What is Caraway

Ever heard of a spice that’s been trusted by grandmas and validated by science? Meet Caraway. Caraway Extract is a concentrated liquid derived from Caraway Seeds: the dried fruit of the Carum Carvi plant, part of the parsley family (Apiaceae). Caraway seeds look like tiny, curved, brown ridged grains, and are known for their unique aroma: categorised as a mix between fennel, anise, and cumin.

Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, Caraway has been a part of the Indian diet for centuries. In Ayurveda, it is known as the Shahi Jeera, typically found in the Kashmir and Himachal regions of India. Additionally, it has been widely used in ancient European medicine.

 

Health Benefits and Uses of Caraway 

Including Caraway in your diet may offer several health advantages:

• Bloating & Digestive Relief: Caraway has been a go-to digestive aid since ancient Egypt and is best known for relieving bloating, gas, and indigestion. The carminative properties of Caraway help reduce gas formation, relax the intestinal muscles, and promote smoother digestion
  
• Gut Health Support: Caraway is packed with flavonoids, carvone, limonene, and other antioxidants that support the gut microbiome. These compounds may reduce intestinal inflammation and even have mild antimicrobial effects against bad bacteria
  
• Appetite Control & Weight Management: Some research suggests Caraway may help with fat metabolism and appetite regulation, thanks to its role in balancing gut hormones
  
• Menstrual Cramp Relief: Caraway has mild antispasmodic effects, making it helpful for relieving cramps and discomfort during menstruation

  

Caraway in Shift

At Shift, we’re reimagining soda—bringing together traditional wisdom and modern science. Every can is carefully crafted with functional ingredients that help you feel good and still taste great. Caraway Extract is part of our formula for its digestive and anti-bloating properties, because feeling good should be as natural as it is effective.

 

References

Mahboubi M. (2019), "Caraway as Important Medicinal Plants in Management of Diseases," https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6328425/#Abs1 

Al Marmour, Doha. (2024), "Carum Carvi L. Seeds As A Spice And Medicinal Herb," https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389978436_Carum_Carvi_L_Seeds_As_A_Spice_And_Medicinal_Herb

Ashley Hill, RD, LD (2019), "Everything You Need to Know About Caraway," https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caraway#benefits

"Caraway: Is It Good for You?," accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.webmd.com/diet/caraway-good-for-you