Caraway: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Carum carvi
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Carvone
Carveol
Limonene
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Flatulence, Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Caraway is frequently used in combination with peppermint to alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia. Clinical studies and a meta-analysis show that consumption of a combination of 50 mg caraway oil and 90 mg peppermint oil, administered 1 to 3 times per day for 4 weeks, improves quality of life and reduces symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, pain, and mild gastrointestinal spasms. This combination would be as effective as cisapride in relieving dyspepsia and improving postprandial distress syndrome and epigastric pain. Another combination including caraway, peppermint, German chamomile and other herbs, taken at 1 mL three times daily for 4 weeks, showed a significant reduction in symptoms such as acid reflux, epigastric pain, cramps, nausea and vomiting. These results suggest that caraway, used with other herbs, could be beneficial for treating dyspepsia.
Posologie
Oral: seed
50 mg
4 - weeks
infusion, Carmenthin®, dry extract
Synergies
A randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effects of Menthacarin, a proprietary peppermint- and caraway-oil-preparation, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia
A Novel, Duodenal-Release Formulation of a Combination of Caraway Oil and L-Menthol for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Menthacarin, a Proprietary Peppermint Oil and Caraway Oil Combination, Improves Multiple Complaints in Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
A Combination of Peppermint Oil and Caraway Oil for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Digestive spasms ✪✪✪✪✪
According to ESCOP, caraway is recommended for spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders such as flatulence and bloating.
Posologie
Oral: seed
1.5 - 6 g
infusion, Carmenthin®, dry extract
Infant colic ✪✪✪✪✪
According to ESCOP, caraway is recommended for flatulent colic in infants.
Posologie
Oral: seed
1 - 4 g
powder, infusion
Lactation ✪✪✪✪✪
Caraway, traditionally used as a galactagogue to stimulate lactation, does not have strong clinical evidence supporting this use. Studies note the presence of components such as carvone in breast milk after consumption, although they do not demonstrate a significant effect on milk production. Some research suggests a possible increased acceptance of flavors by breastfed infants exposed to these dietary components.
Posologie
Oral: seed
1.5 - 6 g
powder, infusion
Properties
Digestive effect
Caraway essential oil locally stimulates the gastric mucosa, which activates the vagus nerve, resulting in increased tone and rhythmic contractions of the stomach. This action promotes the expulsion of air from the stomach and increases gastric secretion, thereby providing beneficial effects in the management of digestive disorders such as flatulence and bloating sensations. In addition, caraway may also positively influence bile flow, reinforcing its role in facilitating digestion.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Cell culture studies show that caraway extracts and oil have antibacterial activity against numerous organisms, including Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Caraway essential oil is more active against gram-positive bacteria than against gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the oil has shown significant antifungal and anti-Candida effects, with retention of its efficacy after gamma irradiation, indicating stability of the active components. These properties suggest a potential use for caraway in antimicrobial applications, with a positive correlation between the oil's limonene content and its antibacterial activity.
Antispasmodic
One study explored the effects of Carum carvi (caraway) extract on intestinal smooth muscle cells from guinea pigs. The main observed mechanism of action was a reduction in the muscle cells' response to acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter that induces muscle contraction. The caraway extract showed a relaxing effect on smooth muscle cells, demonstrating a dose-dependent inhibition of ACh-induced contraction. At the highest concentration tested (2.5 mg/mL), the extract markedly inhibited the contractile response of the muscle cells to ACh, which could partly explain caraway's effectiveness in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia.nnActive components such as carvone and limonene may play a role in these antispasmodic effects by modulating enzyme activity or influencing the release of certain chemicals like prostaglandins, which are known to affect gastrointestinal motility and pain modulation.nn
Usages associés
Galactagogue
Caraway is traditionally used as a galactagogue to stimulate breast milk production. Its components, notably carvone, may promote lactogenic activity by increasing prolactin, a hormone essential for lactation. However, there is no strong clinical evidence supporting this use.nn
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults aged 10 years and older: 1.5 g - 6 g (seeds)
- Infusion: the caraway fruits (1.5 to 6 g), crushed immediately before use, covered with 150 ml of boiling water and left to steep for 10-15 minutes. - Oil: 50 to 150 mg.
Children aged 4 to 10 years: 1 g - 4 g (seeds)
- Infusion: the caraway fruits (1 to 4 g), crushed immediately before use, covered with 150 ml of boiling water and left to steep for 10-15 minutes.
Child aged 1 to 4 years: 1 g - 2 g (seeds)
- Infusion: caraway fruits (1 to 2 g), crushed immediately before use, covered with 150 ml of boiling water and left to steep for 10-15 minutes.
Infant up to 12 months: 1 g (seeds)
- Infusion: caraway fruits (up to 1 g), crushed immediately before use, covered with 150 ml of boiling water and left to steep for 10-15 minutes.
Precautions
Breastfeeding woman: use with caution
Caraway is used to promote lactation as a herbal tea. However, it is recommended to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before using caraway oil.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Caraway oil may stimulate menstruation.
