Cardamom
Cardamom
Cardamom popularly known as the ‘Queen of Spices’ is used as a flavoring agent and as a mouth freshener.
It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardamom is useful in preventing vomiting and nausea. It also helps to manage indigestion, flatulence and gives relief from stomach pain. Cardamom powder with honey is an effective home remedy for cough with mucus.
Cardamom tea acts as an aphrodisiac and helps enhance libido[2-4][14][19][21].
There are two types of Cardamom, Sukshma Ela (Choti elaichi) and Bhrat Ela (Badi elaichi). Bhrat Ela is known as black Cardamom and has larger pods than Sukshma Ela which is known as the green Cardamom.
It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardamom is useful in preventing vomiting and nausea. It also helps to manage indigestion, flatulence and gives relief from stomach pain. Cardamom powder with honey is an effective home remedy for cough with mucus.
Cardamom tea acts as an aphrodisiac and helps enhance libido[2-4][14][19][21].
There are two types of Cardamom, Sukshma Ela (Choti elaichi) and Bhrat Ela (Badi elaichi). Bhrat Ela is known as black Cardamom and has larger pods than Sukshma Ela which is known as the green Cardamom.
What are the synonyms of Cardamom?
Elettaria cardamomum, Ilaychi, Chhoti elachi, Upakunchika, Heel khurd, Veldode, Elaci, Elam, Velaci, Elakkay, Yalakulu, Ela, Ellka[1].
What is the source of Cardamom?
Plant Based
Benefits of Cardamom
Modern Science View
Cardamom might be useful in managing cough and cold. This is due to its expectorant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to loosen the mucus and expel it from the respiratory tract[4][17].
Ayurvedic View
Cough is a Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Cardamom acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel out the mucus accumulated in the lungs.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Cardamom might be useful in managing sore throat due to its antimicrobial and inflammatory properties[2-4][14].
Ayurvedic View
Cardamom provides relief in case of sore throat by reducing throat inflammation, while fighting the underlying infection. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. Cardamom also reduces itchiness and irritation in the throat that occurs in common cold and due to aggravated Kapha.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
or
Drink 1-2 cups of Cardamom tea in a day till you do not get relief from sore throat.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
or
Drink 1-2 cups of Cardamom tea in a day till you do not get relief from sore throat.
Modern Science View
Gas formation occurs due to impaired digestion. Cardamom being a digestive, carminative and gastroprotective agent, improves indigestion and prevents gas formation[4][16][19].
Ayurvedic View
Gas is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas formation or flatulence. Cardamom powder improves the digestive fire and prevents gas formation because of its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your food to prevent flatulence.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your food to prevent flatulence.
Modern Science View
Heartburn occurs due to hyperacidity caused by impaired digestion. Cardamom has good gastroprotective properties. It improves digestion, lowers the secretion of gastric acid and prevents heartburn[4][16][19].
Ayurvedic View
Heartburn means an increased level of acid in the stomach. The aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire, leading to improper digestion of food and production of Ama. This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive channels and causes heartburn. Cardamom powder might help reduce heartburn by neutralizing excessive gastric acid due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps to digest food due to its Deepan nature.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your daily diet.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your daily diet.
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, Cardamom powder might help in improving the appetite when taken with honey[4][20].
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, loss of appetite can be associated with Agnimandya (weak digestion). Loss of appetite is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. This leads to incomplete digestion of food followed by insufficient secretion of gastric juice. This results in loss of appetite. Cardamom improves appetite and increases the secretion of gastric juice in the stomach. This is because of its pleasant smell and Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your daily diet.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your daily diet.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Cardamom in headache.
Ayurvedic View
A headache can be mild, moderate or severe that affects the whole head, a part of the head, forehead or the eyes. According to Ayurveda, a headache is caused because of two primary reasons Vata and Pitta imbalance. In Vata type of headache, the pain is intermittent and symptoms are insomnia, depression and constipation. Second is Pitta type of headache, in which the pain is usually felt on one side of the head. Regular use of Cardamom powder helps in Vata and Pitta type headache due to its Vata balancing property and Sita (cold) potency respectively.
Tip:
Cardamom Tea
1. While making your regular cup of tea, add 1-2 crushed Cardamom pods to it or 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder.
2. Bring it to a boil.
3. Strain and drink.
Tip:
Cardamom Tea
1. While making your regular cup of tea, add 1-2 crushed Cardamom pods to it or 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder.
2. Bring it to a boil.
3. Strain and drink.
Modern Science View
Cardamom might be useful in managing high blood pressure due to its antioxidant property. It inhibits lipid peroxidation of the cardiac membrane and protects the cardiac cells. Cardamom has fibrinolytic and antiplatelet properties that prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Cardamom also has diuretic property that can help relieve hypertension[2][4-6][19].
Ayurvedic View
Hypertension is known as Rakta Gata Vata in Ayurveda which means an elevated pressure of the blood in the arteries. Cardamom helps regulate high blood pressure because it manages normal blood circulation and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is due to its Hrudaya (Cardiac tonic) property.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey or lukewarm water twice a day after taking light food.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey or lukewarm water twice a day after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Cardamom might be useful in managing bronchitis and associated symptoms due to its expectorant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps loosen mucus and expel from the lungs to give relief in bronchitis[4][17].
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, bronchitis is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of waste lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. Cardamom helps to improve digestion and reduce Ama because of its Deepan (digestive) property. Cardamom also has Kapha balancing property which helps to expel excess mucus from the lungs and give relief in bronchitis.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Cardamom in constipation.
Modern Science View
The phytoconstituents present in Cardamom helps in managing the symptoms of epilepsy due to their sedative effects[4][16][21].
Modern Science View
Cardamom might be useful in managing intestinal spasms due to its antispasmodic property[19].
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Cardamom in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Ayurvedic View
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Grahani which is caused due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). This is followed by diarrhea, indigestion and stress. Cardamom helps in reducing the symptoms of IBS by balancing the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. It soothes the stomach, reduces intestinal cramps and aids digestion.
Tips:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your daily consuming diet.
Tips:
1. Take 250 mg of Cardamon powder or as prescribed by the doctor.
2. Add it to your daily consuming diet.
Modern Science View
Cardamom has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and might be useful in managing liver disorders[2-4][16].
How effective is Cardamom?
Insufficient evidence
Appetite stimulant, Constipation, Cough with mucus, Epilepsy, Flatulence (gas formation), Headache, Heartburn, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Irritable bowel syndrome, Liver disease, Pain due to smooth muscle spasm, Sore throat
Precautions when using Cardamom
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
It is advisable to consult a doctor while taking Cardamom or its supplements if you have gallbladder stones[12][4].
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Cardamom may interfere with liver functioning. So, it is advised to monitor your liver enzymes regularly if you are taking Cardamom supplements along with hepatoprotective drugs.
2. Cardamom may increase the risk of bleeding. So, it is advisable to consult your doctor if you are on therapy of blood thinners[12].
2. Cardamom may increase the risk of bleeding. So, it is advisable to consult your doctor if you are on therapy of blood thinners[12].
Recommended Dosage of Cardamom
- Cardamom Powder - 250 mg twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
- Cardamom Tablet - 1 tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
- Cardamom Capsule - 1 capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
How to use Cardamom
1. Green Cardamom
a. Take Green Cardamom pods.
b. Chew whenever required.
c. You can take 2-3 Green Cardamom in a day for fresh breath and good digestion[3].
2. Cardamom Powder (Churna)
a. Take 250mg Cardamom powder (churna) or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Take it with honey or milk twice a day after taking light food.
3. Cardamom Tablet (Eladi Vati)
a. Take 1 Cardamom tablet or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after taking light food.
4. Cardamom Capsule
a. Take 1 Cardamom capsule or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after taking light food.
5. Cardamom Tea
a. While making your regular cup of tea, add 1-2 crushed Cardamom pods to it or 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder.
b. Bring it to a boil.
c. Strain and drink[9][10].
a. Take Green Cardamom pods.
b. Chew whenever required.
c. You can take 2-3 Green Cardamom in a day for fresh breath and good digestion[3].
2. Cardamom Powder (Churna)
a. Take 250mg Cardamom powder (churna) or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Take it with honey or milk twice a day after taking light food.
3. Cardamom Tablet (Eladi Vati)
a. Take 1 Cardamom tablet or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after taking light food.
4. Cardamom Capsule
a. Take 1 Cardamom capsule or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after taking light food.
5. Cardamom Tea
a. While making your regular cup of tea, add 1-2 crushed Cardamom pods to it or 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder.
b. Bring it to a boil.
c. Strain and drink[9][10].
Benefits of Cardamom
Modern Science View
Cardamom oil might be useful in reducing nausea and vomiting post-surgery. Applying Cardamom essential oil to the neck minimizes the effects of anesthesia like nausea and vomiting. Aromatherapy with Cardamom oil reduces the need for antiemetic medicines for postoperative nausea[14][15].
Tip:
1. Mix equal volume of Ginger and Cardamom essential oils.
2. Apply the mixture on the neck area post-surgery.
Tip:
1. Mix equal volume of Ginger and Cardamom essential oils.
2. Apply the mixture on the neck area post-surgery.
Ayurvedic View
Cardamom essential oil has a pleasant fragrance which makes it effective against nausea and vomiting post-surgery.
How effective is Cardamom?
Insufficient evidence
Post-operative nausea and vomiting
FAQs about Cardamom benefits
Precautions when using Cardamom
Allergy
Modern Science View
Cardamom oil may cause reactions on the skin, so it is advisable to consult a doctor if you find any redness or rashes on the skin[12].
Ayurvedic View
Use Cardamom oil with coconut oil if your skin is hypersensitive.
Recommended Dosage of Cardamom
- Cardamom Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Cardamom
1. Cardamom with Coconut Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Cardamom oil.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and apply on the skin.
c. Wait for 5-6 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to manage control skin infections like eczema and psoriasis[11].
a. Take 2-5 drops of Cardamom oil.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and apply on the skin.
c. Wait for 5-6 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to manage control skin infections like eczema and psoriasis[11].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Cardamom is an extremely versatile spice and is used all over the world in coffee, cuisines, meat and fish recipes. It is best to use fresh Cardamom and grind the pods to add flavor to food.
Modern Science View
Cardamom has a pleasant and aromatic flavor which blends with other spices. Due to this, it is commonly used as a mouth freshener as well as a spice in various Indian cuisines.
Ayurvedic View
There are two types of Cardamom, Sukshma Ela (Choti elaichi) and Bhrat Ela (Badi elaichi). Bhrat Ela is known as black Cardamom and has larger pods than Sukshma Ela which is known as the green Cardamom.
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, Cardamom powder might help in weight management. It might help reduce your cravings and enhance fat metabolism. Melatonin present in Cardamom helps increase the fat burning process in the body[13].
Ayurvedic View
Imbalance in diet and lifestyle are some of the major causes behind an increase in weight. This weakens the digestive fire and increases accumulation of Ama leading to an imbalance in the Meda dhatu and eventually obesity. Cardamom powder helps to manage weight by improving the digestive fire and by removing excess Ama from the body. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg Cardamom powder.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg Cardamom powder.
2. Take it with honey twice a day after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Cardamom might be useful for managing diabetes. Cardamom has antioxidant property. It prevents damage of pancreatic β-cells and regulates high blood sugar level. It also affects the utilization of glucose by the muscles and other cells of the body[13].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells. This impairs the function of insulin. Cardamom helps maintain a normal blood sugar level. It improves the digestive fire and removes excess Ama from the body. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg Cardamom powder.
2. Take it with lukewarm twice a day after taking light food.
Tip:
1. Take 250 mg Cardamom powder.
2. Take it with lukewarm twice a day after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Cardamom powder might help control high cholesterol if taken regularly. This is due to its antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cardamom might help reduce the risk of gastroenteritis. Cardamom inhibits gastroenteritis causing microorganisms like Campylobacter spp. by destroying its bacterial cell membrane. This is due to its anti-microbial activity[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Cardamom works as a powerful aphrodisiac. Cardamom increases the blood flow to the genital organs and improves sexual health in both males and females[18].
Ayurvedic View
Tip:
Cardamom Tea
1. While making your regular cup of tea, add 1-2 crushed Cardamom pods to it or 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder.
2. Bring it to a boil.
3. Strain and drink.
Cardamom Tea
1. While making your regular cup of tea, add 1-2 crushed Cardamom pods to it or 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder.
2. Bring it to a boil.
3. Strain and drink.
Modern Science View
The phytoconstituents present in Cardamom helps in improving sleep due to their sedative effects[4][6][21].
Modern Science View
Yes Cardamom oil can be used to elevate mood and manage depression due to the presence of phytoconstituents in it. Sudies state that Cardamom oil helps increase the level of serotonin in the brain which is also known as the“happy chemical”[23].
Modern Science View
Yes, Caradamom helps improve testosterone level in a series of events. Studies state that Cardamom extract enhance the activity of antioxidant called glutathione. Increase in the level of glutathione, increases the level of Gonadotropin-relasing hormone (GnRH). This GnRH stimulates the pitutary gland to secrete Luteinizing hormone (LH). LH then finally stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone[24].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Cardamom is good for improving eyesight when it is taken with honey.
Ayurvedic View
Cardamom powder works as a laxative and helps manage constipation.
Tip:
Take 250mg Cardamom powder or as prescribed by the doctor with a glass of warm water before going to bed at night.
Tip:
Take 250mg Cardamom powder or as prescribed by the doctor with a glass of warm water before going to bed at night.
Modern Science View
Yes, Cardamom is good for maintaining good oral health. Cineole in Cardamom has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that kill the oral pathogenic bacteria. Also, its taste and the fibrous coat stimulates the flow of saliva and cleanses the teeth. Therefore, chewing Cardamom helps get rid of bad breath and other oral infections[22].
Ayurvedic View
Cardamom oil or paste can be applied on skin problems like wound, rashes and skin diseases. It helps in fast healing and gives a cooling effect in case of any burning sensations. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cooling) properties.
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Cardamom does not cause any allergy when it is taken in the recommended dose and duration. Sometimes it might cause skin allergy if you are hypersensitive towards Cardamon or when it is taken in high dosage.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
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- Jamal A, Javed K, Aslam M, et.al.Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2006;103(2):149-53.
- WebMD.Cardamom: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Goyal SN, Sharma C, Mahajan UB, et.al.Protective effects of cardamom in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.Int J Mol Sci.2015;16(11):27457-27469.
- Verma SK, Jain V, Katewa SS.Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).Indian J Biochem Biophys.2009;46(6):503-506.
- Bhattacharjee B, Chatterjee J.Identification of pro-apoptopic, anti-inflammatory, anti- proliferative, anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic targets of essential oils in cardamom by dual reverse virtual screening and binding pose analysis.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev.2013;14(6):3735-3742.
- Jin S, Cho KH.Water extracts of cinnamon and clove exhibits potent inhibition of protein glycation and anti-atherosclerotic activity in vitro and in vivo hypolipidemic activity in zebrafish.Food Chem Toxicol. 2011;49(7):1521-1529.
- Deepa G, Ayesha S, Nishtha K, et al.Comparative evaluation of various total antioxidant capacity assays applied to phytochemical compounds of indian culinary spices.Int food res J. 2013;20(4):1711–1716.
- Ahmed AS, Ahmed Q, Saxena AK, et al.Evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant characterizations of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (Zingiberaceae), Piper cubeba L. f.(Piperaceae), and Plumeria rubra L. (Apocynaceae). J Pharm Sci.2017; 30(1):113–126.
- Ingok MA ,Guler KF.Cardamom, cumin, and dill weed essential oils: chemical compositions, antimicrobial activities, and mechanisms of action against campylobacter spp.Molecules.2017;22(7)E1191.
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Rahman MM, Alam MN, Ulla A, et al. Cardamom powder supplementation prevents obesity, improves glucose intolerance, inflammation and oxidative stress in liver of high carbohydrate high fat diet induced obese rats. Lipids in Health and Disease.2017;16.
- De Pradier E. A trial of a mixture of three essential oils n the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. International Journal of Aromatherapy.2006;16(1):15-20.
- Hunt R, Dienemann J, Norton HJ, et al. Aromatherapy as Treatment for Postoperative Nausea: A Randomized Trial. Anesthesia and Analgesia.2013;117(3):597-604.
- Abu-Taweel GM. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) perinatal exposure effects on the development, behavior and biochemical parameters in mice offspring. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2018;25(1):186–193.
- Chawla T, Abbasi NI, Tandon A, et al. Antimicrobial activity of spices like cloves Cardamom and Cinnamon on Bacillus and Pseudomonas.IJDDR.2014.
- Bijlwan A, Kush L.The dietary aphrodisiacs.IJIRD.2013;2(10):76-84.
- Maskooni MD, Keshavarz SA, Mansouri S, et al. The effects of green Cardamom on blood glucose indices, lipids, inflammatory factors, paraxonase-1, sirtuin-1, and irisin in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.Trials.2017;18(260)1-9.
- Darwish MM, Azime AE. Role of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) in ameliorating radiation induced oxidative stress In rats. Arab Journal of Nuclear Science and Applications. 2013;46(1):232-239.
- Gilani AH, Jabeen Q, Khan AU, et al. Gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering, diuretic and sedative activities of cardamom. J Ethnopharmacol.2008;115(3):463-472.
- Sharma R. Cardamom comfort. Dent Res J (Isfahan).2012;9(2):237.
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- Kader SAM, Bauomy AA, Abdel-Rehman M, et al. Antioxidant potentials of (Elletaria cardamomum) Cardamom against uranium hazards.IJBLS.2015;3(4):164-176.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.