Green Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) : Health Benefits & Uses

Green cardamom, scientifically known as Elettaria cardamomum, is a fascinating spice that has been cherished for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of cardamom, uncovering its chemical composition, Ayurvedic qualities, health benefits, medicinal uses, and much more. Join us on this aromatic journey through the realms of green cardamom.

What is Green cardamom?

Cardamom, known scientifically as Elettaria cardamomum, belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is an aromatic spice native to the lush rainforests of India. Cardamom has its unique flavor, which combines pungency with subtle sweetness, making it a versatile ingredient in both culinary and medicinal applications.

This perennial herb produces small, green pods that house tiny black seeds. These seeds are useful in a wide range of dishes, from curries and desserts to beverages like chai tea. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of natural medicine, cardamom is “Tridoshic,” meaning it can balance all three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This quality, combined with its delightful aroma and various health benefits, has cemented cardamom’s status as a cherished spice around the world.

Vernacular Names of Green Cardamom:

• Hindi: Choti Ilaichi

• English: Lesser Cardamom

• Kannada: Elakki

• Telugu: Chinna Elakulu, Yelakkapalu

• Malayalam: Elam

• Tamil: Yelakka

• Marathi: Velachi, Veldode

• Bengali: Chot Elachi, Chot Elach

• Gujarati: Elachi, Chot Elach

• Arabic: Kakul

• Farsi: Heelabak, Ilaichi Khurd

Sanskrit Synonyms of Green cardamom:

• Chandra / Chandrabala – Coolant, similar to the moon.

• Dravidi – Cultivated extensively in South India.

• Kapotavarna – Having the color of a pigeon.

• Tuttha – Ela alleviates pricking pain.

• Triputa – Fruit is triangular in shape and has three surfaces.

• Truti – Seeds are very small.

• Bahula – Fruits have many seeds.

• Korangi – Ela grows in South India.

• Upakunchika – Fruits are contracted.

• Tutha – Ela alleviates pricking pain.

Classical Categorization of Green cardamom

Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) fits into the classical Ayurvedic categories as follows:

Charaka:

1. Shvasahara – Helps with asthma, dyspnoea, and respiratory issues.

2. Angamarda Prasamana – Relieves bodyache, especially with its anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Katuka Skandha – Pungent herb, aids digestion and stimulates metabolism.

4. Shiro Virechanopaga – Supports nasal treatments (Nasya), clears sinus congestion.

Sushruta:

• Eladi – Used for digestion and respiratory health, often contains green cardamom.

Vagbhata:

1. Eladi – Improves digestion and respiratory function.

2. Trijataka & Caturjataka – Supports digestion, alleviates nausea, and balances metabolism.

Bhavprakash:

1. Shwasahara – Herbs used to treat asthma and dyspnoea, focusing on improving respiratory function.

Green cardamom is valued for its digestive, respiratory, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Varieties and Distribution of Green Cardamom:

1. Sukshma Ela (Lesser Cardamom) – Smaller variety (Elettaria cardamomum).

2. Brihat Ela (Greater Cardamom) – Larger variety (Amomum subulatum).

Indian Varieties:

• Malabari Ilaichi (from Kerala and Tamil Nadu).

• Mysoori Elaichi (from Karnataka and other parts of South India).

Distribution: Primarily cultivated in the Western Ghats and Southern India.

Morphology of Green cardamom:

• Stem: 5-8 feet tall, clothed with spongy sheaths at the base.

• Leaves: Subsessile, oblong-lanceolate.

• Inflorescence: Dense, spike-like, peduncled, with calyx and corolla tube about 2.5 cm long.

• Fruit: Capsule, about 2.5 cm in diameter, globose, red-brown in color.

The Chemical Composition and Useful Parts of Green cardamom

Green cardamom contains several bioactive compounds, including:

• Terpenes: Bornneol, Camphene, p-cymene, Myrcene, D-limonene, Linalool, Nerol.

• Other Compounds: Geraniol, Camphor, Citral, Citronellal, Farnesol, Sitosterol, Thijene, etc.

These compounds have potent antioxidant, disease-preventing, and health-promoting properties.

Key Constituents:

• Pinene, Linalyl acetate, Terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, Citronellol, Myrcene, 1,8-Cineole, Limonene, and others.

The cardamom plant boasts multiple useful parts, with the seeds and pods being the most coveted. Cardamom seeds are small, black, and packed with flavor. The pods, on the other hand, house these precious seeds and are commonly useful in both culinary and medicinal applications.

Qualities of Green cardamom According to Ayurveda

Cardamom, also known as Elettaria cardamomum, possesses a unique set of qualities that contribute to its exceptional value in both culinary and medicinal applications:

Rasa (Taste): The primary taste of green cardamom is pungent (katu) and slightly sweet (madhura). This distinctive flavor profile imparts a delightful zest to its aromatic seeds and pods, making it a prized spice in various cuisines.

