I loved the smell of cardamom in my mom’s kitchen when I was a kid. Not only does it have a lovely aroma and taste but you will be amazed to learn about its numerous health benefits.
Cardamom is known as the Queen of Spices second only to black pepper — the King of Spices. There are three types of cardamom — green, black and Madagascar cardamom.
Also known as elaichi, an analysis of a cardamom capsule shows it to constitute carbohydrates, moisture, protein, ether extract, volatile oil, crude fibre, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
The principal constituents of the volatile oil are cineoil, terpineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene and terpineol in the form of formic and acetic acid.
Each cardamom pod contains several dark brown seeds which contain the flavour. The aroma and therapeutic properties of cardamom are due to its volatile oil. Tinctures of cardamom are used chiefly in medicines to relieve flatulence and to strengthen digestion activities. Cardamom increases the appetite and soothes the mucous membrane and relieves gas and heartburn. Ground cardamom seeds mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander are an effective remedy for indigestion. A tea made from cardamom is valuable in headaches caused by indigestion.
Cardamom is also a great breath freshener. Besides, its powdered seeds mixed with a tablespoon of banana leaf and amla juice taken thrice a day will serve as an excellent cure for cystitis, nephritis, burning micturation or urination and scanty urination.
The powdered seeds of cardamom when boiled in water with tea can be used as a remedy in the treatment of depression. The herb is useful in sexual dysfunctions like impotency and premature ejaculation as well. A pinch of powdered cardamom seeds boiled in milk and sweetened with honey taken every night yield excellent results.
The writer is a Mumbai-based nutritionist