Cardamom is a hot and spicy spice of the ginger family, which has gained immense popularity due to its special aroma, taste and unique beneficial properties. What are the healing properties of cardamom, and can it be harmful?

Cardamom is not just a spicy aromatic seasoning, it has many useful properties known since antiquity. She also has some contraindications that you need to know in order not to harm yourself and others.

Try grinding a few cardamom seeds in the palm of your hand - its smell will invigorate you, cheer you up, relieve fatigue and headaches. The essential oil of this spice, containing α-terpineol, myrcene, limonene, cineole, and other components, tones, gives vitality and improves immunity. The medicinal properties of cardamom are successfully used in medicine, including Ayurvedic science of health and healing.

Ayurveda also considers cardamom to be an effective natural aphrodisiac, thanks to which sexual desire increases in men and women, and marital life is harmonized. The influence of spices on increasing male strength is also important.

Application in medicine

The benefits of cardamom as a component for the treatment of various diseases and for improving health in general are determined by its composition. Vitamins of group B, which this spice is rich in, participate in the work of the internal organs of the human body and affect the metabolic processes of the body, affect the endocrine and nervous systems.

The presence of vitamin A in the spice determines the antioxidant effect, and the trace elements iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc are involved in digestive processes and have a general strengthening effect.

  • In the East, cardamom has long been used to treat diseases of the stomach and intestines. Scientists have proven that the substances contained in this spice improve appetite, enhance beneficial microflora and kill bacteria.
    To improve the condition of the digestive system, relieve bloating and heartburn, you need to add cardamom to food, drink cardamom tea. The spice will benefit from irregular bowel movements: both in disorders and constipation. In case of diarrhea, cardamom is used in combination with fennel and ginger.
  • To stimulate metabolism, burn fat and reduce weight, ground cardamom is added to a cup of green tea, using this spice as an additional tool for weight loss. After a few days, toxins will begin to leave the body, constipation will disappear, and a feeling of lightness will appear.
  • With regular use of spices, the work of the heart improves, the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases decreases. Cardamom stimulates blood circulation, is useful for arrhythmias.
  • For colds, the spice is added to the solution for rinsing and inhalation. The brewed ground seeds are infused for 10 hours, after which the infusion can be rinsed proudly throughout the day. If you drop a few drops of oil into the aroma lamp, it will quickly remove the unpleasant symptoms of a cold when it evaporates, facilitate the course of the disease, and improve your emotional state.
  • Tea with cardamom at night will relieve anxiety and insomnia. Regular use of spices is useful for neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • For the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary tract (cystitis, pyelonephritis), cardamom seeds are a proven remedy that can help eliminate infections and inflammatory processes.

Application in the beauty industry

The spice infusion has been used as a tonic for the skin of the face, it has excellent antiseptic and tonic properties. Essential oil of cardamom improves the appearance of the skin, gives freshness. This oil will also be useful for strengthening hair - it is added to shampoos.

Cardamom oil in a mixture with other oils (vegetable, olive, almond) is used in massage for warming, relaxation and muscle relaxation.

Application in cooking

Cardamom is part of spice mixtures, it is a component that is “friends” with other spices - pepper, curry, ginger and others.

The spice is very common in cooking as a useful and flavoring additive to soups - its aroma gives the broths a pleasant smell and unique taste. In fish, meat, poultry or game dishes, cardamom is added to give a piquant touch, this spice is especially good in meatballs, stews, pilaf, minced meat and pates.

In confectionery, this fragrant spice is added to gingerbread, cookies, cakes and pastries, to various desserts. Oriental sweets necessarily contain this additive - halva, baklava, sweet Indian balls have a characteristic unique cardamom flavor.

With the help of ground cardamom, you can ennoble the taste of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

But, when using cardamom to prepare various dishes and drinks, you need to remember that this seasoning contains burning substances, and you need to use it carefully so as not to harm the stomach.

