Were you aware that India is not only known as the land of innovative and traditional home remedies but is also the land of spices? One such spice is the caraway seeds that have a bitter, pungent taste. The scientific name of caraway is Carumcarvi. There is no Indian kitchen without this spice, and they contribute to several digestive benefits and used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine. The goodness of these seeds is not limited only to taste and aroma, and below, we were written some good research-based caraway seeds benefits, that meet everyone’s essential needs.
What Is Caraway (Shahjeera):
Caraway seeds are oval-shaped, small, seed-like fruits, which resemble cumin and fennel. It has a bitter taste to it and contains thymol. Just a tiny amount of it is enough to add flavour to any dish. Though caraway looks like jeera, they are not the same.
Caraway Nutrition Facts:
It contains several minerals and is rich in antioxidants. It is a spice that has several medicinal benefits where it helps with digestion. It is a spice used popularly in baked goods.
- For every 100 grams, it contains 333 calories.
- *The Daily Value (DV) shows how many nutrients in a serving of food contribute to the daily diet.
- Two thousand calories a day used per general nutrition advice.
Evidence-Based Caraway Seeds Benefits:
Look at the 25 best caraway uses for skin, beauty, hair, and health found in this extensive guide below, which gives a detailed profile of this great kitchen spice.
Caraway Health Benefits:
Here we enlisted, 20 science proven caraway health benefits. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Improves Digestion:
Caraway seeds are rich in fiber, and this makes it useful for our digestive system. It helps in cleansing the entire digestive tract and combats all harmful bacteria found in them. Caraway health benefits play a vital role in preventing any kind of stomach infection or constipation. Caraway seeds not only help to improve the digestive process in your body, but also help the excretory system to function well and aids in timely bowel movements.
2. Used While Creating Dishes:
Caraway seeds used in several baking recipes are found in most types of bread and are a traditional ingredient in a seed cake. Caraway seeds flavour curries, vegetables, and soups. Use caraway seeds in egg dishes and salads. Caraway is a wonderfully versatile ingredient and is a great option to use in cooking.
3. Sexual Disability:
The seeds are a boon to all those who have a sexual disability. There is no need to worry, as there are caraway medicinal uses that can be used as a home remedy. Roast some carom seeds with some tamarind kernels along with some clarified butter. Grind them well, take 1teaspoon of this mixture and add it to a glass of milk with honey. This is a proven method to help reduce sexual disability. Consume this regularly at night for effective results.
4. Menstrual Cramp and Stomach Problems:
Black caraway benefits are beneficial for women during their periods, because of their ability to provide relief from the associated pain with menstrual cramps during periods. In general, women use medicines to obtain relief from the pain they undergo during periods. Caraway seeds are a natural method of getting relief from period pain.
Add a few grains of caraway seeds to boiling water. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Drain the caraway seeds, and consume the remaining concoction. If needed, add honey to this mixture. This remedy is beneficial in relieving pain associated with menstrual cramps.
5. Oral Health:
Caraway oil benefits in providing relief from toothache. In the case of toothache, add 3-4 drops of this oil to the base of the teeth. Rub the gums too with this. Caraway seeds help in reducing bad breath. Chewing a few grains of caraway seeds acts as a mouth freshener and helps prevent bad breath. They also help to get rid of the bad taste from the mouth. Various pharmaceutical companies use caraway in their mouthwashes and used in toothpaste too.
See More: Fenugreek Seeds Health Benefits
6. Fights Cancer:
Caraway seeds are best known for their anti-cancer properties. They help in the prevention of growth of cells that can cause colon cancer. Therefore, they can supplement treatment administered for colon cancer. They can bring down the growth of tumour cells in the breast and also support apoptosis in cases of breast cancer. In the case of brain tumours, this extract helps initiate cell death in glioblastoma cells, which can cause brain cancer.
They have anti-cancer properties. Caraway seeds have a highly concentrated amount of antioxidants, which are powerful compounds that reduce the risk of chronic disease. Thanks to their rich content of antioxidants, they are believed to have potent cancer-fighting properties.
7. Regulates Cholesterol Level:
Caraway seeds benefits in the seeds reveal they are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent various heart diseases. It also contains traces of omega -6 fatty acids, which help in maintaining skin health and also lowers cholesterol. It helps to lower the LDL cholesterol concentration and prevents its re-absorption in the colon. Keeping cholesterol in check makes it efficient in preventing several cardiovascular ailments like heart attack and artery congestion.
8. Excellent Source Of Minerals:
Caraway properties reveal that the spice has an excellent source of minerals like copper, iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. Copper is useful in the production of red blood cells. The formation of red blood cells needs iron. Zinc is vital to regulate growth, development, and digestion. Potassium is an essential component of the body and cell fluids. It helps to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Manganese is used as a co-factor by the body, for the powerful antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. These minerals are very vital for the proper functioning of the body. These seeds by themselves are low in calories, which makes them suitable for consumption.
