How soothing is the intense aroma and flavour when adding one or two crushed cardamoms to the tea? The spice initially used in Indian and Egyptian folklore for medicinal and flavouring purposes has now conquered the hearts of billions with its sharp taste and light, refreshing aroma. Over the globe, cardamom is used in various recipes, from sweet desserts to spicy dishes and beverages. With its culinary benefits, cardamom became one of the most expensive spices worldwide.

Cardamom is a spice derived from seeds of several plants belonging to the ginger family. Traditionally, Ayurvedic sages considered cardamom as a herb used in various medicinal preparations. Cardamom is used to cure throat infections, mouth ulcers, respiratory problems, digestive conditions, and even as an antidote for poisons and venoms. Knowing the health benefits, cardamom is now widely used across various systems of medicine.

WHAT IS CARDAMOM

Cardamom, or elaichi, is scientifically known as Elettaria cardamomum and belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The perennial herb originated in the tropical forests of Southern India and is now widely cultivated across the globe. The green seed pods and cardamom seeds are collected, dried, and used for various purposes.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF CARDAMOM

Cardamom is an herbaceous, perineal plant, growing about 2 -6 m in height. While the leafy stocks of the cardamom plant grow up to 6 meters in size, the flowering stocks rise to 1 meter in height, bearing many flowers. The flowers are pale violet or white to lilac with a diameter of about five cm. The seeds are encompassed in green three-sided capsules, each containing about 15 to 20 dark brown or black hard angular seeds.

Cardamom seeds have a slightly pungent aroma and a warm, sweet, and spicy taste with notes of lemon and mint. The taste can be compared as reminiscent of camphor, while others compare it to a combination of ginger and cinnamon. Since it has a strong flavour, it is used in various cuisines across the globe.

SOURCES OF CARDAMOM

Originating from Southern India, cardamom is now grown all over the world. The cardamom plant is cultivated in India and Guatemala, the largest producers and exporters of cardamom worldwide. Cardamom production also thrives in Costa Rica, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Central America.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CARDAMOM

Cardamom, called Ela in Vedic literature, is one of the most ancient spices. Ancient Egyptians used cardamom for medicinal rituals and embalming the dead. Cardamom pods are used to avoid bad breaths and keep teeth clean.

Ancient Greek physicians Dioscorides and Hippocrates wrote about its medicinal properties and identified it as a digestive aid. Due to its strong aroma, Romans used the spice in perfumes and aromatic oils. The increased demand for the spice led to the development of spice routes worldwide. Gradually, the cardamom trade developed into a luxury business, and it was used for import taxes.

The British colonists set up cardamom plantations in India, and from there, the spice we used now came from. Cardamom is now used in powdered and crushed forms across various cuisines. Whether it is Indian, Middle Eastern, or other cuisines, we can feel this excellent herb's soothing taste and smell.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE: CARDAMOM

Benefits of eating cardamom are immense. It is a rich source of vitamins, such as vitamin C, niacin, vitamin A, riboflavin, etc. Minerals, including manganese, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, are seen in cardamom seeds.

The cardamom oil includes pinene, terpineol, cineol, and humulene as their primary composition. Even though cardamom oil is highly volatile, they have antioxidant compounds contributing to improved digestion and metabolism.

100 grams of cardamom contains:

• Total fat: 7 grams
• Total carbohydrate: 68 grams
• Protein: 11 grams
• Sodium: 18 mg
• Calories: 311 Kcal

DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF CARDAMOM

Two varieties of cardamom are widely used, and they are:

Green Cardamom

Green cardamom, aka true cardamom, is obtained from the plant Elettaria cardamomum, a member of the ginger family, native to India. The green cardamom is small, has an intense flavour and aroma, and is used in sweet and savoury dishes. It is an essential ingredient in Masala chai and many more Asian curries. The health benefits of green cardamom seeds range from digestive to anti-inflammatory properties and weight reduction.

Black Cardamom

Black cardamom, or greater or Nepal Cardamom, is collected from the plant Amomum subulatum, native to the eastern Himalayas. The black cardamom has large dark brown seed pods and a smoky camphor-like flavour. The black cardamom seeds are used mainly in savory dishes. Black cardamom is renowned for its action in the respiratory system. It is an antidote for various respiratory conditions such as asthma, lung congestion, cough, cold, etc. The black cardamom improves the airflow in the lungs by removing mucus and phlegm accumulated in the respiratory tract.

PROPERTIES OF CARDAMOM

Cardamom has been used in medicinal formulations from the Vedic age and is an active ingredient in various formulations. It is pungent and sweet in taste, cold in potency, light and rooksha (dry) in action, and pungent after digestion. Cardamom brings vitiated Vata and Kapha dosha back to normalcy. However, people with intense Pitta imbalance should use cardamom sparingly as it can increase Pitta dosha.

Acharya Vagbhatta included cardamom among Eladi, Trijakata, and Chaturjataka ganas, while Charaka included cardamom in Swasahara (herbs used in asthma and dyspnoea) and Katuka Skanda( Pungent tasting groups of spices). Cardamom is widely used for sore throat, lung congestion, asthma, teeth and gum infections and stimulates digestive fire and enzymes. Ayurvedic Acharyas use cardamom to detoxify the body, reduce body weight, and boost the immune system. It also supports skin health and helps manage blood pressure.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CARDAMOM

Cardamom is one of the rare spices that has both health and culinary benefits. It serves as a solution for digestive, respiratory, and skin conditions. Let’s explore some of the health benefits of cardamom.

