Caraway seeds are known as Ajwain in Indian kitchen. Caraway has been used since ancient times to soothe the digestive tract and expel gas. Caraway seeds are one such herb whose major medicinal use has remained the same throughout history.
The ancient Egyptians loved the aromatic seeds. They were recommended as digestive
aid by the ancient Greek physician, Dioscorides. In the Shakespearean era, baked apples with caraway seeds were considered a stomach soothing dessert. America’s 19th century physicians believed that caraway seeds gently excite the digestive powers….and are used in flatulent colic, especially of children.” It is an amazing herb used in ancient times can still be effective today in the same form.
Modern researchers have discovered that caraway seeds have two main chemicals, Carvol and Carvene, which sooth the muscle tissues of digestive tract and help pass the gas. Moreover, Antispasmodics which are present in caraway seeds also soothe smooth muscles like uterus.
No wonder, in India women are given caraway or Ajwain water after the child birth for one week. Take half a teaspoon of caraway seeds and boil in one liter of water. When it cools down, fill in a bottle and let the new mother drink it at room temperature for at least one week. This soothes the uterus and works as a digestive aid for the lactating mother.
These seeds are often used for their aromatic flavor in breads, soups, salads, pickles and meat dishes. As a digestive aid, take a teaspoon of crushed caraway seeds into two cups of boiling water; let it simmer for five to seven minutes. Drink it hot or at room temperature.
Caraway belongs to Umbelliferae family and other members of this family are carrot and parsley. Its botanical name is Carum carvi. Its fruits or seeds are used as a healing herb.
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