Caraway (Carum carvi) vs Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Caraway (Carum carvi)

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

About

Caraway is an aromatic annual herb growing to 2 feet with a ridged stem, feathery leaves, and umbels of white flowers in midsummer. Exploding capsules release two small narrow seeds. It grows wild in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, preferring sunny sites up to 6,600 feet above sea level. Cultivated in Europe, Russia, North Africa, and the United States, the seeds are harvested ripe in late summer. The seeds are commonly used in cooking.

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a fast-growing, square-stemmed herb (commonly about 32 in / 80 cm tall), with lanceolate, serrated leaves and purplish flowers. A natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint, peppermint is renowned for its cooling, aromatic flavor, and mint plants have been used for digestive disorders since ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. NCCIH says a small amount of research suggests enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may improve IBS symptoms in adults, but there is not enough evidence to know whether peppermint leaf helps any condition.

Safety & precautions

Do not use the essential oil internally except under professional supervision.

Children under 5: Avoid giving peppermint tea in strong doses; can irritate sensitive mucous membranes. GERD & Heartburn: May aggravate reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Essential Oil Internally: Use only under professional supervision; not suitable for children under 12.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.