Caraway Breast Milk Tea

Caraway (Carum carvi) is a highly valued aromatic herb. Its medicinal fruits or “seeds” smell like anise, thanks to the essential oil carvone, and have been used for centuries by cooks and herbalists. Caraway is particularly famous for its ability to aid digestion and support healthy breast milk production. Even if it weren’t a healing plant, its delicious flavor alone would justify Caraway’s place of honor in every spice cabinet. 

Caraway contains:

• Thymol
• Essential oils carvone and limonene 
• Flavonoids
• Fiber
• Phytoestrogens

Breastmilk Production 

In traditional herbal medicine, Caraway is used as a galactagogue: an herb that supports breast milk production. This is thanks to its phytoestrogen content. A study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine (2015) found that caraway tea significantly increased milk volume in lactating women. Drinking caraway tea may also help reduce infant colic, as the digestive benefits of Caraway can be passed on to the infant through breast milk. NutraMother: Breastfeeding and Wellbeing tea blend includes Caraway and other herbs that support healthy breast milk production. 

Digestion Tea 

Caraway is famous for the way it facilitates digestion. The essential oils found in caraway seeds, such as carvone and limonene, help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which allow the body to break down and process food. Caraway is particularly effective at relieving stomach complaints like bloating, gas, and indigestion. Many herbalists recommend caraway tea as a remedy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Caraway’s carminative properties help reduce intestinal spasms, making it an excellent natural remedy for stomach cramps due to food poisoning, anxiety, or menstruation. 

Respiratory Relief

Caraway is a treasured herb for the way it supports respiratory health. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate symptoms of coughs and colds. Caraway tea helps clear congestion and soothe irritated airways. Its expectorant properties help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel mucus from the respiratory tract. Accordingly, caraway is a longstanding natural remedy for those suffering from chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma.

Weight Management

Caraway may also support weight management by regulating metabolism and promoting fat loss. The fiber content in caraway seeds create a feeling of fullness, reducing overeating and supporting healthy digestion. Additionally, caraway improves insulin sensitivity. People with metabolic disorders can benefit from this property. By enhancing the body’s ability to process food efficiently, Caraway can be a useful addition to weight management strategies.

Menstrual and Menopausal Health

Caraway is a traditional remedy for women’s health at all ages. It can help regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual cramps. This is thanks to its antispasmodic properties, which help the uterine muscles relax, reducing the pain associated with menstruation. The phytoestrogens in Caraway help balance estrogen levels. This is beneficial for women experiencing symptoms like hot flashes during menopause.

Heart Health

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in Caraway help reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to heart disease. Caraway also helps regulate blood pressure. Caraway may also lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol), promoting overall cardiovascular health. 

Karawya

The ancient Arabs were the first to use Caraway; they called the seeds Karawya, which is the origin of the word Caraway and remains the name in the East. Caraway is a biennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots and aromatic herbs such as fennel, cumin, and anise. It typically grows up to two feet tall. Caraway possesses feathery, finely divided leaves, like many members of the carrot family. Its flowers are small, white or pale pink blooms in umbrella-like clusters called umbels. The most noticeable feature of caraway is its crescent-shaped seeds, which are dark brown with five ridges that run along the seed’s surface. Its seeds are the source of its most potent medicine! Caraway thrives in temperate climates and is commonly found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.