Caraway
Carum carvi
T Traditional useEMA recognises caraway tea as a traditional remedy for digestive complaints such as bloating and wind. Not recommended under 12, in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
CarawayOn this page
At a glance
Caraway (Carum carvi) is a plant of the carrot family whose crescent-shaped seed-like fruits are used in breads and cheeses. EMA recognises the traditional use of its tea for digestive complaints such as bloating and wind. It is a different plant from cumin (Cuminum cyminum).
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.
How do we rate evidence levels? →EMA recognises tea made from caraway fruit as a traditional herbal medicinal product for the symptomatic relief of digestive disorders such as bloating and flatulence. This use is based on long-standing experience. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Crushed or whole fruit is steeped in boiling water and drunk warm. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks.
Amount: 0.5–2 g in 150 ml boiling water, 1–3 times a day
Duration limit: 2 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Not recommended for children under 12 due to lack of adequate data.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
- Do not use if allergic to caraway, carrot-family plants such as fennel, anise, celery, coriander or dill, mugwort or birch.
- Not recommended for people with liver disease, inflamed bile ducts, gallstones or other biliary disorders, or lack of stomach acid (achlorhydria).
- See a doctor if symptoms worsen or last more than 2 weeks.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- No known side effects
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
Is caraway good for gas?
EMA recognises caraway tea as a traditional use for digestive complaints such as bloating and wind. This is based on long-standing experience, not clinical trials.
Is caraway the same as cumin?
No. Caraway is Carum carvi, while cumin is Cuminum cyminum. The EMA assessment covers caraway.
How do you make caraway tea?
According to EMA, 0.5–2 g of crushed fruit is steeped in 150 ml of boiling water and drunk 1–3 times a day.
Can caraway be used for colic in babies?
EMA does not recommend use in children under 12 due to lack of data. Ask your doctor about your baby's colic.
Can I drink caraway tea while pregnant?
EMA does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established. Spice amounts in food are not covered by this assessment.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- European Union herbal monograph on Carum carvi L., fructusEMA HMPC · 2015 · MonographSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Caraway (Carum carvi). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/caraway/
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