9. Rich In Vitamins and Proteins:
Shahjeera benefits show that the seeds are a storehouse of various types of vitamins and proteins. Vitamins such as A, E, C, as well as vitamin B-Complex like pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Caraway seeds are made of 20% of proteins and are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. Protein is required for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body cells and also the reproduction of new ones.
10. Prenatal and Postnatal Help:
It is unsafe to use caraway seeds during pregnancy. One usually takes caraway seeds to start menstruation. When used in the initial stages of pregnancy, it might cause miscarriage, so stay away from it during this period. During the postnatal period, caraway seeds help to improve the quality and quantity of the milk while lactating. Being rich in antioxidants, iron content, and reduce the problems of flatulence and indigestion in the feeding child.
11. Promote Weight Loss:
Caraway oil by aiding digestion works best for weight loss. Early research in obese women and those who were overweight showed that taking caraway seed extract for 3 months may cause a slight decrease in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat. These improvements, however, might not be very significant. Caraway seed extract does not seem to improve blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Ayurvedic medicine uses them, and it is known to promote healthy digestion, relieve constipation, and treat flatulence. The seeds help to curb cravings and aids weight loss with minimal effort(1).
12. Improve Glucose Tolerance and Diabetes:
Early research shows that consuming black seed powder can help improve blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. Black seed might help enhance levels of cholesterol in people with diabetes. Black seed might help to lower blood sugar levels in some people.
Caraway might decrease blood sugar. Exercise caution while using diabetes medications used to lower blood sugar and taking caraway with diabetes medicines might cause your blood sugar to go low(2).
See More: Health Benefits Of Sesame Seeds
13. Have Anticonvulsant and Neuroprotective Properties:
Caraway seeds are known for their anticonvulsant effects and indicated in the treatment of epilepsy. It was used initially in Iranian folk medicine and was known as black jeera in Iran. A study conducted that showed caraway essential oil benefits had anticonvulsant properties. Studies reveal the anti-epileptic effect of caraway in folk medicine(3).
14. Increases Milk Production During Lactation:
Caraway seeds have proved to be a boon for the nursing women who suffer from the lack of milk during lactation. Use oil from caraway seeds for increasing milk production during the nursing stage. Consume caraway essential oil along with honey. Routine use will improve not just the quantity but also the quality of the milk. Caraway essential oil is also effective in keeping the baby protected from problems like indigestion and flatulence(4).
15. Improve Sleep:
Due to the presence of magnesium in the caraway seeds, it helps in the production of GABA, a chief inhibitory neurotransmitter that enables the promotion of good sleep. The magnesium content helps to improve the quality of sleep. Caraway seeds also help to regulate metabolism and also help to reduce sleep disorders and the occurrence of insomnia.
16. Boosting Bone Health:
Caraway seeds are an excellent source of zinc that is known to increase bone mineral density and overall bone health. Zinc is one of the minerals that are quite useful for the efficient working of our body. It is responsible for attacking infectious cells and mutated genes. The high amount of zinc not only works best on our immune system but takes care of our bone health too.
17. Good For Cough:
Caraway medicinal uses by way of these tiny carom seeds have a host of uses that include opening up nasal blockages and relieving sinus stress. Using these seeds helps with the easy discharge of mucus. They have expectorant and antitussive properties that help expel mucus and suppress the need to cough. Along with jaggery, they make an excellent remedy for respiratory problems.
18. Keeps Premature Ageing At Bay:
Consuming caraway seeds on a routine and moderate basis is very beneficial for the skin as it provides many anti-aging benefits. The antioxidants present in the caraway seeds combat with the free radicals and thus prevent them from causing oxidative damage to skin cells. Protecting the skin cells from the oxidative damage reduces the signs of premature aging like fine lines, age spots, skin blemishes,dark spots, etc.
19. Boosts Immune System:
It strengthens our immune system and takes care of our overall health. Caraway seeds can help in doing the same. Routine and moderate consumption of caraway seeds is beneficial in making our immune system stronger.
The caraway seeds contain many antioxidants and other compounds such as flavonoids, phytonutrients, etc. The antioxidants present in the caraway seeds fight against the free radicals and stabilizes them. By protecting the immune system from the oxidative damage, it strengthens it preventing any infections. In addition to this, the other nutrients like minerals, vitamins, etc. also play a significant role in strengthening our immunity.
20. Improves Eyesight:
Caraway seeds have carotenoid antioxidants that help to slow down premature macular degeneration. It keeps the optic nerve healthy and can reflect a certain amount of UV rays from damaging the eyes.
Caraway Seeds Benefits For Skin:
Here we enlisted 2 best caraway seeds benefits for skin. Let’s have a look into them.
21. Treat Itches, Boils, and Rashes:
Caraway benefits in the form of essential oil provide us with beautiful skin and hair. The tissue regenerating properties of caraway goes a long way in giving us remedies to clear acne, boils, and pimples. It helps to soothe dandruff, other scalp problems, and itchy skin. With caraway seeds, one can take care of itches, boils, and rashes.
All one has to do is make a paste of caraway seeds with lukewarm water. Apply this over the affected areas. One can also boil some caraway seeds, and when the water comes to room temperature, gently wash these areas with ajwain water. The paste will work on boils, pimples, and itching effectively(5).