Such drinks as cardamom tea and coffee are especially famous in the cuisines of the peoples of the East. Aromatic spiced coffee has a rich taste and is good for the nervous system. Arabs often use special coffee pots to make Bedouin coffee, with a few seeds placed in their spouts - their aroma turns into a hot drink when poured into a cup. Cardamom in such coffee reduces the stimulating effect of caffeine, reducing the risk of tachycardia and excessive pressure increase.

Not only in the Arab countries they drink such coffee - more and more connoisseurs of a healthy drink appear in Europe. Tea with cardamom is loved and often drunk in India, Thailand and Africa. The art of making tea with spices was mastered by connoisseurs of this blissful drink in Europe as well.

Can Cardamom Cause Harm?

In order for the aromatic additive not to harm health, the dosage should first of all be taken into account. Like any substance, cardamom can become both a medicine and a poison - it's all about its quantity. Burning spicy spice can adversely affect the state of health, if you do not take into account the features and rules for its use.

  • First and foremost - start using cardamom in small doses and do not get carried away with the spice unnecessarily.
  • The second rule is to check if there is an individual intolerance or allergy to the spice.
  • You can not add cardamom to food for those who have gallbladder diseases: cholecystitis, stones in the bile ducts.
  • The spice increases the secretory function of the stomach, so for people suffering from diseases of the gastric mucosa, the spice can cause harm, cause pain in case of peptic ulcer and gastritis.
  • Cardamom is not given to children under 7 years old, and pregnant women and nursing mothers need to remember that their food is the nutrition of the baby: the burning component will penetrate the baby's body, the harm from it can be noticeable only after a while.

This unique spice can only bring harm if you mindlessly abuse it and do not listen to your body. The huge benefits of cardamom are determined by Vedic knowledge about how, where and in what quantity to add this spice.

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Looking at the pantry of nature, it can be noted that it is enriched with quite valuable medicinal plants, which both bring variety to culinary dishes and help cure numerous ailments, while increasing the tone of the whole organism as a whole. The list of such plants can include cardamom- a spice that is highly valued by adherents of a healthy lifestyle and rational nutrition. What is this spice, and what kind of useful properties it is endowed with, you can find out by reading this article.

Botanical characterization and production

Cardamom is a fruit ( seeds) perennial herbaceous tropical plant of the ginger family. This plant tends to reach a height of 3 to 4 meters. The root of the plant is creeping, but its leaves are lanceolate. 2 stems depart from the root, one of which is leafy, and the other is a creeping flower. The flowers are endowed with a white color and collected in small brushes. The leaves are lanceolate and pale green. The fruit is represented by a three-chamber box, which is covered with a leathery green peel. It is these boxes that are harvested, and not fully ripe. They are harvested by hand and only 2 years after planting. They are dried in direct sunlight so that they do not open. Then they are moistened and dried again. It is in this form that the fruits are a spice, which is endowed with a sharp-spicy and sweetish taste, as well as a very pleasant strong aroma.

Origin, distribution, types

The homeland of this spice is considered to be the evergreen forests of Sri Lanka and South India. The same territories are still the main centers for the production of this spice. So, for example, India alone exports this spice to more than 60 countries of the world. Cardamom also grows in Scandinavia, Laos, New Guinea, Guatemala, Cambodia, Tanzania, Central America, El Salvador and Vietnam. Modern experts distinguish two main types of this plant, namely green or true and black cardamom. In addition to the main species, there are also Chinese, African, tall, Bengal, Javanese and narrow-leaved cardamom.

Biological features and reproduction

The plant begins to bear fruit only in the 3rd year after planting. It can be harvested from 6 to 15 years. The plant is grown at an altitude of 600 to 1200 meters above sea level. Its favorite places are forest loamy soils, in which there is an accumulation of a large amount of nitrogen and organic matter. In this case, the amount of potassium and phosphorus should be insignificant. From 1 hectare it is possible to collect up to 100 kg of fruits. Note that cardamom is very easily damaged by various diseases. It reproduces mainly by seeds, and sometimes by root offspring. Seeds for propagation must be collected exclusively from healthy plants that give a great harvest. The first shoots are observed after 30 - 50 days.

