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CARAWAY CARUM CARVI Caraway confects, once only dipped in sugar, and a spoonful of them eaten in the morning fasting, and as many after each meal, is a most admirable remedy for those that are troubled with wind. It bears stalks with finely divided leaves, and at the top, tufts of white flowers. Where to find it: It is a cultivated herb, both in gardens and commercially. Flowering time: From early to midsummer. Astrology: This is a mercurial plant. Medicinal virtues: The seed hath a moderate sharp quality whereby it breaketh the wind and provoketh urine, which also the herb doth. The root makes a better food than Parsnips. It is pleasant and comfortable to the stomach and helpeth digestion. The seed is conducing to all cold griefs of the head, stomach and bowels, as also the wind in them, and helpeth to sharpen the eyesight. The powdered seed made into a poultice taketh away the black and blue spots of blows and bruises. The herb itself, or with some of the seed bruised and fried, applied as a hot compress to the lower parts of the belly, easeth colicky pains. The roots eaten like Parsnips strengthen the stomachs of old people. Modern uses: Caraway, like Anise, Dill and Fennel, is ideal as a children's medicine for flatulence or stomach upset. It also flavours other medicines. The powdered seeds are mostly used and in doses up to half a teaspoonful at a time. The essential oil pressed from the seeds is also used for flatulent dyspepsia, the dose being from one to four drops on sugar. A dose of the powdered seeds can be taken in hot milk when a cold threatens. It forms an ingredient of compound tincture of Cardamom Aromatica, an official medicine. |