Brand name:                          Caraway                                                   Latin name: Carum carvi                                                   A Remedy For                                                             Appetite loss                               Bronchitis                               Colds                               Cough                               Fever                               Liver and gallbladder problems                               Sore throat                               Tendency to infection                                                 In folk medicine, Caraway has been used to improve lactation in nursing                                                   mothers, induce menstruation, and improve digestion. Its effectiveness for                       these purposes remains unproven.                                                   What It Is; Why It Works                          A familiar ingredient in cooking and liqueurs, Caraway is said to have                         originated in the Arab world. It once was recommended for girls with a pale                       complexion. It was also believed to confer a power of retention. An object                         containing it was supposedly protected from theft, and it was used to                       prevent lovers, fowl, and pigeons from straying.                                                 Caraway is found in Europe, Siberia, the Caucasus, the Near East, the                                                 Himalayas, Mongolia, Morocco, and North America. The plant ranges from                                                 1 to 3 feet in height and produces very small white or reddish flowers.                                                 Substances within the plant have been shown to improve digestion and                                                   combat certain bacteria.                                                   Avoid If...                          No medical conditions are known to preclude the use of Caraway.                                                   Special Cautions                          Large doses of Caraway oil taken for extended periods can cause kidney                         or liver damage.                                                   Possible Drug Interactions                          No interactions have been reported.                                                 Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding                                                   No harmful effects are known.                                                   How To Prepare                          To prepare Caraway tea, pour 150 milliliters (about one-half cup) of hot                         water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of Caraway, steep 10 to 15 minutes, and                         drain.                                                   Typical Dosage                          Caraway oil: the average dose is 2 to 3 drops on a sugar cube. Do not take                         more than 3 to 6 drops per day                         Caraway seeds: The average dose ranges from 1 to 5 grams. Do not take                         more than 6 grams per day.                                                 Store Caraway protected from light and moisture in glass or metal                                                   containers.                                                   Overdosage                          No information on overdosage is available.