CARDAMOM FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Cardamom has been used to treat digestive conditions since ancient times. From aiding in digestion to managing digestive disorders, cardamom becomes an inevitable ingredient in gastric formulations. The spice acts in the stomach as a carminative and digestive stimulant and, when mixed with other herbs, provides relief from discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. The essential oil Methone in the spice helps manage gastrointestinal conditions such as acidity, flatulence, and indigestion. Recent studies on cardamom also proved its ability to manage gastric ulcers.

CARDAMOM FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Consuming cardamom helps people fight blood pressure and improves their heart health. Antioxidants in cardamom are directly linked to its ability to reduce blood pressure. The diuretic property of cardamom can also lower blood pressure. They can act on the urinary system, increasing urine output and sodium and potassium ions' excretion. Thus, the blood vessels get relaxed and eventually lower blood pressure.

CARDAMOM FOR INFLAMMATION AND SPASMS

The anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom help to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort. The antioxidants in the spice protect cells from damage and prevent inflammation. Cardamom can reduce discomfort associated with arthritis, gout, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

CARDAMOM FOR SKIN

Chewing the spice helps eliminate the toxins from the body that harm your skin. Cardamom seeds are a rich source of vitamin C, which cleanses the blood and improves blood circulation in the body. Improved blood circulation and various phytonutrients in cardamom help fight skin infections and allergies, improve skin complexion, and prevent ageing.

CARDAMOM FOR RESPIRATORY HEALTH

Black cardamom has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent bronchitis, asthma, common cold, and sinusitis. The active constituents in cardamom have the expectorant ability to help increase airflow in the lungs and improve breathing.

CARDAMOM FOR ORAL HEALTH

The antibacterial compounds such as cineol and terpinene in cardamom help fight oral infections. Calcium and phosphorus strengthen the teeth and gums and prevent cavities. Having cardamom after diet contains bad breath and freshens the oral cavity. Incorporating cardamom in toothpaste gives a pleasant taste and protects the oral cavity.

CARDAMOM FOR DIABETES

Consuming cardamom powder has the potential to reduce blood sugar. The spice's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic action helps manage Type 2 Diabetes.

TRADITIONAL REMEDIES AND PREPARATIONS

From chewing fresh cardamoms to drinking cardamom tea or applying cardamom oil, our ancestors depended on cardamom for health issues. Let’s look at the common uses of cardamom:

• Cardamom tea: The flavour of elaichi chai runs through the veins of every Indian. Cardamom tea combines one teaspoon of cardamom powder into a cup of boiling water or milk. Brew it with black leaves, lemon, or honey to adjust the flavour. The benefits of cardamom tea include promoting digestive and respiratory health and supporting weight loss.
• Cardamom oil: Cardamom oil acts as a digestive aid and respiratory stimulant. It is widely used in aromatherapy to improve skin complexion and reduce acne and skin infections.
• Consuming cardamom powder with jaggery or honey helps avoid nausea and vomiting while travelling.
• Rubbing cardamom powder or having one or two seeds of cardamom helps reduce bad breath and prevent cavities.

KERALA AYURVEDA PRODUCTS WITH CARDAMOM

At Kerala Ayurveda, we incorporate cardamom to prepare various formulations. You can check at our store and get it delivered to your doorstep. The products that include cardamom are:

AVIPATHI CHOORNAM

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Balarishta (Arishtam)

Strengthens Bones, relieves joint pain and calms mind

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Draksharishta
(Arishtam)

Purifies Blood & Relieves Anemia

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• AVIPATHI CHOORNAM - Avipathi choornam is an Ayurvedic formulation for promoting digestion and managing gastrointestinal conditions. Enriched with Ela, Patra, Amalaki, etc., the supplement helps treat constipation, stomatitis, GERD, and hyperacidity. It also helps in flushing out toxins from the body.
• BALARISHTA - Balarishta from Kerala Ayurveda is a potent herbal elixir that treats muscle and joint pain. The formulation helps manage musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychological conditions. It is a renowned formulation that helps correct Vata dosha in the body.
• DRAKSHARISHTA- Draksharista is an excellent polyherbal formulation to improve digestion, boost immunity, and overcome general weakness. The herbal ingredients in Draksharishta help enhance blood haemoglobin levels, ‌managing anaemia.

SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS OF CARDAMOM

Cardamom is considered safe for most people and doesn’t cause any side effects. Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, tongue swelling, and breathing difficulties can arise after consuming the spice in excess amounts.

Cardamom consumption over recommended dosages can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, nausea, and diarrhoea. The overdosing of cardamom extracts may cause brain swelling, oxidative stress, and damage to the heart cells.

Consuming cardamom in excess doses during pregnancy can stimulate uterine contractions and lead to abortions. It may interfere with the action of certain medicines, including anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. Always consume cardamom or its products after visiting an Ayurvedic physician.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Cardamom is an excellent spice with culinary and health benefits.
• The aromatic spice acts as a digestive aid and improves the functioning of the lungs.
• The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds present in the spice help reduce blood pressure, tackle inflammatory conditions, and improve skin complexion.
• Cardamom can be consumed after consulting an Ayurvedic physician.