This is interesting!

Both in Greece and in Rome, this spice was brought by Arab merchants, who sold it for a lot of money. Until the 19th century, the plant grew only in the wild, after which it began to be cultivated. Already in the Middle Ages, the fruits of the plant could be purchased in pharmacies, as they were part of a variety of medicines. It was during this period that experts said that with the help of these fruits, almost all diseases can be cured. The healing properties of this spice were also known to Pliny, as well as to Dioscorides, who claimed that it was endowed with a rather powerful stimulating effect.

Chemical composition of seeds

The seeds of this plant are enriched with numerous useful components.
They include:
  • protein;
  • fatty oil;
  • amidon;
  • cineole;
  • terpeneol;
  • terpinyl acetate;
  • rubber;
  • starch;
  • iron;
  • phosphorus;
  • zinc;
  • group vitamins IN ;
  • magnesium;
  • calcium.
This composition makes it possible to use these seeds as a carminative, tonic, gastric, stimulant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Medicinal properties of seeds

Influencing the human body, cardamom tends to both strengthen the muscles of the stomach, and enhance the synthesis of gastric juice, stimulate the work of nerve cells, and also relieve tension and relieve depression. This spice has a beneficial effect on brain function. She also treats colds, bronchitis, asthma, cystitis, nephritis, pharyngitis and skin diseases.

Since the spice has a peculiar taste of lemon mixed with the taste of camphor and eucalyptus, its use also freshens the breath. Various disorders of the digestive process are also an indication for the use of this spice. With its help, you can clean the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity, reduce the strength of the manifestation of toothache, improve the functioning of the heart muscle, neutralize the pathogenic microflora in the mouth, alleviate signs of flatulence. To get rid of hiccups, you need to brew these seeds along with mint. Cardamom is also effective for male potency, with migraine, cough, abdominal pain. This spice is endowed with an antiemetic effect. It has a positive effect on vision, improves mood, improves body tone, eliminates involuntary urination, relieves urolithiasis. The seeds of this plant are also a pronounced tonic, which is especially useful for regular physical exertion. Without fail, this spice should be included in the daily diet of all those people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Regular consumption of seeds will significantly reduce the risk of developing and oncological diseases.

Folk recipes

  • For pharyngitis: 0.5 tsp spices pour 1 cup boiling water and let it brew. The resulting infusion is filtered and used for gargling 4-5 times a day.
  • For insomnia: 1 tsp mashed fruit brew for 10 minutes in 1 cup of boiled water. Once the decoction has cooled down, drink it. It is best to do this 30-60 minutes before going to bed.
  • To improve digestion: mix 20 gr. cardamom with the same amount of cumin and 10 gr. fennel. 2 tsp the resulting mixture is steamed in 1 cup of boiled water for 10 minutes. Then we filter the infusion and take orally 100-150 ml per day.
  • For impotence: in 1 glass of hot milk add 1 tsp. honey and a pinch of spices. It is necessary to drink such a remedy every evening.
  • To improve vision: mix 1 tsp. honey with 4 - 5 seeds. This remedy must be used daily.

As an aphrodisiac

Even in ancient times, people considered this spice to be one of the strongest aphrodisiacs, which was the impetus for the beginning of its use in love magic. It is enough to eat one grain of this spice to tune in to a wave of romance and love. In magic, this spice is considered a source of energy, with the help of which every woman can attract the attention of almost every member of the opposite sex. Just a few seeds can charm your partner and give you charm. They will make you a pleasant conversationalist, as they will reveal the gift of eloquence.
For love purposes, the following recipe is suitable: we take the same amount of ginger, vanilla, lemon balm and cardamom. We grind all the components in a mortar with a pestle, and then brew. As a result, you will get a wonderful "potion" for aromatic magic.

