Few people know that caraway is not only a fragrant and useful seasoning for many dishes, but also serves as an excellent tool for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The product is particularly effective for violations of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract. Find out what else is the use of spicy spices and how to use it correctly for medicinal purposes.

What is caraway

Caraway or field anise is a dioecious herbaceous culture of the Umbrella family, whose homeland is considered to be the subtropical regions of Asia. The plant is also widely distributed throughout Europe, in Ukraine, Belarus, western and eastern regions of Russia. In the first year of vegetation, the culture forms a powerful, strong rhizome and a rosette of cirrus-dissected green leaves.The second year begins with the flowering of caraway seeds, which is presented in the form of numerous white or pink flowers collected in umbrella inflorescences. After flowering, the anise forms a small fruit - a long, slightly flattened ovule, up to 3 mm long. Cumin is a frost-resistant plant that adapts well to environmental conditions and can easily tolerate low temperatures, up to -25 ° C.

Did you know? Anise is the most favorite spice of the inhabitants of Egypt. Its local women are mixed with honey and pepper, using as an aphrodisiac - a means to stimulate and enhance sexual desire.

Chemical composition and calorie content

The high healing properties of caraway seeds are due to its multifaceted chemical composition, which is represented by the following components:

• B vitamins: necessary for the normalization of the nervous system, participate in energy metabolism, reduce the effects of stress;
• vitamin A: takes part in the regulation of protein synthesis, accelerates regenerative processes in cells;
• Vitamin E: protects cells from the negative effects of free radicals, prevents the rapid aging of the body;
• vitamin C: increases the protective functions of the body, protects against viruses and infections, strengthens the immune system;
• calcium: contributes to the proper development of bone and muscle tissue, strengthens the bones of the skeleton;
• iron: prevents the development of anemia, enriches the blood with oxygen;
• zinc: beneficial effect on the skin, strengthens hair and nails, activates the reproductive system;
• magnesium: has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, takes part in the synthesis of collagen, stimulates brain activity;
• potassium: normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system, strengthens blood vessels, makes them strong and elastic.

In addition, caraway seeds include:

• proteins - 19 g;
• fats - 14.5 g;
• carbohydrates - 11.9 g.

Plant seeds are a fairly high-calorie product, which has about 333 kcal per 100 g of raw material. Anise fruits are rich in flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, curcitins and coumarins, which give the seeds a characteristic specific taste and aroma.

Important! Natural black cumin oil in its composition contains a unique anti-cancer substance - thymoquinone, which has a double effect: it prevents the occurrence of neoplasms and destroys existing cancer cells.

The healing properties of cumin

In traditional medicine, cumin is used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Due to the increased content of vitamins A and E, it has a rejuvenating effect, prevents the rapid aging of the body, protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.

• It has special effectiveness in case of digestive system disorders:
• improves metabolism;
• relieves colic and swelling;
• normalizes the digestive tract, relieves cramps;
• restores metabolism;
• improves the condition of the body with constipation and ulcer.

The spice is characterized by diuretic, antispasmodic, expectorant properties, due to which it is widely used to treat bronchitis, cough, diseases of the genitourinary system, stabilize the kidneys and liver. Anise seeds have a beneficial effect on the hormonal system: increase potency, restore sexual function in men, normalize the menstrual cycle, relieve headaches and migraines.Decoctions and infusions of seeds of spicy spices are used to treat ailments of the skin: acne, inflammation, acne, rash, ulcers, boils. Anise is recommended to consume for nervous disorders, depression and stress. It perfectly relieves fatigue, normalizes night rest, restores strength and vitality.

Important! Cumin is advised to be included in the diet of nursing mothers, as it contributes to better milk production.

The benefits of black cumin oil

Caraway seed oil, which is obtained by cold pressing from the seeds of black anise, is of particular value in folk medicine. By its biological composition, the product is truly unique and one of the most useful among natural oils. It contains saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular, Omega-6 and Omega-9, without which it is impossible to imagine the normal functioning of the human body.

