© H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Caraway
Echter Kümmel · (Carum carvi)
Carrot family (Apiaceae)
Description
Caraway, also known as meridian fennel, is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
- TeaFruitInternalTraditional use
Classic digestive tea for bloating and mild cramps.
Preparation & dosage
Crush 1.5–2 g caraway fruit before preparation. 150–200 ml boiling water, steep 10 min, strain. 3× daily after meals. Classic combo with fennel + anise.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — From 12 years.
- TeaFruitInternalFolk medicine
Traditional galactagogue nursing tea.
Preparation & dosage
Nursing tea variant. Traditionally galactagogue.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
- CompressSeedExternalTraditional use
Classic household remedy for infant tummy aches (three-month colic).
Preparation & dosage
Caraway-oil abdominal compress for babies/toddlers: 1 drop pure oil + 1 tbsp warm carrier oil — NEVER undiluted. Gentle clockwise massage.
- Liquid amount
- 2–5 ml
- Doses per day
- 2×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 0 years — External diluted compress — classical infant care. Max 1 % dilution.
- Essential oilFruitInternalTraditional use
Concentrated use for bloating and cramps.
Preparation & dosage
Adults only: 1–4 drops pure caraway oil on sugar cube or in warm water, up to 3× daily.
- Liquid amount
- 0.05–0.2 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Oral essential oil not for under 18 per EMA.
Distribution in Europe
🤝 Permaculture Partners
In your garden, this plant acts as:
✨ Best symbiotic partners
- 🌿 Coriander Classic companion-planting partner.
⚠️ Better not planted together
- 🥬 Fennel Classic companion-planting partner.
Source: Gertrud Franck, Gesunder Garten durch Mischkultur (1980, eigene Kuration) | Helga und Margarete Langerhorst, Mein gesunder Naturgarten (eigene Kuration)