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.

Caraway essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried ripe seeds and yields 2 – 8 %.

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.

The chemical components of Caraway essential oil are Acetaldehyde, Cumuninic aldehyde, Furfurol, Carvone and Limonene.

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 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.

In vapor therapy, caraway oil can be used as a tonic for nerves, for helping the digestive system and urinary problems while also boosting the respiratory tract.

Caraway oil can be used in a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath to assist with painful period pains, digestive problems or respiratory congestion, while at the same time being a tonic for the skin.

When blended in a cream, 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.

Caraway oil blends well with basil, chamomile, coriander, frankincense, ginger, lavender and orange.