Karavi (Karavi (Prithvika, Shatapushpa, Kalajaji, Ajamoda))
Karavi, also known as caraway, is an Ayurvedic herb primarily used for digestive disorders. It's recognized for its carminative and antispasmodic properties.
Botanical name: Carum carvi. Also known as: Caraway, Meridian Fennel, Persian Cumin, Kummel, Shah Jeera, Kala Jira, Apium Carvi, Carvi Fructus, Black Caraway.
Properties
Antispasmodic, Carminative, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant
Dosage
General Dosage: 1.5 to 6 g powder of seeds. Adults: 0.3-15 g of dried fruit. Tea Preparation: 1 teaspoon (≈2 g) of lightly crushed whole seeds. Suppositories: Introduce 1 suppository into the anus 1-2 times a day. Carum Carvi Baby Kümmelungs contain 100 mg of extract from caraway per suppository. Essential Oil: Adults can take 3-6 drops (0.15-0.3 ml) in divided doses daily.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter, Pungent
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Vatanulomana (carminative)
- Shoolahara (pain reliever)
- Krimihara (antimicrobial)
Traditional uses
- Ajirna (indigestion)
- Adhmana (bloating)
- Shoola (colic)
- Krimi roga (intestinal worms)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Seeds: The dried seeds (fruits) are used medicinally.
- Powder: Seeds can be ground into a powder for consumption.
- Herbal Infusion/Tea: Steep crushed seeds in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Liquid Extract: Available for consumption.
- Dry Extract: Available for consumption.
- Essential Oil: Can be used orally or externally. Caraway oil serves as a fragrance in the manufacturing of toothpaste, soap, and cosmetics.
- Suppositories: Available for infants.
- Other Forms: Caraway can be found in tinctures and fluid extracts.
- Dry Roasted Seeds: Can be dry roasted and ground with other spices.
Contraindications
- Consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if taking medications, having a chronic health condition, or are pregnant or nursing.
- Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine, so seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
- If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Be aware that some Ayurvedic preparations may contain toxic levels of heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, or lead.
- Some herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy or nursing.
Side effects
- Possible mild heartburn or belching in some individuals.
- Caraway oil can cause belching, heartburn, and nausea when used with peppermint oil.
- May cause allergic reactions, potentially leading to skin hives or rash, difficulty breathing, and chest or throat tightness.
- Caraway extract might increase the absorption of iron.
- Caraway might lower blood sugar levels.
Interactions
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
- Lithium
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates)
- Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs)
- Isoniazid
- Pyrazinamide
- Rifampin
- Paracetamol
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show that Caraway, particularly caraway oil, demonstrates potential benefits for indigestion, IBS symptom relief and weight management. Clinical trials are also exploring caraway oil for pneumonia in children, alveolar osteitis, chronic periodontitis and as part of a combination therapy for COVID-19.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Vatanulomana (carminative)
- Shoolahara (pain reliever)
- Krimihara (antimicrobial)
Classical clinical indications
- Ajirna (indigestion)
- Adhmana (bloating)
- Shoola (colic)
- Krimi roga (intestinal worms)