Caraway (Carum carvi) vs Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens)

Caraway (Carum carvi)

Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens)

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. Caraway has been valued since ancient times for its digestive and respiratory benefits, and the seeds are commonly used in cooking.

Squaw vine is an evergreen herb that grows up to 1 foot tall, forming mats on the ground. It has rounded shiny leaves, fragrant white flowers on flowering stems, and produces small bright red berries. Native American women commonly used this plant as an infusion to hasten childbirth, and it was occasionally employed for other conditions including insomnia, rheumatic pain, and fluid retention. The plant grows in dry woodland sites in the eastern and central United States.

Safety & precautions

Do not use the essential oil internally except under professional supervision. Generally considered safe when used as directed.

Do not take during the first 6 months of pregnancy. May be used in later stages of pregnancy and for childbirth preparation under appropriate guidance.

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.