may provide doses that differ from the stated amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. The safety of dietary supplements in children and people with medical conditions or taking medications has also not been established.

Possible side effects

Caraway was well tolerated in therapeutic doses and showed no toxic effects in humans. That said, there are a few things to consider before using it:

Cumin oil is not recommended for those under 18 years of age due to insufficient data, but may be used topically as an anticolic and carminating agent for children or young children. ((link removed))

Women traditionally use cumin to increase the flow of breast milk. However, due to lack of data, its use during breastfeeding is not recommended. Likewise, pregnant women should exercise caution as cumin has been used to promote menstruation.

Because cumin can lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should be careful when consuming large amounts of it. Given cumin's potential to affect blood sugar levels, it is also important not to consume cumin for at least two weeks before surgery. ((link removed))

If you are considering using cumin supplements to treat a specific health condition, you should consult your doctor before beginning supplementation. Self-treating a chronic illness with caraway supplements and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious health consequences.