Description:
Cardamom is a very expensive spice that comes from an herbaceous perennial clumping plant that belongs to
the same family as ginger and turmeric. It is native to India & Sri Lanka and it grows up to 5 meters.
Arising from the rhizome are 10 to 20 leafy shoots(pseudo-stems) in an overlapping leaf sheaths. The leaves are dark green and lanceolate. The pale green or yellow flowers/fruits are capsule-like that grows in long drooping pannicle. Inside the small green papery thin-skinned pod are tiny black seeds. It is harvested before they are ripe and then allowed to dry. There are different kinds of cardamom namely black cardamom, brown cardamom, green cardamom, red cardamom and white cardamom. but the main type of cardamom are black cardamom and green cardamom. The seed has a strong, pungent flavor and aroma that is floral and slightly citrus y. The black cardamom has a slight smoky taste.
Parts used: Seed, Fruit
Nutritional Information and Properties of Cardamom:
Cardamom has a good amount of vitamin C and also contains vitamin B-complex like niacin, riboflavin, and
thiamine.
The minerals found in cardamom includes a rich amount of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. It also has a good quantity of manganese, sodium, iron and traces of copper and zinc.
Cardamom is a spice rich in essential oil such as cineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene, and terpineol(in the form of formic and acetic acid) as well as heptanes, ß-phellandrene, menthone, and mycene. These volatile oils have therapeutic properties and is known to inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, mold and fungus.
Cardamom also contains many phytonutrients that helps in cell repair and is a powerful antioxidant.
Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Cardamom:
1. Controls Blood Pressure:
Cardamom lowers elevated blood pressure because it is rich in potassium and it is diuretic as well.
2. Improves Blood Circulation:
Cardamom improves blood circulation also contains a good amount of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant.
3. Improves eyesight:
The Cardamom capsule taken with honey is known to improve eyesight.
4. Genito-urinary disorders (cystitis, nephritis, gonorrhoea):
The volatile oils founds in powdered seeds are known to heal the inflammation.
5.Depression
Make a tea by using ground cardamom seeds and boiled water.
6. Oral disorders (pharyngitis, sore throat...)
Mix ground cardamom, cinnamon and water and gargle it.
7. Hiccups, stomach cramps
Cardamom has antispasmodic properties that provides relief from hiccup and stomach cramps. You may boil
cardamoms with mint leaves in a cup of water.
Other Uses of Cardamom:
Cardamom is commonly used in Indian cuisine and Middle Eastern cuisine. The seeds are used whole or ground and used in preparing various curries, stews basmati rice, desserts, baked goods, confection and flavoring in drinks.
Skincare - cardamom is an ingredient in soaps and hand creams. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used for skin allergies.
Aromatherapy products - Cardamom imparts fragrances that is relaxing to the senses.
Precautions/Side Effects/ Warnings:
If taken in large amounts, cardamom can exhibit some adverse effects. It is contraindicated in women who
are breastfeeding and those people with gallstones.
Like any herbs/plants in this blog, it is still best to consult your physician before taking it.