For the immune system

Black cumin oil is especially beneficial for the immune system. The product has a stimulating effect on the thymus gland, which is responsible for human immunity. Regular use of the oil makes it possible to activate the protective functions of the body, help internal systems to deal with untreated and sluggish ailments, and successfully overcome infections. For general strengthening of the body, it is recommended to use the product on an empty stomach, one teaspoon in the morning and in the evening, chewing seeds well and washing down with water. For children over the age of 6, the dosage is recommended to be halved.

Important! Children under 6 years of age cannot use caraway seed oil for treatment and prevention.

For the digestive system

Cumin oil has earned great popularity in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive system.

• The systematic consumption of the product comprehensively affects the functioning of the digestive tract:
• normalizes the level of acidity of the stomach;
• serves as a prophylaxis of inflammatory processes;
• normalizes intestinal microflora;
• has a choleretic effect.

The rich chemical composition of the oil and its medicinal properties make it the most effective remedy for gastritis and peptic ulcer, with increased acidity of the stomach, with colitis, GERD, flatulence and other disorders. Oil allows you to establish the functioning of the kidneys and liver, eliminates stomach cramps, relieves constipation.

How to take cumin for the stomach and intestines

The benefits of cumin for the human gastrointestinal tract are simply invaluable, however, in order to maximize the benefit, it is recommended that certain dosages be observed when consuming it.

Did you know? Caraway seeds were discovered by archaeologists in human settlements from the Neolithic and Mesolithic times, so this plant was used as early as 8 thousand years ago.

Infusion

To treat problems with the gastrointestinal tract, experts recommend the use of black or ordinary caraway seeds. As a rule, infusions and decoctions are made from the seed material, which have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative, restorative and antibacterial effects.

An infusion of seeds is prepared as follows:

1. Pour 250 ml of boiling water 1 tbsp. l seed.
2. Soak the product for at least 30-40 minutes.
3. The infusion is filtered and used for its intended purpose.

As a choleretic agent, the infusion is recommended to be used three times a day before meals, 2 tbsp. As a laxative, drink 50 ml fasting in the morning and evening. To improve the functioning of the digestive tract and speed up the metabolism, it is recommended to drink the described infusion after eating, 50-100 ml.

Video: how to make caraway tincture

From colic, diarrhea, nausea and intoxication of the body, you can prepare a caraway-clove infusion:

1. Black caraway seeds are mixed in equal proportions with cloves.
2. Grains pour 250-300 ml of boiling water.
3. Stand for 10-20 minutes, filter.

A similar infusion should be drunk 1 glass, three times a day.

Important! If you have any health problems, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before using caraway seeds or caraway seed oil.

Decoction

The therapeutic use of caraway seeds is also possible in the form of a decoction, which is prepared according to this recipe:

1. Pour 250 ml of boiling water 2 tbsp. seed.
2. The product is placed in a water bath and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. The broth after the indicated time is removed from the fire and set aside for cooling.
4. The cooled product is diluted with 250 ml of boiled water.

Video: how to make a decoction of black caraway seeds

Take caraway decoction is advised in the process of eating food, 50–80 ml. It helps remarkably with indigestion, irritates the intestinal wall, which contributes to the normalization of stool, relieves inflammation in gastritis and ulcers, and makes it possible to get rid of bloating and colic.

Possible contraindications for use

Despite the rich spectrum of useful qualities, in some cases, caraway seeds can harm the human body.

• Contraindications to its consumption are:
• individual intolerance and allergy to the product;
• obstruction of the bile ducts;
• gastritis and peptic ulcer in the acute stage;
• the presence of any transplants in the body;
• pregnancy, since the spice can lead to active contraction of the uterus and, as a result, miscarriage or premature delivery;
• rehabilitation period after heart attacks and strokes;
• the presence of large stones in the kidneys, gall or bladder.

Cumin has been used for decades in traditional medicine for the treatment and prevention of various ailments. And this is not surprising, because the described spice has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, restorative, antispasmodic, antibacterial action, which makes it possible to quickly and effectively get rid of many health problems.