Caraway Seed Essential Oil Information Page
General Specifications
| Detail |
Information |
| INCI Name |
Carum carvi (Caraway) seed oil |
| CAS Number |
8000-42-8 |
| SKU Code |
– |
| Extraction Method |
Steam distillation |
| Plant Parts Used |
Dried, crushed, ripe seeds |
| Origin |
Egypt |
| Common Names |
Karavi oil, Persian cumin, Meridian fennel, Huile essentielle de Carvi |
| Appearance |
Colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odour Note |
Middle note – fresh, herbaceous, green, sweet minty-licorice, slightly floral, warm & spicy with nutty rye-bread notes |
| Main Molecular Components |
High in Carvone (50–58%) and Limonene (38–50%) |
| Quality |
100% pure and organic essential oil |
| Storage Condition |
Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat. Keep tightly closed, out of reach of children & pets |
Interesting Facts
| Fact |
Detail |
| Misidentified Oil |
Often mistaken for cumin seed oil, but caraway is more herbal, sweet, and floral, making it suitable for diffusions. |
| Historical Uses |
Used since antiquity in beauty balms, chest remedies, cough syrups, digestive tonics, and anointments in Egypt. |
| European Use |
Featured in northern European liquors like Kümmel, Aquavit, and Brennivín. |
Reported Therapeutic Properties
| Property |
Benefit |
| Mucolytic |
Helps clear mucus, promotes easier expulsion |
| Digestive / Carminative |
Supports digestion, reduces gas and bloating |
| Cholagogue |
Promotes bile discharge |
| Choleretic |
Stimulates bile secretion by the liver |
| Highly Aromatic |
Used in perfumery, cooking, and aromatic blends |
| Nervous System Support |
Balances stress, anxiety, nervous digestion, fatigue |
Traditional Applications
| Application |
Details |
| Respiratory Health |
Chest rubs, inhalations, and diffusions for coughs, bronchitis, catarrh, and colds |
| Digestive Relief |
Stomach massage for slow digestion, bloating, flatulence, gastric spasms, and colic |
| PMS & Menstrual Cramps |
Stomach massage to ease cramps and discomfort |
| Appetite Stimulus |
Diffusion to encourage appetite |
| Culinary Uses |
Enhances savoury dishes (salads, chutneys, potato dishes) while aiding digestion |
| Meditation & Wellbeing |
Used in blends for mild depression, anxiety, overwork, and mental fatigue |
Blends Well With
| Category |
Essential Oils |
| Citrus & Fruity |
Sweet Orange, Mandarin |
| Herbs & Flowers |
Basil, Chamomile, Coriander, Lavender, Peppermint |
| Woody & Resinous |
Clary Sage, Cistus, Frankincense, Sandalwood |
| Spicy |
Ginger |
| Support Synergies |
Eucalyptus globulus (chest rubs), Basil (digestion), Bay Laurel/Tarragon (mouth rinse) |
Massages & Body Care
| Application |
Dilution / Use |
Rating |
| Body Massage |
2–6 drops essential oil in 10 ml carrier oil (1–2% concentration) |
+++ |
| Application Areas |
Massage chest, throat, stomach, tummy, back for digestion & respiratory support |
+++ |
| Mouthwash |
Mix 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerine + 3 drops EO in 100 ml bottle, fill with water. Use daily as breath freshener or for nausea & burps |
+++ |
Diffusion
| Application |
Details |
Rating |
| Ultrasonic / Steam Diffusion |
10 min × 3 times daily for chest support or stress relief |
+++ |
Other Uses
| Use |
Details |
| Cooking |
Use max 1–3 drops added cold at the end of cooking to flavor savoury oils, chutneys, potato dishes. Enhances digestion. |
| Meditation Blends |
Relaxing yet energizing in synergies for balance, soothing nervous tension & mental exertion. |
🔗 Detailed guidance here: Instructions of Use – Essential Oils
Safety & Precautions
| Precaution |
Guideline |
| Pregnancy/Breastfeeding |
Do not use during the first 3 months |
| Children & Pets |
Keep out of reach |
| Patch Test |
Always perform a patch test (48 hrs before use) |
| Allergens |
As natural products may contain trace proteins/allergens (esp. unrefined oils) |
| Irritation |
Discontinue if reaction occurs and consult a healthcare professional |
| Dilution |
DO NOT use undiluted directly on skin |
| Medical Advice |
Seek specialist advice when unsure |
| Links |
Precaution – How to Use Essential Oils Safely |