Guna (Quality): cardamom is predominantly characterized by lightness (laghu) and dryness (ruksha). These qualities align perfectly with its role as an effective herb in addressing a wide range of health issues, including digestive disturbances and respiratory ailments.

Virya (Potency): Green cardamom exhibits a cooling potency (shita virya), which plays a significant role in Ayurvedic medicine. This cooling effect soothes the body and mind, making it useful in balancing excess heat in the body.

Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): The post-digestive effect of green cardamom is sweet (madhura). This unique quality contributes to its ability to balance the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—after the process of digestion. It helps in maintaining overall harmony and well-being.

Quality	Description
Rasa (Taste)	Pungent (katu) and slightly sweet (madhura)
Guna (Quality)	Lightness (laghu) and dryness (ruksha)
Virya (Potency)	Cooling (shita virya)
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect)	Sweet (madhura)

 Influence on Doshas in Ayurveda of Green cardamom

1. Balancing Vata: Cardamom’s warm and aromatic nature helps pacify Vata dosha, alleviating symptoms of anxiety, restlessness.
2. Soothing Pitta: For those with an excess of Pitta dosha, cardamom’s cooling properties can help mitigate issues like acidity and irritability.
3. Harmonizing Kapha: Cardamom’s stimulating qualities can invigorate Kapha dosha, reducing lethargy, congestion and sluggishness.

Health Benefits of Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Beyond its delightful flavor and Ayurvedic significance, green cardamom offers a multitude of health benefits:

1. Digestive Aid: Cardamom is known for its ability to enhance digestion. It stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, promoting efficient nutrient absorption and preventing common digestive issues like indigestion and bloating.
2. Respiratory Health: Cardamom’s warming nature and aromatic properties make it beneficial for respiratory conditions. It can help relieve symptoms of cough, congestion, and bronchitis by clearing the respiratory passages.
3. Detoxification: In Ayurveda, cardamom is considered a natural detoxifier. It helps eliminate toxins from the body, promoting overall health and vitality.
4. Oral Health: Cardamom’s antimicrobial properties make it beneficial for oral hygiene. Chewing cardamom seeds can help freshen breath and prevent dental issues.
5. Stress Reduction: The soothing aroma of cardamom has a calming effect on the mind. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting mental well-being.
6. Anti-Inflammatory: Cardamom contains antioxidants that combat inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with inflammation.
7. Cardiovascular Health: Ayurveda recognizes cardamom as a heart-friendly spice. It can help regulate blood pressure and improve overall heart health.
8. Relief from Nausea: Cardamom can help alleviate nausea and motion sickness when consumed or inhaled.
9. Aid for Menstrual Discomfort: Cardamom can be beneficial for relieving menstrual discomfort and cramps when consumed as a tea.

Home Remedies with Green Cardamom for Health Benefits

1. Sore Throat & Bad Breath Remedy
Ela Phanta: To relieve sore throat and bad breath, combine 2-3 grams of cardamom powder with 150-200 ml of hot water. Let it cool to a comfortable temperature, then gargle. This natural remedy also helps reduce nausea and improve taste perception.

2. Cough & Throat Congestion Relief
Cardamom & Sugar Candy: For cough, throat congestion, and dry mouth, mix cardamom and sugar candy in a 3:1 ratio. Grind them into a powder, then chew 1-2 grams 3-4 times a day. This mixture is effective in soothing throat irritation and promoting respiratory health.

3. Bloating & Food Poisoning Cure
Ilaichi Remedy: Mix equal parts cardamom powder, rock salt, and ginger. Consume 1-2 grams of this powder with warm water 2-3 times a day to relieve bloating, gas, and food poisoning symptoms.

4. Hiccup Remedy
Cardamom & Banana Leaf Ash: To stop hiccups and soothe gastric irritation, burn dried cardamom pods and mature banana leaves to create ash. Consume 2-3 grams of the ash mixed with honey for effective relief.

5. Travel Sickness & Nausea Relief
Cardamom Powder with Jaggery: Keep cardamom powder and jaggery handy while traveling. Taking a small amount of this mixture helps prevent nausea and motion sickness during long journeys.

6. Headache & Stress Relief
Cardamom in Tea: Add cardamom to your traditional or green tea to relieve headaches, reduce stress, and elevate your mood with its calming aroma. This natural remedy is also known for its stress-relieving benefits.

7. Natural Remedy for Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Cardamom Tooth Rub: To combat bad breath (halitosis), rub fine cardamom powder on your teeth and gums. This natural method helps freshen breath and improve oral hygiene without chemicals.

