Cardamom botanical name is Elettaria cardamomum, some other common names are Elaichi, Green cardamom, Chhoti Elaichi. It is indigenous to South India, it grows wild in the rich forest of Mysore, Coorg, Wynaad, Travancore, and Cochin.
It is the “Queen of the Spices”, second only to black pepper, the “King of Spices”. It is one of the most valued spices in the world.
Morphology of Cardamom Plant
Cardamon grows as a perennial herb with thick, fleshy rhizomes or underground stems shooting leafy roots and with leafy stems. It has large leaves, white or pale green flowers, many-seeded pale green to yellow fruits, and triangular brownish-black seeds.
The dried fruits of the plant constitute the drug, they have a pleasant aroma with a characteristic, slightly pungent taste and leave a warm feeling in the mouth. It is the seeds inside the fruit which produce the warm sensation.
Chemical Composition & Nutritional Value
Cardamoms are mentioned by Theophrastus in the fourth century BC and five centuries later by Dioscorides. By 1000 AD, they were an article of trade from India westwards.
The seeds contain volatile oil, the principal constituents of the volatile oil are cineol, terpineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene, and terpineol in the form of formic and acetic acids.
An analysis of the cardamom shows that it has carbohydrates, moisture, protein, ether extract, volatile oil, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Types of Cardamom
There are two types of cardamom, black, and green which are mainly used in culinary and in medicinal uses. Green cardamom is found most often in Nordic and Middle Eastern cuisine, while recipes in India and Asia will often specify whether green or black cardamom is used.
Black cardamom seeds are big compared to green cardamom, it is mainly used in making garam masala, curries, and rice preparation.
Health Benefits and Uses of Cardamom
Cardamom has many health benefits and therapeutic properties due to its volatile oil; tinctures of cardamom are mostly used in medicines to relieve flatulence and for strengthening digestion activities.
Here are some health benefits and uses
The aromatic flavor in cardamom is a breath freshener, a few seeds chewed for a brief period remove any foul smell.
Powdered seeds of cardamom boiled with tea give a very pleasing aroma to the tea, this tea is also beneficial and used for treating depression.
Cardamom reduces the air and water elements, increases appetite, and soothes the mucous membrane. It relieves gas and heartburn caused by garlic and onion.
Ground cardamom seeds mixed with ginger, cloves, and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion. Cardamom tea is also beneficial in headaches caused by indigestion.
The herb is useful in sexual dysfunctions like impotency and premature ejaculation, a pinch of powdered cardamom seeds boiled in milk and sweetened with honey is taken every night to yield excellent results. Excessive use of cardamom at times may lead to impotency.
Powdered seeds mixed with a tbsp. of banana leaf and amla juice is taken thrice a day, help as a diuretic for the treatment of gonorrhea, cystitis, nephritis, burning micturition or urination, and scanty urination.
Gargling with an infusion of cardamom and cinnamon cures pharyngitis, sore throat, relaxes uvula, or the fleshy conical portion at the back of the tongue, and hoarseness during the infective stages of influenza. Its daily gargle protects one from the flu.
An infusion made by boiling a couple of pounded cardamom in a cup of water along with 5 mint leaves is useful in relieving hiccups.
Other Uses & Benefits
In India, cardamom is used as a masticatory and is often included in paan-supari, It is used for flavoring curries, cakes bread, and for other culinary purposes like flavoring coffee, and confectionery, dessert, and curries.
The essential oil of cardamom is used for pharmaceutical purposes, perfumery, flavoring liqueurs, and bitters, in preparation of tincture, and as a stimulant.
Side Effects and Precautions of Cardamom
All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’t have any side effects, but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have unique health issues.
Here are some side effects of Cardamom
- Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
- Do not take Cardamom without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
- Do not take Cardamom if you are suffering from any kind of critical disease.
- If you are on diabetes or hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Cardamom.
- If you are above 65 years old and want to start Cardamom, consult the doctor, and talk about your health conditions.
- If you are on any supplements, vitamins, or herbal medication, consult the doctor before taking Cardamom.
- Cardamom may interact with other medicines like blood sugar or blood pressure allopathy medicines.
Note: This post is about educating the benefits and uses of Cardamom, consult the Ayurvedic doctor before starting.
Frequently Asked Question
Q - What is green cardamom good for?
Green cardamom has many health benefits and therapeutic properties due to its volatile oil. It helps to control bad breath, improves digestion, and treats oral disorders and Genito-urinary disorders.
Q - What is green cardamom called in English?
The green cardamom English name is cardamom, its botanical name is Elettaria cardamomum. It is the “Queen of the Spices”, second only to black pepper, the “King of Spices”. It is one of the most valued spices in the world.
Q - Can we eat raw cardamom?
Yes, anyone can eat 3-4 cardamom pods a day, it helps to control bad breath and improves digestion. You can eat the whole pods with seeds or only seeds.
Q - How many green cardamom can we eat in one time?
Green cardamom is good for bad breath and digestion, anyone can eat 3-4 cardamom pods per day. You can also add to your dish to make it more tempting.
Q - What saucy Indian curry uses green cardamom?
Green cardamom is extensively used in Indian cuisine, it is used in curries and in desserts. cardamom is used in curries like chicken curry, kadai paneer, dal makhani, Matar paneer, and lamb curry. It is also used in rice preparation.
Q - Is green cardamom hot or cold in nature? Can green cardamom be consumed in tea during summer season?
Green cardamom is cold in nature, it is a slightly pungent taste and leaves a warm feeling in the mouth. Cardamom tea is good for health and aromatic in taste. 1-2 cardamom in 3-4 cups of tea would be enough.