Caraway Seed

History and Uses:
Caraway is a plant that grows in Europe, Asia and the United States. It is about two feet high and has white or pink flowers. Holland is the leading exporter of Caraway, with Egypt, Morocco and Germany also involved in its cultivation. The most valuable part of the Caraway plant is its tiny, egg-shaped seeds, which are good to eat, especially in rye bread. They are also used in making a variety of cakes and cheeses. Caraway Seed has a sweet, but slightly biting, flavor and an aromatic, spicy aroma. The oil from the Caraway Seed is used in making medicines, and it is surprising that this oil is useful both as a stimulant and as an anesthetic. It is believed that Caraway Seed has been used in Europe longer than any other spice. For hundreds of years, Caraway Seed has been used as a remedy for many disorders of the digestive system, including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, colic, heartburn, indigestion, flatulence and dyspepsia, for which it combines well with Peppermint. It has also been used as a gargle for laryngitis and to ease of the symptoms of bronchitis and the common cold. Caraway Seed has been studied for its possible anti-infective properties and its positive effects on the digestion of ulcer sufferers.