Cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum) commonly known as "elaichi", is considered as the queen of spices. It is the second most expensive spice after saffron. This evergreen plant is known to have originated in India. The incredible aroma of cardamom signifies the Indian culture and tradition. Cardamom has been referred to as "Ela" in the Ayurvedic scripture. This spice has a floral flavor. It is used in curries, sweets, desserts, rice puddings and in other rice dishes. Apart from its use as a rich aromatic ingredient, the spice also finds other applications in the field of healthcare.
Nutritional Profile of Cardamom
Research has proved that cardamom is a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, volatile oil, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorous, manganese, potassium and iron. Cardamom pods, rich in volatile oils such as borneol, camphor, eucalyptus, cineole and limonene, have innumerous healing properties. This exotic spice contains many plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have antioxidant, disease preventing and health promoting properties. The pods are rich in many vital vitamins including riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C which are essential for optimum health.
Health Benefits of Cardamom
- Aids in Digestion: Cardamom helps to prevent digestive tract infections, flatulence, heartburn and nausea. It reduces the air and the water elements, increases appetite and soothes the mucous membrane. It also stimulates and regulates the production of gastric juices. Grounded cardamom mixed with ginger (adrak), cloves (laung) and coriander (dhania) is an effective remedy for indigestion. Cardamom added in tea also helps in relieving headaches caused due to indigestion.
- Acts as a Natural Breath Freshener: Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. It also has the power to kill the germs that cause bad breath (halitosis). A few seeds chewed for a small time serve the purpose of a mouth disinfectant.
- Anti-Cancer: A test conducted on some albino mice has shown that the oral administration of cardamom seeds can help in the inhibition of the growth of cancer cells. Sometimes, the cancer cells have been found to be totally destroyed.
- Cures Some Urinogenital Infections: Cardamom acts as an excellent diuretic treatment for cystitis (urinary bladder inflammation most commonly caused by a bacterial infection), nephritis (inflammation of the nephrons in the kidneys) and burning micturition (burning sensation while passing urine). Positive effects can be experienced with the use of cardamom seed powder mixed with a tablespoon of banana leaf and Indian gooseberry (amla) juice.
- Treats Eye Problems: Cardamom is also used in the treatment of eye problems. A powder prepared with three cardamom pods, when mixed with 15 ml of honey and applied to the eyes during bedtime for three months, can effectively treat glaucoma. This remedy can also be used for good eyesight.
- Treats High Cholesterol Levels: Cardamom is used to treat high cholesterol levels. A study has shown that daily consumption of 3 grams of cardamom for 12 weeks can reduce the blood pressure of people with hypertension. This also means that it lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Acts as an Aphrodisiac: Cardamom has been known as an aphrodisiac since the times of the Egyptians. Its aroma has a general positive effect on the nervous system and bestows a feeling of strength to it. This fragrant spice can be useful for both impotence and frigidity because of its actions that include warming, increasing the blood flow and soothing the body. However, an excessive use of cardamom can lead to impotency.
- Detoxifies the Body: It has a detoxifying property as it helps in cleansing the body.
- Acts as a Natural Health Tonic: One teaspoon of cardamom, when boiled in 100 ml of milk and taken before bed with honey, can act as a natural health tonic. This tonic is also effective in preventing memory loss.
- Prevents Spasms: Cardamom also helps in preventing spasms and convulsions as it has anti-spasmodic properties. So, it is a beneficial spice for people with asthma or bronchitis.
- Cures Physical Depression: Cardamom tea is a delicious drink to cure physical depression.
- Relieves Sore Throat: Green cardamom is broadly used to treat infections in teeth and gums, to prevent and treat throat troubles, and congestion of the lungs. Daily gargling with an infusion of cardamom and cinnamon (dalchini) cures pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat), sore throat and the hoarseness of voice during flu.
- Treats Inflamed Nerves: The pharmacological effects of cardamom seeds or cardamom oil can be used as a form of treatment for inflamed nerves and backaches.
Use of cardamom can add flavor to your foods while benefiting your health at the same time. But overuse of anything is bad for your health and this is also the case with the use of cardamoms! Overuse of cardamom should be avoided since a continuous consumption can lead to mineral disintegration from the body.
