Cardamom Benefits

Cardamom is one among the most expensive spices in the world and is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Cardamom plants are natives to the southwest regions of India, but, this spice was popular in many other countries, like, China, Rome, Egypt and Persia, etc. since 5000 years. Cardamom plants belong to the genera Elettaria and Amomum of the family Zingiberaceae. It is the seed pods of these plants that constitute the spice called cardamom. While the seed pods of the plants in the genus Elettaria are light green, those of the genus Amomum are dark brown and larger. However, in both cases, the seed pods are spindle-shaped with thin outer shell that cover the inner black seeds. A cross-section of these seed pods will be triangular in shape. Let us take a look at some of the cardamom benefits, mainly, those related to health.

Benefits of Cardamom

Cardamom has been used for medicinal purposes, since time immemorial. The use of this spice is mentioned in the Vedic texts and the ancient ayurveda inscriptions of India. Even the ancient Greeks, Romans and Arab people used this spice for its aphrodisiac qualities and other health benefits. Apart from the health benefits, cardamom has been very popular in these countries for culinary and religious purposes too. Green cardamom is more popular than the brown variety, but, both are used in various cuisines across the world. Both are different in fragrance and taste. Green cardamom is used as flavoring in various culinary preparations, especially, cardamom tea, coffee, sweet dishes, meat, curries, etc. Brown cardamom is mainly used in curries. Green cardamom is also used as a mastication enhancer, in order to increase saliva and to prevent bad breath. In short, cardamom is mainly used for three purposes - as food and drink flavorings, as cooking spices and medicine. Read further to know more about some cardamom benefits.

Cardamom Health Benefits

Most of us use cardamom as a spice and are unaware of its health benefits. In most of the southeast Asian countries, cardamom has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions like, infections of the gum and teeth, digestive disorders, lung congestion, throat problems, etc. Cardamom is an integral part of the traditional medicines of these regions and this spice is also used for treating kidney disorders and gallstones. Reports suggest that it was also used in the treatment of snake and scorpion bites. Even though, green cardamom is mainly used, brown ones are also used in some cases, especially for digestive and stomach problems. The following are some of the cardamom benefits, related to health.

• One of the main cardamom benefits is its use in treating digestive disorders. It is said to be beneficial in relieving heartburn, bloating and indigestion. Cardamom is also found to be good for improving appetite as well as metabolism and to prevent stomach infections.
• Cardamom is said to be good for the kidneys, as this spice promotes urination, lowers blood pressure and also removes accumulated calcium and urea in the kidneys, along with other toxins. It is also used in the treatment of genital and urinary infections.
• Oral health is another area, where cardamom is found to be useful. Apart from fighting tooth and gum infections, cardamom is also effective in preventing bad breath.
• Cardamom has warming effects too. This spice is said to heat up the body, helps in expelling cough and to relieve headache caused by extreme cold.
• Cardamom benefits sexual health. It is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, impotence, loss of libido, premature ejaculation, sexual weakness, etc.
• Cardamom has a detoxifying effect and is also used for its antiseptic and antimicrobial actions. Apart from that, cardamom benefits include its use in treating muscular and respiratory spasms.

Now, you have a basic understanding about some of the common cardamom benefits. However, moderate use is always advisable. Even though, there are no serious cardamom side effects, over consumption may sometimes cause allergic reactions or stomach pain.