Caraway essential oil information
Caraway essential oil is extracted from Carum carvi (also known as Apium carvi) of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family and is also known as carum, meridian fennel or Persian cumin.
Properties of Caraway essential oil
Caraway oil has a sweet spicy odor with a slight peppery smell. The essential oil is typically pale yellow in colour,
Origin of Caraway oil
It is a bi-annual herb that originated from Asia Minor, but is now cultivated in Northern Europe, Africa and Russia. It grows up to 60cm (2 feet) and has soft fern-like leaves, umbels of white/pink flowers and small brown fruit. Also known as Meadow Cumin, it is a very old, well known spice, used as far back as the Stone Age, while the Egyptians used it as food flavoring, the Romans in bread-making and in the Middle Ages the Germans and Austrians used it in their cooking. Traditionally this herb is associated with sharp eyesight and a sweet breath.
Extraction of Caraway essential oil
Caraway essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried ripe seeds and yields 2 – 8 %.
Chemical composition of Caraway essential oil
The chief components of Caraway essential oil are (+)-Carvone, (+)-Limonene and β-Myrcene. Other components include Acetaldehyde, Cumuninic aldehyde and Furfurol.
Suggested precautions
This essential oil has GRAS status (Generally Recommended As Safe). General safety guidelines apply.
Caraway essential oil will become irritating to the skin when oxidized – Store in a cool dark place (preferably the fridge) and in a dark and airtight container.
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties of Caraway essential oil
The therapeutic properties of Caraway oil include anti-histaminic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aperitif, astringent, cardiac, carminative, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, expectorant, parasiticide, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge.
Uses of Caraway essential oil
On the skin
Caraway oil can be used in a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath to assist with period pains, digestive problems or respiratory congestion, while at the same time serving as a tonic for the skin.
When blended in a cream or an aqueous gel, it can help to fight itching skin, scalp and skin problems such as acne, reduce bruising, and in general help with tissue regeneration – thereby helping to fight the signs of aging.
Vaporizers and Burners
In vapor therapy, caraway essential oil can be used as a tonic for nerves, for helping the digestive system and urinary problems – while also boosting the respiratory tract.
Suggested dilution rates
On the skin
Adult, Unbroken skin
Face: 0.2% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1.5% to 4%
Pain/Discomfort: 1.5% to 5% (on affected area, intermittent use)
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.1% to 0.25%
Body: 0.1% to 0.5%
Bath: 0.1% to 0.5%
Pain/Discomfort: 0.1% to 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
Pain/Discomfort: 0.5% to 2%
6 to 15 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 3%
Pain/Discomfort: 0.5% to 3%
Pregnancy:
Face: 0.2% to 1.5%
Body: 0.2% to 2%
Bath: 0.2% to 2%
Pain/Discomfort: 0.2% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy – This is due to conflicting information available, or the absence of any reliable information.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Breastfeeding: Keep away from the baby while feeding (do not apply to areas that the baby will come in contact with – wash and rinse area well before feeding). Rather avoid using while breastfeeding.
Vaporizers and Burners
Use 2 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
The greatest benefits of Caraway oil lie in its calming and soothing effect on the nerves and the digestive system. As an expectorant, it helps with respiratory problems and is also helpful in fighting urinary problems, while having great benefits for the skin. Caraway essential oil calms the nerves and soothes mental fatigue, while settling the stomach, nervous digestion, colic, flatulence and gastric spasms. As an expectorant it helps clear bronchitis, bronchial asthma and coughs. It is also helpful in cases of sore throats and laryngitis and is beneficial to the urinary system, helping to flush toxins out. Nursing mothers also use it to increase milk and women in general find that it helps to relieve period pains. It is an effective tissue regenerator and is useful for fighting oily skin while dispersing bruises, reducing boils and cleaning infected wounds. Furthermore, it relieves itching skin and helps to clear acne as well as scalp problems.
Caraway essential oil blends well with
Caraway oil blends well with aniseed, basil, chamomile, coriander, frankincense, ginger, lavender and orange.
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