Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the ginger family that has a strong scent. This plant can reach a height of 2-4 meters. This plant has 20–40 cm long, linear–lanceolate leaves with long, pointy tips that alternate in two tiers. Sword-shaped and dark green leaves. Flowers are produced in loose, white or pale violet spikes that are between 30 and 60 cm long. Flowers have both male and female components.
Cardamom can be used by people because to its health benefits. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals are included in it. Benefits of cardamom may also improve dental and cardiac health.
Description
Cardamom is a valuable culinary spice with a wide range of applications and health advantages. Additionally, cardamom is a component of chyawanprash, a well-known and proven Ayurvedic immune-boosting remedy.In India; people often utilize its seeds as all-natural breath fresheners. It is the third most costly spice, following vanilla and saffron.
Botanical Name:
Elettaria cardamomum
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Leaves:
Along the stem, the leaves are grouped in two ranks and alternate. Their surface is smooth and green, and they are long and slender with a pointy tip. The leaves have a maximum length of 40–60 cm.
Flowers:
The loose spikes that bear cardamom blossoms sprout from the base of the plant. These 30- to 60-cm-long spikes support flowers that range in hue from white to light violet or lavender. Every flower has parts that are both male and female.
Fruits:
The most valuable element of the cardamom plant from a commercial standpoint is its fruit. These fruits are 1-2 cm long, green, triangular capsules. Their exterior shell is thin and papery, and when it breaks apart, numerous tiny black or brown seeds are visible inside. These seeds are the familiar and beloved spice called cardamom.
Stems:
The cardamom plant has upright, leafy, green stems that can reach heights of two to four meters.
Habitat:
Typically, cardamom is an Indian native. It is common in southern India’s Western Ghats. The cardamom hills are the name of this region. The ideal elevation range for its growth is between 2500-5000 feet in tropical rain forests. As of the twenty-first century, Guatemala is the world’s top producer of cardamom. Subsequently, it is brought to other regions of tropical Asia, where it is extensively grown for its fragrant and therapeutic seeds. It can also be found in Tanzania, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and New Guinea. In addition, North America, Vietnam, Thailand, and Nepal grow it.
Parts Used:
- seeds
- Fruit
Dosage:
- Seed oil – 2-5 drops
- Seed powder – 0.5 to 1gm
Chemical Constituents
An essential oil is present in the fruits. It has terpinyl acetate, cineol, and terpineol.
Other Language Names of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Telugu name – China elakulu, Yelakkapalu
Tamil name – Yelakka
Marathi name – Velachi, Veldode
Arabic name – Kakul
Farsi name – Heelabak, Ilaichi khurd
Hindi name – Chotti ellachi
English name – Lesser cardamom, King of spice
Kannada name – Elakki
Malayalam name – Elam
Gujarati name – Elachi, Chot elach
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberiaceae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Katu, Madhur
- Guna -Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya -Sheet
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Pungent, Sweet
- Physical Property-Light, Dry
- Potency- Cold
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Uses
- Seed oil is excellent for the digestive tract. It is used to warm the stomach, ease colic, and treat heartburn effectively.
- It is widely used to treat infections connected to teeth and gums, throat-related issues, and inflammation of the eyelid.
- When combined with amla juice, cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum ) seed powder works as a diuretic and is highly beneficial for treating gonorrhea, cystitis, and insufficient urine.
- Cardamom is used to help clear the body of mucus and to treat indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. It is particularly helpful for pulmonary conditions such as congestion of the lungs.
- It is widely used to treat infections connected to teeth and gums, throat-related issues, and inflammation of the eyelid.
- Cardamom seeds can help with problems related to erotic dysfunction. These are applied to early ejaculation and impotence.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Benefits
High blood pressure:
Cardamom consumption lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart. Cardamom’s potential to lower blood pressure is directly related to its antioxidant content. Cardamom’s diuretic qualities can also reduce blood pressure. They have the ability to affect the urinary system, boosting excretion of sodium and potassium ions as well as urine output.
Cures Bad Breath:
Cardamom has a breath-freshening effect. When you don’t practice good dental hygiene, food particles can build up in your mouth and cause germs to thrive. Food particles are broken down by the bacteria, which also gives your mouth an unpleasant odor. You can lessen bacterial development and foul breath by eating cardamom pods and practicing good tooth hygiene.
Cardamom for skin:
Chewing the spice aids in the removal of skin-damaging bodily pollutants. Vitamin C, which is abundant in cardamom seeds, helps to purify blood and enhances blood flow throughout the body. Cardamom’s many phytonutrients and improved blood circulation treat skin infections and allergies, enhance skin tone, and delay the aging process.
Frequent urination:
Cardamom relieves the symptoms of frequent urination brought on by a number of illnesses, including nephritis, diabetes, kidney infections, overactive bladder syndrome, and others. As a diuretic, it also causes patients with a variety of pee-related conditions, including as urinary incontinence and dribbling, to urinate more frequently.
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Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Side Effects
Allergic reactions:
Although cardamom allergies are uncommon, some persons may get skin rashes, oral irritation, and coughing as a result of eating cardamom. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can very rarely happen.
Gastrointestinal upset:
Cardamom overdoses may result in nausea and diarrhea.
Drug interactions:
Certain medications, including blood thinners and liver-related treatments, may interact with cardamom.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, cardamom has been a commonly used traditional spice. It has a wonderful flavor that makes it suitable for a variety of recipes. It also functions as a natural remedy for a number of illnesses, including coughs, anemia, and hypertension. Cardamom powder is easily added to a variety of recipes, including sweets. You can prepare a hot cardamom tea with the roasted seeds, which has several health advantages.
FAQS
How does Ela function in Ayurveda?
It is useful in the treatment of allergy-related illnesses. Effective Cough: Cardamom helps to treat colds and coughs. Its expectorant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory qualities are the cause of this. It facilitates the mucus’s release and removal from the respiratory system.
What advantages does eating cardamom provide for your health?
Eating cardamom has various health benefits, such as treating digestive issues like constipation and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as relieving pain and burning sensations and treating piles.
What negative impacts does cardamom have?
Cardamom has certain negative effects; however it can be used in moderation when pregnant. It is not recommended for usage in cases of infertility.