Iben (Bergen, Norway) on 11/01/2010:
I've suffered from bad bloating and digestive problems my whole adult life. I was told by one specialist that I probably have IBS, but that I didn't need to bother with tests because there's not much to do about it besides learn which foods to avoid etc. Eliminating milk (besides buttermilk/kefir and butter) and cutting down on grains in recent months has helped a lot, but I saw another doctor who pointed out that IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion and I may as well find out if there's more to it than irritable bowels. So I'm now being tested for allergies, intolerances and any diseases that might be lurking in the stomach-area. I am excited to hear about the results of the tests, of course, but I'm more excited about just having discovered the wonders of CARAWAY-TEA! A few days ago it hit me: carraway seeds boiled with cabbage completely eliminates the otherwise hellish bloating (in me, anyway). So why not carraway on it's own?
And sure enough, just a teaspoon or two per cup of water (I either let the seeds boil for a few seconds before steeping, or crush them in a mortar and pour boiled water over) has made me a new and happier person. For over a week now I have been moving around with ease, no gas-attacks lasting for days or even hours, I'm no longer distracted by pains in my stomach and stiffness because of cramps. The strange thing is, it hasn't helped my over-all digestion because my bowel-movements are still helter-skelter. But without a doubt it works directly and efficiently on the gas. Supposedly you can chew it raw before meals, if you're prone to indigestion. I tried that, too, but didn't notice a difference so I'll stick with the after-meal tea (better-tasting than raw and dry).
