The spices we use, fresh or dried, are not merely used for their fragrance or taste in food .. they have many many other benefits if consumed in certain ways . We will include a new spice every few days to perhaps increase our knowledge of how best to use them in time of need.
**Caraway Seeds are typically called Black Zeera or Shah Zeera in the subcontinent. Some facts :
**
- A pinch or about half tsp of caraway seeds can help settle the stomach and relieve flatulence
- Caraway is also a powerful appetite stimulant and a standard infusion can be drunk half an hour before a meal
- Caraway can be used to treat older children and adults over 65. Some people use tea infusion to treat colic in children. Its best to start using low strength and then increase if it suits you.
- Caraway seeds are also a rich source of dietary fibre thereby helping in combating constipation as it speeds up the movement of the food through the gut.
- It is an excellent source of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.
To Make an infusion:
Lightly crush two tsp of Caraway seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-20 minutes and strain. You are ready to enjoy your drink.
You can have this two to three times a day.
For low strength tea use just half tsp caraway seeds and steep it for only 10 minutes.
**Advise for Pregnant Ladies:
**Caraway appears to have anti spasmodic properties and might relax the uterus, hence during pregnancy please be careful not to use the herb medicinally or in the tea form. You are safe however to use it occasionally in day to day food by sprinkling just a few seeds in the dish you are preparing, salads, rice etc.