Caraway oil has antiseptic, antihistaminic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, astringent and tonic properties that make it beneficial for treating or alleviating many health problems, such as:
- Indigestion —According to a 1999 study published in the German journal Drug Research, a blend of caraway and peppermint oil may help treat indigestion as well as the gastroprokinetic agent cisapride does (a medication for treating heartburn).
- Heart ailments —Caraway oil helps strengthen the cardiac muscles, maintain proper heart rate, prevent hardening of the veins and arteries and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Urinary issues —People who are suffering from obstructed urination, high blood pressure, and renal calculi can benefit from caraway oil. The urination-stimulating effect of this oil also helps lower blood pressure, reduce fat, remove uric acid and clean up waste deposits from the kidney.
- Internal infections —Caraway oil effectively treats infections in the colon, digestive system, respiratory system, and urinary and excretory systems. It can also heal external infections, and inhibit bacterial and fungal growth.
How to Make Caraway Oil
Caraway essential oil is one of the few oils that is mostly produced in European countries. It is made by crushing and distilling the seeds of the plant. The seeds are ripened and then dried first, before being crushed and going through steam distillation. Every caraway seed produces around 2 to 8 percent of this essential oil.
How Does Caraway Oil Work?
Caraway oil’s healing properties are mostly acquired when it is used topically, inhaled, or diffused. Try these different applications for this oil:
- Diffuse it in a burner or vaporizer —A few drops can help relieve your nerves, soothe your digestive system and boost your respiratory tract.
- Blend it with massage oil —Make sure you use a safe carrier oil that will not irritate your skin. You can also add a few drops to your bathwater.
- Add it to a cream, shampoo or lotion —This is recommended if you’re using caraway oil to treat skin or scalp conditions. Just a few drops will suffice.
I recommend blending caraway oil with other carrier oils, as using it full strength may not be ideal for your skin. Caraway oil blends well with chamomile, coriander, frankincense, ginger, orange, lavender and basil oils.
Is Caraway Oil Safe?
Caraway is generally safe for most people, but I do not recommend it for pregnant women, as it can induce menstruation, which may be harmful to the unborn child. While it’s said to promote the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers, I advise you to consult a physician before doing this, to ensure that it’s safe for you.
I advise you to check as well if you have any sensitivity to caraway oil by doing a skin patch test. Simply apply a drop of diluted oil to your inner arm and see if any reaction occurs.
Side Effects of Caraway Oil
Caraway may cause skin irritation, such as rashes and itching when used in high concentrations, especially in sensitive individuals. Make sure to dilute it with a safe carrier oil before applying it to your skin. When blended with peppermint oil, it may cause heartburn, belching and nausea.