Caraway Seeds (Carum Carvi)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Caraway Seeds (Carum Carvi) HERB COMMON NAME :  Caraway HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Carum Carvi OTHER NAMES :  Kummel, Alcaravea, Meridian Fennel, Persian Cumin, Carvies, Carum, Wild Cumin, Karauya, Meadow Cumin FAMILY :  Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :   Element: Air Planet: Mercury Day: Friday Direction: East Zodiac Sign: Virgo  Chakra: 2nd Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) Energy: Yin Gender: Masculine Rune: Gebo Tarot Card: the Lovers tarot Sabbat or Holiday: Lupercalia (Feb 15) ; Beltane / Walpurgis / May Day (April 30 – May 1) ; the Full Pink Moon (April) Deity / God / Goddess Association: Hertha, Freya, Venus, Aphrodite, Himeros, Peitho, Kali, Orisha Oshun   Parts Used:  Seeds Description:  The history of caraway may date back to the Stone Age. Caraway seeds were discovered in the refuse areas of prehistoric communities in southern Europe. Those finds are believed to indicate that the plant was a part of early man’s daily life. Caraway is related to dill, fennel and anise. It’s been used to stimulate milk production in mothers. Today, caraway is still recommended to help indigestion, flatulence (gas), and bloating. Caraway seeds may also help ease symptoms of dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, diverticulitis, and gastric ulceration. Some parts of the world serve caraway seeds after meals much like an after-dinner mint. Caraway seeds can help remove excess water from the body, possibly helping to lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that caraway fruit extract has antifertility effects in women, significantly increasing estrogen levels. Historical Uses:  breast feeding, digestion, indigestion, flatulence (gas), bloating, dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, diverticulitis, ulcers, high blood pressure, female fertility, menopause, low estrogen Mystical Attributes:  Caraway has been included in pastries and potions for love and lust, and the seeds are added to sachets to attract a mate. Chew the seeds to gain the love of the one you desire. Caraway seeds are also used as an aid in preventing fickleness, encouraging fidelity, and guarding against the theft of your love as well as more material objects. Caraway has the gift of retention. Any object containing caraway seeds is theft proof, including livestock. Some pigeon trainers will still place some caraway dough in the loft to keep their flock. Since pigeons are particularly fond of caraway, this isn’t particularly a superstitious act. Caraway seeds are also sometimes added to chicken feed in hopes of keeping them from wandering off. Caraway serves as protection against all manner of evil spirits, entities and negativity.  Fill a pouch with seeds and sew it shut with white thread to carry for this purpose. Wrap caraway seeds in a white handkerchief and carry for a safe journey. Caraway seeds also strengthen the memory. In German folklore, parents placed a dish or small bag of caraway seeds under a child’s bed to protect them from illness, evil, and from being stolen by the fae. Mystical Intentions:  protection from thieves, loyalty, fidelity, bring back a lost lover, cheating lover, abandonment, attraction, enchantment, love spells, binding, knot magick, dating, lust, sexual desire, sex magic, tantric magic, fertility, protection from evil, negative energy, safe travel, memory, education, protection from illness, child protection Taste & Smell:  Caraway has strong, fresh, fruity, sweet, savory, spicy, and slightly peppery aroma. The seeds have a warm, peppery taste that is similar to that of anise seeds but sweeter. The seasoning is often used for cheeses, breads, cakes, cabbage, and sauerkraut. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Caraway is native to Western Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. Caraway is an attractive biennial that reaches 2 feet, similar in appearance to other members of the carrot family. It has finely divided feathery leaves with thread-like divisions, growing 20-30 cm stems. The main flower stem is a 40-60 cm tall square stalk. It grows umbrella-like clusters of tiny white or pink flowers at the ends of the stems much like that of Queen Anne’s lace, which bloom in early summer in June or July, and turn into small seeds. Caraway fruits (erroneously called seeds) are crescent-shaped achenes, around 2 mm long, with five pale ridges. Caraway grows best and easily from seeds planted 1/2 inch deep and 8 inches apart, lightly covered with a thin layer of soil in the spring or fall. Caraway likes rich, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and a warm full sun location. Prepare the soil by working some compost into the top 1-2 inches. Keep plants moist but not wet. The first year, caraway produces a small rosette of leaves and a long tap-root. Don’t transplant it once it has become established. During the second year, caraway sends up its stem, reveals its feathery leaves, and produces seeds. It takes two years for the plant to mature, produce seeds, then die. During the winter you may not see any evidence of the plant even though the roots are preparing for spring. So mark your spot carefully so you don’t accidentally dig them up in the spring. Seeds appear in midsummer. Harvest them as soon as they ripen but before they fall to the ground. Cut the flower heads and gently shake over a shallow pan. Leave some seeds behind and the plants will self-grow. Dry the caraway fruit (seeds) and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Seeds can be dry-roasted to enhance flavor before using or storing. Contraindications & Toxicity: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Overuse of caraway may increase iron levels in the body. Do not use while taking iron supplements. Caraway might lower blood sugar levels and can interfere with blood sugar control. Caraway seeds may interact with diuretics, lithium, and sedatives. Avoid combining caraway oil with peppermint oil. Avoid caraway if allergic to plants in the Apiaceae/Carrot and Compositae family.   Constituents: Carvone Limonene β-myrcene α-selinene Apiole     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related