Caraway oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried ripe seeds and yields 2 - 8 %.
Chemical composition
The chemical components of Caraway oil are Acetaldehyde, Cumuninic aldehyde, Furfurol, Carvone and Limonene.
Precautions
Although it is non-toxic and non-sensitizing, it may cause skin irritation if used in high concentration.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of Caraway oil include anti-histaminic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aperitif, astringent, cardiac, carminative, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, expectorant, parasiticide, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge.
Caraway oil calms the nerves and soothes mental fatigue, while settling the stomach, nervous digestion, colic, flatulence and gastric spasms.
As an expectorant it helps clear bronchitis, bronchial asthma and coughs. It is also helpful in cases of sore throats and laryngitis and beneficial to the urinary system, helping to flush toxins out. Nursing mothers also use it to increase milk and women in general find that it helps to relieve period pains.
It is an effective tissue regenerator and useful for fighting oily skin while dispersing bruises, reducing boils and cleaning infected wounds. Furthermore, it relieves itching skin and helps to clear acne as well as scalp problems.