Permissible dosages and contraindications

Since this spice is concentrated and has a pronounced taste, it is strictly contraindicated to use it in large quantities. The allowable dosage directly depends on both the age and the total weight of the person. In any case, no more than 0.25 tsp can be eaten at one time. ground seeds.
As for contraindications, their list can include:
  • period of pregnancy;
  • individual intolerance to the components;
  • hypersensitivity;
  • ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Use for weight loss

Despite the fact that this seasoning is a high-calorie product ( per 100 gr. account for more than 300 kcal), experts recommend using it to reduce overall weight. The thing is that this spice both stimulates and increases the activity of metabolic metabolism. As a result, both fats and carbohydrates, as well as calories, are burned much faster, causing weight loss. This fact was known even to the ancient inhabitants of India, who used this spice to treat various forms of obesity, and the course of therapy was quite successful. An important condition in this case is the selection of boxes of this plant. They must be intact and green, not gray-yellow. Otherwise, you will not receive the desired therapeutic effect. A mixture of cardamom and cinnamon, which tends to significantly lower glucose levels, will help to lose extra pounds even faster. According to Ayurveda, for weight loss, it is enough just to sprinkle seeds on any dish that you have prepared. Get rid of problematic oily skin, which is often observed in obesity, will help a special massage mask.


Her recipe is quite simple: we take the boxes of this plant, grind them in a coffee grinder or blender and mix thoroughly with olive or sesame oil. The mask should be applied to the skin with massage movements while taking baths.

Healing effect of essential oil

Essential oil of cardamom is a pale yellow or transparent liquid, which is endowed with a delicate spicy aroma and a large number of useful properties. There is an opinion that for the first time this oil was obtained by distillation. It happened around 1544. Influencing the human body, this oil helps to normalize the digestive process, has an antiseptic and carminative effect, enhances the activity of the stomach and brain, increases sexual activity, and also strengthens the entire body as a whole. It is endowed with a tonic, diuretic, and antispasmodic effect. With it, you can increase the secretion of saliva.

1. Impact on the body: the use of this oil is possible in the treatment of both heartburn and flatulence, nausea, diseases of the gall and bladder, as well as various ailments of the respiratory system.
Dyspepsia ( discomfort in the upper gastrointestinal tract) is another indication for the use of this oil. You can’t do without his help if you need to improve your appetite, get rid of bad breath, reduce irritability during premenstrual syndrome, forget about headaches and various urinary disorders.

2. Effects on the skin: the skin under the influence of this oil is regenerated in the first place. In addition, the oil effectively fights scabies, various fungal infections and lichen. It also cleanses the skin, makes it elastic, tones, deodorizes and stimulates natural cell renewal.

3. Impact on consciousness: helps relieve fatigue, eliminate melancholy, get rid of depression, forget about fears and headaches. It also uplifts the mood, restores strength. Enriches the body with the necessary amount of energy, gives self-confidence, awakens hope.

Attention! If you have sensitive skin, then the use of this oil should be exercised with extreme caution. Otherwise, it is quite possible to develop a strong allergic reaction.

Homemade mask recipes

  • Mask to improve the contour of the face: mix 3 drops of almond oil with the same amount of cardamom oil, 5 drops of rose oil and 2 drops of avocado oil. Apply the mask on the face and after 15 minutes wipe the skin with a damp cotton swab.
  • Mask for oily problem skin: mix thoroughly 1 tsp. honey with 0.5 tsp. fine sea salt. 3 - 4 drops of cardamom oil are dissolved in 2 tbsp. l. milk. Combine both mixtures and mix well again. Using a cotton swab, apply the mask to the face and other problem areas of the skin. After 20-25 minutes, wash it off with warm water. Such a mask should be done no more than 1 time in 5-6 days. The course of therapy is one and a half months.
  • Massage anti-cellulite mask: mix 10 drops of cardamom essential oil with the same amount of tea tree oil and 30 gr. olive oil . Apply the resulting mixture to problem areas of the skin with massage movements.

