Know your Herbs

Cardamom is a spice belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. The plant is native to India, Indonesia and Asia. Cardamom contains numerous triangular small black seeds enclosed in a light green pod. It has its origin in Sri Lanka, but is now also grown in some other countries including Malaysia, Tanzania and Guatemala. It is one of the most expensive spices.

There are two varieties of cardamom, which include true cardamom and winged or black cardamom. True cardamom is green in colour and also known as Elettaria cardamomum, and winged or black cardamom is also known as Amomum subulatum. Both types of cardamoms are used in Ayurveda and Unani system of medication.

The plant of true cardamom can grow up to 4 meters in height. It has large rhizome, yellow flowers and green blade-like leaves.  It grows wildly and it is a perennial herb similar to reed.

Cardamom is a well-known ancient herb and has been widely used by the Egyptians, Romans and Arabians in perfumes and incense. It is also known for relieving stomach ache.  Grounded cardamom is used in coffee and is among important cooking ingredients in India and other Asian countries. Cardamom oil has balsamic, sweet and spicy fragrance.

Cardamom contains a wide range of active ingredients, in which include terpenes, anti-oxidants, 1-8-cineole, linalool, limonene, alpha-terpinyl acetate, linalyl acetate, eugenol, quercetin, flavonoids, and propanoids. Terpenes, 1-8-cineole and terpinyl acetate provide typical aroma to the cardamom.

Cardamom shows certain medicinal properties, such as carminative, diuretic, aphrodisiac, anti-anxiety, stimulant, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic and anti-cancer properties.

Benefits of Cardamom:                                                                    

• Antimicrobial in Nature: It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial in nature and prevents the growth of many fungi include Candida.
   
• Improves Digestion: It improves digestion by combating nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation and other digestive problems. It improves bowel movements.
   
• Improve Metabolism: Cardamom boosts metabolism and helps your body burn fat more efficiently. It also fights water retention.
   
• Fights Bad Breath: Cardamom freshens breath and prevents tooth cavity caused by harmful bacteria.
   
• Helps in Diabetes: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties of Cardamom help in regulating diabetes and its symptoms.
   
• Improves Respiration: By improving circulation of blood within lungs, Cardamom helps in relieving breathing problems in Asthma, cold, cough and bronchitis. It heats up the body internally and helps in expulsion of phlegm and thus relieves chest congestion.
   
• Improves Immunity: Potential immuno-modulator effects of Cardamom improve immunity due to the presence of natural compounds that prevent inflammation and empower the immune system.
   
• Prevents Cancer: It also prevents tumour growth and cancers especially colon and skin cancer.
   
• Improve Skin and Hair Health: The seeds of cardamom contain oleic acid, which prevents dryness, moisturize skin, reduces wrinkles, nourishes scalp and promotes hair growth.
   
• Prevents Anaemia: Vitamin C, niacin and iron in cardamom ate effective in preventing and managing anaemia.
   
• Used in Aromatherapy: Cardamom oil is useful in Aromatherapy.
   
• Improves Energy Level: By reducing problems in sleep such as insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety; cardamom helps you in achieving and maintaining refreshing sleep. This in turn keeps your energy levels high after you wake up.

Cardamom may cause allergy in people with high sensitivity. The symptoms of allergy may include rashes and some respiratory issues such as, tightness in chest and problem in breathing for a short time. It is mostly safe to consume for most people. Experience its taste in Daily Boost Tea.