Botanical - Apiaceae

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1. English name- black caraway
2. Hindi name- syahjeera
3. Sanskrit- Krishna jeerak
4. Gujrati- shahjeeru

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It is found in high altitude places having a height of about 6000 to 11000 feet. it is found in northern part of Europe and Asia. In India it grows in places like Kashmir, Gadwall region and Kumaun. It is also found in Pakistan i.e. Baluchistan and Afghanistan.

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It is a biennial plant that attains a maximum height of about 1.5 to 2 feet. Its stem is smooth and bears branches. Leaves are finely cut. The leaves at the apex are smaller that the bottom one. It bears white flowers which are 6 to 16 in number in umbels and are about a length of 1.5 inch. Fruit is one sixth of the inch in size and is very much mis-concepted as seed of the plant. The fruit is laterally compressed, horny, translucent, and marked with the pale ridges. It is also curved.

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Seeds of caraway contain about 5 to 7 % volatile oils that are responsible for its aromatic nature. It also contains stable oils which are about 6.2 to 10.1 % Seed is often chewed to sweeten the breath and avoid acidity. The main constituent of this oil is carvene, a hydrocarbon and oxygenated oil known as carvol. 100 grams of seed of caraway contains about 20 grams of protein, 15 grams of fats and 50 grams of carbohydrate. It also contains 12.5 % fibers, 6 grams of ash, 690 milligrams of calcium, 565 milligrams of phosphorus, 16 milligrams of iron and 5.6 milligram of zinc. It also contains vitamins like vitamin A, B1, B2 and niacin.

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It has a good effect on our digestive system. It prevents foul odor from mouth and also facilitates digestion. It improves appetite. It also works as anti-inflammatory.. it also prevents pyrexia. It is also good toner in female reproductive tract.

According to ayurveda it contains

• Gunna (properties)- laghu (light), ruksh (rough)
• Rasa (taste)- katu (pungent)
• Virya (potency)- ushan (hot)

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No toxic effect was seen on human body with Carum carvi consumption.

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Seeds

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1. Bad breath
2. Indigestion
3. Nausea
4. Anti flatulence
5. Improves appetite
6. Prevents loose stools
7. Strengthens heart
8. Anti inflammatory
9. Pyrexia (fever)
10. Female reproductive tract toner

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1. Powder- it is generally used as spices in food and in preparation of gravies.
2. Seeds are directly chewed to improve the taste of the mouth and also to avoid bad breath.
3. Decoction is used to improve digestion and avoid nausea condition.

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