Use in aromatherapy

Modern aromatherapists use cardamom essential oil as both gastric and invigorating, carminative, warming, and antispasmodic. Especially often this oil is prescribed in the presence of violations of peripheral circulation. The first sign of such disorders is considered to be cold upper or lower extremities. When coughing, the oil is prescribed in the form of inhalations. To increase sexual activity, experts recommend drinking a glass of wine daily, after adding 1-2 drops of this oil to the drink. The oil in the aroma lamp will help get rid of neurosis and stress. Oil is added to baths to treat joint pathologies and colds. For colds, the oil can also be used as a rinse ( for 1 glass of water 1-2 drops). It goes well with essential oils of frankincense, juniper, pine, coriander, cedar, cumin, anise. Under what pathological conditions these combinations of oils are used, you can find out by consulting a specialist.

Milk with cardamom - "healing potion"

Milk with this seasoning is considered to be not only tasty, but also a healthy drink that will appeal to both adults and children. It is especially useful for children, as it helps to calm the nervous system and significantly improves heart function. Most often, this drink is drunk before going to bed.
Cooking time: 5 minutes.
Ingredients: 3 cups milk, 10 pieces of almonds, 0.5 tbsp. l. cardamom, sugar to taste.
Recipe: mix in a blender with milk peeled almonds. Pour the resulting mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. As soon as the mixture boils, add sugar and spices to it. We cook everything for 5 minutes. This drink should be consumed warm.

How to make cardamom tea?

There are many recipes for making this tea. Here is one of them: mix 20 gr. this spice with the same amount of cumin and 10 gr. fennel. The resulting collection in the amount of 2 tsp. steam for 10 minutes in 250 ml of boiling water. After 10 minutes, the tea can be filtered and drunk. Experts recommend using it in the amount of 1 cup per day with severe flatulence, to improve appetite, as well as Remheld's syndrome (a complex of reflex functional cardiovascular changes that occur mainly after eating).

Cardamom and coffee

Coffee in combination with this spice is a drink that will wake you up in the first place and provide you with energy for the whole working day, so experts recommend drinking it only in the morning. There are several ways to prepare this coffee. One of the options is this: pour coffee into a Turk and add whole boxes of spices to it. In this case, it is not necessary to get the grains out of the boxes. We brew coffee as usual. As soon as the coffee forms a head of foam, remove it from the heat, pour it into a cup and drink it with pleasure.

Cardamom in cooking

Despite the fact that this spice is expensive, it is used quite widely in cooking and all because it goes well with numerous very diverse dishes. Both seeds and pods, as well as fresh greens of this plant, are added to dishes. Westerners use this spice to cook both rice and potato dishes, as well as vegetable dishes. Often it is added to soups, mainly from legumes - peas, beans, etc. The population of Asian countries most often uses this spice for cooking pilaf. It is also used all over the world to improve the taste of meat dishes made from lamb, beef or veal. This spice goes well with garlic and onions. In this combination, it significantly improves the taste of poultry dishes. In the food industry, cardamom is added to minced meats, seafood, sausages, ketchups, pies and canned fish. Often spice is added to desserts, namely puddings, fruit salads and sweet cottage cheese dishes. As a natural flavor, it is added to cakes, pies, bread, muffins, buns, cookies, rolls and pastries.
  • For cooking boiled fish, this spice is best used in combination with nutmeg;
  • When buying cardamom pods, make sure that they are whole. Otherwise, you will not feel the wonderful aroma;
  • This spice can be added to dishes both in whole boxes and in the form of seeds taken out, after grinding them.

Cooking recipes

1. Rice pudding with cardamom: to prepare this dish you will need 70 gr. rice, 75 ml heavy cream, 900 ml milk, 70 gr. sugar, 5 grains of this spice, 2 chicken yolks and 0.5 tsp. salt. We put a 5-liter saucepan on a slow fire, bring rice, milk, salt, spice grains and sugar to a boil in it. Reduce heat and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, beat down the egg yolks and cream. Gradually add 200 gr. hot rice pudding. Put the mixture in a saucepan and cook for about 3 minutes. Once the mixture boils, pour it into a bowl. This pudding is best served warm.

2. Wreath with cardamom: you need 50 gr. warm water, the same amount of yeast, 180 ml of melted butter, 2 small eggs, 250 gr. Sahara. Also 375 ml of warm milk, 800 gr. flour, 0.5 tsp. ground spice and 0.5 tsp. salt. To prepare lemon glaze, you need 50 ml of milk or water, 500 ml of powdered sugar and zest or juice of 1 lemon. Mix water with yeast and leave the mixture for 5 minutes. Then add butter, milk, sugar, salt, eggs and cardamom to it. Mix everything thoroughly, gradually adding flour. As a result, you will get a fairly thick dough. We put it in a large bowl, cover with a cloth and leave it in a warm place for 1.5 - 2 hours. Then we divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll up bundles from them, the length of which should reach 60 cm. We weave 2 braids and connect them around. We get 2 wreaths, we own them on a baking sheet and leave for 40 minutes. Wreaths should be baked for no more than 35 minutes at a temperature of 160 - 170 degrees. Serve warm, topped with lemon icing. If desired, you can decorate the dish with candied fruits or candied fruits.

3. Cottage cheese bombs with persimmon and cardamom: you will need 1 glass of flour, 1 yolk, 400 gr. cottage cheese, breadcrumbs, sour cream, 4 ripe persimmons. In addition, 3 - 4 cardamom seeds, a pinch of sea salt, 2 tsp. sugar, and olive oil. We put the cottage cheese in a deep bowl and knead it with a spoon. We clean the persimmon and cut it into small cubes. We mix everything thoroughly. Add the yolk, sugar, salt and a quarter cup of flour to the resulting mixture. We crush the spice grains in a mortar and add to the dough. We put the rest of the flour in it. Pour breadcrumbs onto a cutting board and roll each piece of cottage cheese dough in them, taken with a large spoon. Roll the dough on all sides. Heat the oil and fry the bombs in deep fat, each about 3 - 5 minutes. After that, put everything on a plate covered with paper towels, which will help remove excess fat. This dish is best served with sour cream.

People often use complementary foods and spices as regular seasonings or to treat some diagnosed medical condition. Useful properties and contraindications of cardamom deserve special attention, so they should be analyzed in detail and with particular enthusiasm.

After all, this spice has a magical effect on the human body - as they wrote in ancient books, describing the fruits of a herbaceous plant of the ginger family. But people could find out about their real beneficial properties only a few decades ago.

Cardamom - what is it?

Not many people in Russia know about the existence of cardamom, as a delicious spice and seasoning for a drink. It is consumed only by connoisseurs of a wonderful aroma and the finest aftertaste. coffee, tea or other type of drink.

The seasoning cardamom was discovered to the world by the inhabitants of the Malabar coast of India. Already in the 21st century, this product is produced in Guatemala, which is in great demand around the world, because people prefer to use the finished product, and often in ground form.

Collect this seasoning in an unripe form. The fruits are dried, moistened, and then drained again until they are ready to be used for food. It is better to buy cardamom in the form of boxes and pods., since the aroma of this seasoning in the open form quickly disappears, which makes all the enjoyment of the taste properties of the seasoning meaningless.

Photo of cardamom:

Photo of cardamom flowers

What do cardamom fruits look like?

Useful properties of cardamom

Before disassembling benefits and harms of cardamom, all of them should be listed. beneficial features so that the reader of the article has a desire to please himself with the impeccability of seasoning.

Medicinal properties of cardamom

Since the spice seeds contain up to 8% essential oil and a large number vitamins and beneficial trace elements, they have a positive effect on the human body and are able to eliminate various diseases.

So, the presented spice is used for prevention and treatment ailments such as:

Cardamom improves blood circulation, which contributes to the prevention and elimination of cardiovascular diseases, paralysis and rheumatism, where it is necessary to saturate bone, cartilage and muscle tissues with useful microelements, and also improves immunity and normalizes blood and arterial pressure.