22. Caraway Face Pack:
For radiant and glowing skin, take some turmeric powder and add some crushed caraway seeds to it. Now add some honey to this mixture and combine all the ingredients thoroughly to form a fine paste. The combination is useful in keeping our skin soft, supple, and glowing. It is pretty easy to prepare and is equally beneficial for the skin. For sunburned skin, mix in some organic yoghurt to take care of acne and blotchy skin with caraway seeds for best results.
Caraway Seeds Benefits For Hair:
Here we enlisted 3 best caraway seeds benefits for hair. Let’s have a look into them.
23. Treat Dry and Itchy Scalp:
Enjoy caraway seeds benefits by including caraway seeds to the beauty care remedy of those who suffer from a dry and itchy scalp or poor quality hair. Rub the caraway seed paste all over the scalp and massage for 10 minutes. Cleanse hair with water and herbal shampoo. Rinse well. This will help to combat any kind of itchiness. Another remedy is to use caraway seeds pack with banana where you will need to make a paste of banana and caraway seeds and apply this all over the scalp. Do this remedy at least once a week.
24. Caraway Seeds For Shiny Hair:
It is every woman’s dream to have shiny, silky, and glossy hair. Having beautiful hair gives the woman a sense of confidence. Some women are blessed with beautiful hair because of their genes. Other women need to take meticulous care of their hair to maintain that glamorous and chic look. Shahjeera benefits go a long way to provide hair with the same effect using the goodness of caraway seeds.
In a bowl, beat an egg with some caraway seeds. Now to this beaten mixture, add some extra virgin olive oil. Massage this all over the scalp to obtain long and shiny hair within a month.
25. Caraway Seeds Conditioner:
Using caraway fruit benefits make it an ideal natural hair conditioner. It provides the hair with all the nourishment it needs. The benefits of caraway seeds are due to the presence of various nutrients like minerals, vitamins, etc. it contains. The presence of these nutrients makes caraway seeds beneficial in keeping our hair and scalp healthy. It promotes long, strong, and healthy hair. When you use caraway seeds as a hair conditioner, it gives the hair a voluminous, healthy look, and is shiny and shiny in texture.
How To Consume Caraway Seeds:
All of us have heard about the benefits of this. It is very simple to prepare this.
- All you need to do to obtain maximum benefit is to soak 1 teaspoon of carom seeds in water and leave it overnight.
- Strain it the next morning and drink it in the morning, on an empty stomach.
- This takes care of your digestive health by keeping bloating and heartburn at bay.
Best Time To Have Caraway Seeds:
- The ideal time to have caraway seeds is without a doubt in the morning.
- Caraway seeds are high-fibre and protein-loaded and just what everyone needs to begin their day with a fresh mind and ample energy.
- The essential oils, fibers, minerals, and proteins make it a superfood for the overall goodness of our health.
How To Make Caraway Tea At Home?
It is simple to prepare this tea. Let us look at the steps to make this tea,
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of crushed caraway seeds (for one cup of hot water)
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon raw, unfiltered organic honey
Preparation:
- Crush caraway seeds using a mortar and pestle.
- The process of crushing or grinding helps release the flavour and essential oils.
- Use 1 teaspoon of crushed caraway per one cup of hot water.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Ensure that you do not use boiling water to prevent damaging the essential oils.
Another option would be to mix equal parts of caraway, peppermint, and chamomile. This blend is an ideal combination for the digestive tract as a whole. Caraway extract inhibits flatulence and calms the intestines, peppermint soothes cramps and relieves stomach pain, and chamomile has relaxing and antibacterial effects.
Caraway Side Effects:
Some of the disadvantages if not used in moderation are:
- Ensure that you always speak to a medical professional before undertaking treatment using the oil and watch out for caraway oil side effects. This is mandatory, especially if you are a senior citizen, are taking any medication, allergic, or nursing.
- Caraway is safe when taken in therapeutic doses, be cautious about the right dosage.
- Dilute the oil to relieve pain, including bloating.
- Never use and avoid it if you are pregnant. It can induce menstrual bleeding.
- In diabetics, a high dosage of caraway can lower blood sugar to such an extent that it can harm you, so remember, a low blood sugar level is more dangerous than a high blood sugar level. Low blood sugar can cause coma, shock, and death if not treated on time.
- Ensure to avoid caraway two weeks before undergoing any surgery.
- Caraway oil may cause irritation and rashes on the skin when used it in higher concentration.
- Overdosing for a long time can also cause liver and kidney damage.
The caraway seeds are tiny, highly flavoured seeds known to all of us as the shahjeera. It is a traditional favourite. This spice carries with it several therapeutic and medicinal properties that most of us were not aware of. This article details caraway seeds benefits and goodness of this much-ignored potent spice.
In this article, you can find out here how best caraway seeds can be used for our overall well-being right from beauty to strengthening our immune system. It helps both the young and the old in various aspects. Do share with us how best these remedies helped you and which solution suited you the best.
