Comparisons
Cumin or Caraway?
Cumin and caraway are seeds from the same family (carrot family) but different genera; they differ in taste and use. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | CuminCuminum cyminum | CarawayCarum carvi |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | B Limited clinical evidence | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Digestion, Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar | Digestion |
| Form | Seed | Seed |
| How to use | Add to meatballs, chickpeas, beans and soups; used with pulses to reduce wind. | Crushed or whole fruit is steeped in boiling water and drunk warm. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks. |
| Pregnancy | Generally safe | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Generally safe | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | Not stated | From age 12 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
Which one, when?
Cumin
Traditionally used as a spice and for wind and bloating; in a meta-analysis its supplements slightly lowered body mass index and total cholesterol. Kitchen amounts are generally safe.
Full card →Caraway
Has an EMA-recognised traditional use as a tea for digestive complaints such as bloating and wind; for up to 2 weeks. Not recommended under 12, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Full card →Good to know
- Caraway is not recommended with liver or bile duct disease, gallstones or lack of stomach acid.
- People allergic to the carrot family (fennel, anise, celery, coriander) should not use caraway.
Sources
- A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice Cuminum cyminum L.Phytotherapy Research · 2021 · ReviewSource accessed:
- Cumin extract for symptom control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case seriesMiddle East Journal of Digestive Diseases · 2013 · Observational study / case seriesSource accessed:
- Efficacy of Cuminum cyminum supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytotherapy Research · 2022 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
- The effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPhytotherapy Research · 2021 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
- European Union herbal monograph on Carum carvi L., fructusEMA HMPC · 2015 · MonographSource accessed: