Cardamom health benefits

Cardamom

Considered to be the queen of spices, Cardamom is one of the most valued spices in the world, native to the Middle East, North Africa, and Scandinavia. Being a herb they are dried fruits of the ginger family. Available in three forms as – green cardamom, brown cardamom and Madagascar cardamom. In India it is referred as "choti elaichi". Cardamom's scientific name is Elletaria cardamomum. 

Cardamom pods were mainly consumed as mouth refresher from ancient times. They have a pleasant aroma leaving a warm feeling in the mouth. It is the seeds, taken out from the fruit, are used to make medicine.

Health benefits


Despite it being added in dishes to provide a strong aroma and flavor in all South east Asian foods, Cardamom is used as natural remedy for many illness. 

  • Cardamom contains chemicals that appear to treat digestion problems including heartburn, intestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal gas, constipation, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. 
  • It is also used for common cold, cough, bronchitis, sore mouth and throat, and tendency toward infection. Some people use cardamom as a stimulant and for urinary problems.
  • Cardamom also helps in cleansing the body as it has detoxifying properties.  It improves blood circulation to the lungs and can be helpful in prevention of spasms or convulsions. Hence, Small quantities of cardamom is beneficial for those suffering from asthma or bronchitis and various kinds of respiratory allergies.
  • Gargling with an infusion of cardamom and cinnamon cures inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, and sore throat. 
  • Boiling a couple of pounded whole cardamoms along with five mint leaves in a cup of water is useful in relieving hiccups.
  • Cardamom steeped water eases colic pain in children.
  • Is anti-spasmodic as it suppresses pain due to involuntary muscle contractions.
  • It is very helpful in removing toxins from your body. Similar to cinnamon, regular use of cardamom gradually removes the accumulated toxins and improves the blood circulation.
Try these sweet recipes in which cardamom forms the main ingredient.........