Caraway is well known in our traditional Polish cuisine. It can be used with fatty, flatulent or hard to digest dishes, thanks to which it regulates digestion, eliminates ailments of the digestive system such as unpleasant flatulence, colic and constipation. The medicinal properties of cumin mean that it has a wide range of uses. For this reason, it is recommended for adults and even children.

Caraway (Carum carvi) is a biennial plant of the celery family. In our country it is quite common. It can also be found in other European, Asian and African countries such as Tunisia. Seeds of caraway have a strong smell and slightly sharp taste. They are a popular and willingly used spice. The seeds contain approx. 3-7% of essential oil, which is rich in components such as carvone, stimulating the central nervous system, limonene or aldehydkumin, or cuminal, belonging to the group of terpenes. In caraway one can also find flavonoids, i.e. antioxidants of natural origin. These antioxidants fight free radicals, responsible for cell aging, mutations, tumors and their damage. In the composition of the seeds one can also find nitrogenous substances, simple sugars, starch, organic acids, tannins, fatty oil, waxes and resins.

The components contained in caraway make it a medicinal plant. Caraway is a well-known natural remedy primarily for stomach ailments. It is characterized by diuretic, cholagogic and windmill effect. It regulates intestinal peristalsis, has diastolic effect and cures colic, flatulence or constipation. It refreshes the breath. Cumin has also expectorant properties, so it can be a support in treating inflammation of the respiratory tract, and it is recommended especially for chronic cough.

Cumin is recommended for breastfeeding women, because it has a positive effect on lactation. Including it in the menu can help breastfeeding mothers produce enough milk for their baby. You can find commonly available teas with caraway seeds in the market.

Caraway seeds should not be confused with cumin. Cumin, also called Roman cumin (Cuminum cyminum), is also a member of the celery family, but it is an annual plant. It probably comes from the eastern Mediterranean. Nowadays, it can only be found in cultivation. In our country Roman cumin is grown very rarely, because the plant has a very low tolerance for cold. Like cumin, it is a spice and also a medicinal plant. It contains essential oil and flavonoids. It is characterized by anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and diuretic effects. It increases the secretion of gastric juices, affects the respiratory center and stimulates heart action. It is a perfect addition to dishes from Arabic cuisine, chili con carne or spaghetti bolognese. Cumin gives these dishes an intense flavor and aroma.

There is also another spice, which also resembles caraway by name, and this is black caraway (Bunium persicum), which also comes from the celery family. It contains a significant amount of polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants. The seeds of black cumin are very similar to the common cumin. However, in the area of Bengal, “kalo jeera“, which is the Indian name for black cumin means cumin seed (Nigella sativa). Black cumin is a completely different plant in the buttercup family. Its seeds have a sharp, spicy taste and are also used as a spice.

Caraway is a great spice for wind, fatty, fried or hard to digest meals. It is recommended to use it with dishes that contain leguminous plants – pea soup, beans, cabbage with peas and with pork or lamb meat, soups and sauces. Caraway is a great combination with cabbage dishes, which include bigos. It can also add aroma to bread and other bakery products. Caraway seeds or ground caraway seeds are also useful in cooking. It can be added to salads, sandwiches and cottage cheese. Caraway is a perfect addition to yellow cheese.

The infusion of cumin should be given to small children who suffer from digestive problems such as accumulation of gas. One teaspoon of cumin seeds should be brewed with a glass of boiling water and put aside for about 10-15 minutes. After this time the infusion should be strained and, after it cools down, given to a toddler to drink, preferably with a spoon. Such an infusion is also recommended for adults. You can also give a child a tea for stomach pains, which contains cumin.

Cumin has properties regulating the digestive system. It is an important product for combating overweight and obesity. Cumin for slimming is worth consuming as grains or ground, which can be added to dishes. The slimming properties can be obtained especially by mixing water with caraway seeds.

Take 250 ml of warm water and add a teaspoon of cumin seeds, ginger and a pinch of cinnamon. These spices will enhance the effect of improving the rate of metabolism. After thorough mixing, the drink is suitable for drinking. It is recommended to drink 3 times a day between meals. The taste of the mixture can be further improved by adding a little grated lemon peel to it, but be sure to scald it before grinding.

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