Green Cardamom for Fresh Breath & Dry Mouth Relief

For Fresh Breath:

• Chewing Cardamom: After meals, chew one or two cardamom pods to improve digestion and naturally freshen your breath due to its pleasant aroma and digestive properties.

• Cardamom Infused Water: Add a tablespoon of cardamom powder to hot water, steep for 10 minutes, then sip throughout the day to keep your breath fresh and odor-free.

• Cardamom Tea Mouth Rinse: Rinse your mouth with lukewarm cardamom tea to effectively combat bad breath and maintain oral freshness.

For Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):

• Chewing a Cardamom Pod: Chewing a cardamom pod stimulates saliva production and relieves the discomfort of dry mouth while also helping to eliminate bad breath naturally.

Why Choose Green Cardamom?

Cardamom, with its distinctive flavor and healing properties, has been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Offering a wide range of health benefits, it provides natural solutions for common health concerns like bad breath, sore throat, congestion, and more. With its antioxidant, digestive, and antibacterial properties, cardamom is a powerful, natural alternative to synthetic treatments. Incorporating cardamom into your daily routine can promote overall health, wellness, and fresh breath in a holistic and fragrant way.

How to Use Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

This versatile spice is incorporated into various Ayurvedic remedies to address a wide range of health issues. Here are some Ayurvedic medicinal formulations that feature Elettaria cardamomum:

1. Cardamom Tea (Elaichi Chai): Cardamom seeds are often useful to prepare a soothing and aromatic tea. This tea has digestive properties and is useful to relieve indigestion, bloating, and nausea. It’s also a popular choice for enhancing respiratory health and reducing cough and congestion.
2. Cardamom Infusions: Ayurvedic practitioners prepare cardamom infusions by steeping crushed cardamom pods in hot water. This infusion is consumed to alleviate digestive discomfort, enhance appetite, and promote overall well-being.
3. Cardamom Powder: Green cardamom is a common ingredient in various Ayurvedic herbal formulations, or “churnas.” These mixtures may include cardamom along with other herbs and spices to create remedies for specific health concerns, such as digestive disorders or respiratory ailments.
4. Cardamom Oil in Ayurvedic Massage: Cardamom essential oil, extracted from the seeds, is used in Ayurvedic massage therapies. It promotes relaxation, ease muscle tension, and stimulate blood circulation.
5. Aromatherapy: Cardamom essential oil is useful in Ayurvedic aromatherapy to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere. Its aroma reduces stress and anxiety, promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being.
6. Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic practitioners may formulate herbal remedies using cardamom to address specific health conditions. For example, cardamom useful in combination with other herbs to treat digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, or even as an aphrodisiac.
7. Cardamom Water: Infuse your drinking water with cardamom pods overnight. This can help improve digestion and refresh your palate.

Safety and Precautions

While green cardamom is generally safe for consumption, it’s essential to exercise some precautions:

1. Moderation: Excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues, so use cardamom in moderation.
2. Allergic Reactions: Individuals with known allergies to cardamom or similar spices should avoid it.
3. Medication Interactions: Cardamom may interact with certain medications, so consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

In conclusion, green cardamom, with its enchanting aroma and remarkable health benefits, is truly a gift from nature. Whether you’re savoring its flavor in culinary delights or harnessing its therapeutic properties, this spice has much to offer. Embrace the world of Elettaria cardamomum and unlock its wonders for a healthier and more flavorful life.

Green Cardamom Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the health benefits of green cardamom in Ayurveda?
Green cardamom aids in digestion, bad breath, respiratory issues (like asthma), and sore throats. It also helps reduce stress and supports oral hygiene.

2. How does green cardamom help with bad breath?
Cardamom has antibacterial properties, freshening breath by stimulating saliva production and improving digestion.

3. Can cardamom help with asthma?
Yes, it helps with breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions by clearing airways and reducing inflammation.

4. Is cardamom good for digestion?
Yes, it improves digestion, relieves bloating, gas, and indigestion, and supports healthy stomach function.

5. How can cardamom help dry mouth?
Cardamom stimulates saliva production, helping relieve dry mouth (xerostomia) and freshen breath.

6. How to use cardamom for sore throat?
Gargle with cardamom-infused water to soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation.

7. Does cardamom help reduce stress?
Yes, cardamom has a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting a positive mood when added to tea.

8. Does cardamom help with weight loss?
Cardamom boosts digestion and metabolism, aiding in detoxification and healthy weight management.

9. What’s the Ayurvedic dosage of cardamom?
Typically, 1-2 pods per day, but consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized recommendations.

10. Are there side effects of cardamom?
In moderation, cardamom is safe. Excessive consumption may cause stomach upset or heart rate increase in some people.

Green cardamom is a versatile Ayurvedic herb, offering benefits for digestive health, oral care, and stress relief.

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