Black Caraway: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Botanical: Nigella sativa

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Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent, bitter
Quality (Guna)
Dry, light, penetrating
Potency (Virya)
Heating
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent
Dosha Effect
Dos.aHIIHFW9.ï3LQH[FHVV
Key Constituents
Alkaloids Asparagine, arginine, nigellidine Flavonoid glycosides Quercetin, kaempferol Saponins PhytosterolsշVLWRVWHUROVWLJmasterol Volatile oil Thymol, carvone, limonene Fats Omega 3 and 6 oils, tryptophan (Tierra 1992, Williamson 2002)
Dhatu
Plasma, blood, reproductive
Srotas
Digestive, urinary, female reproductive, respiratory

Karavi

Sanskrit synonyms: Karim Jeerakam, Krishna Jeeraka.
Latin name: Carum carvi Linn. (caraway)

Source: Sahasra Yoga, Drug Index (Synonyms and Latin Names)

Ayurvedic Properties

PropertyValue
Rasa (taste)Pungent, bitter
Vīrya (energy)Heating
Vipāka (post-digestive)Pungent
Guṇa (quality)Dry, light, penetrating
Doṣa effectDos.aHIIHFW9.ï3LQH[FHVV
Dhātu (tissue)Plasma, blood, reproductive
Srotas (channel)Digestive, urinary, female reproductive, respiratory

Therapeutic Actions

  • Dı-pana: Appetiser
  • Pa-cana: Digester of toxins
  • Medhya: Increases intellect
  • Caks.us.ya: Benefits the eyes
  • Biomedical: Carminative, antispasmodic, galactagogue, aromatic, diuretic, stimulant, vermifuge, expectorant, bronchodilator, antiallergenic

Safety & Contraindications

Contraindications: Pregnancy, as the seeds can; cause miscarriage in large dose

Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known. Chapter 6 PLANT PROFILES

Dosage & Combinations

Dosage: 1–10g per day dried or 3–12ml of a 1:3 @ 45% tincture.

Combinations:

  • Astringents in diarrhoea; manjishtha, kutaja.
  • Anthrapachaka, pippali, vasa in respiratory disorders.
  • Guggul, myrrh, turmeric in uterine congestion.

How to Use Black Caraway by Condition

Explore how Black Caraway is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

Classical Text References (1 sources)

References in Sharangadhara Samhita

Hingvashtaka Churna: Hingu (asafoetida — Ferula assa-foetida), Saindhava (rock salt), Shunthi (dry ginger — Zingiber officinale), Krishna Jiraka (black cumin — Nigella sativa), Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Yamani (Trachyspermum ammi), and Maricha (black pepper — Piper nigrum) — these eight ingredients constitute Hingvashtaka.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.