If a person has nausea and vomiting, he can chew a few cardamom seeds, which will have a positive effect on the work of the stomach.

One chewed seed of this spice energizes in the morning, eliminating lethargy and morning sleepiness, and also eliminates bad breath.

Due to its composition, the described seasoning has a positive effect in the treatment of diseases through traditional medicine. Some manufacturers add seed powder to the manufacture of medicines, as an additional stimulating component, and dietary supplements.

It should be noted that cardamom is used by the fair sex for weight loss. In India, for this purpose, the spice began to be used as early as the 4th century BC.

The magical properties of cardamom

Cardamom is famous for its magical properties. Even in ancient times, this spice was used for rituals and rituals. This is confirmed by historical manuscripts.

Moreover, special potions were prepared from cardamom, which were subsequently added to the food of a lover for the purpose of a love spell.

Similar properties have not been proven to date, but this spice is considered excellent aphrodisiac- spice is able to provoke sexual attraction to the opposite sex.

Before using a certain type of spice presented, its beneficial properties should be carefully studied so that the treatment, if any, is pursued by a person, is more effective.

Coffee with cardamom, video:

Cardamom use and contraindications

It is better to completely abandon such seasonings in the presence of serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or consult a doctor before use.

Particular attention should be paid to the issue uses of cardamom in the treatment of diseases. A list of ailments for which the spice is used should be given. So, as a treatment, the spice is used in the presence of diseases:

  • Colds and viral disease as an antiseptic- used for oral administration and inhalation.
  • - acts as an expectorant.
  • When cholesterol levels rise- able to lower cholesterol in the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots.
  • Cardamom is used as a diuretic, therefore, in small quantities, pregnant women can use it to prevent edema, but only in consultation with the doctor.
  • In the presence of flatulence and other bloating and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Insomnia is also the reason for the consumption of the described seasoning.
  • Excellent effect on the female reproductive system Therefore, it is used for serious menstrual irregularities.

Medicinal uses of cardamom should only take place after consulting a doctor. Otherwise, you can hurt yourself even more.

Cardamom: instructions for use

The presented natural component is used to treat a wide variety of diseases, which entails compliance with the established instructions for use. A small list of recipes for the consumption of cardamom in the treatment of diseases should be given:

If a person is sick, he can simply chew 2-3 spice seeds. Due to its effect on the work of the stomach, it is often recommended to take it with you when traveling by transport.

If there is a bowel disorder, cardamom in the amount of three crushed seeds and a small amount of grated ginger is brewed with a glass of boiling water. Then the infusion should be boiled for one minute and left to cool slightly. Drink the resulting broth in the form of ordinary tea. Similarly, you can drink regular tea with cardamom and. The same composition should be consumed for constipation.

As a prevention of viral diseases cardamom is used together with honey, mixed in a ratio of 1:1.

cardamom for weight loss used in combination with green tea and lemon juice. One cup of brewed natural green tea has a quarter teaspoon of ground cardamom and a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Drink a similar mixture every time in the morning - this contributes to normal digestion and acceleration of metabolism.

If you decide to get clean, it is recommended to pour a teaspoon of ground cardamom with a glass of boiling water and drink a slightly settled strained composition in a few days - the daily dose of the drink is a quarter of one glass.

Milk with cardamom consumed at night as an excellent sedative. There are only 2-3 ground grains per glass of milk.

As already described above, coffee with cardamom It has an excellent tonic and invigorating effect on the human body. This drink allows not only to wake up and get rid of daytime drowsiness, but also eliminates weakness after intense physical labor or sports. The preparation of the drink is the same as with tea and milk. Approximately 1-3 grains of the described spice are unclenched per glass of coffee. Drink should be in small sips, enjoying the pleasant aroma and taste.

Where else to add cardamom the doctor will tell you in detail if you decide to use this natural component as a medicine. He will also diagnose and prohibit the use of cardamom in case of a serious disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Tea with ginger and cardamom, video:

In cooking, this spice is used in the preparation of any dishes, which makes them unique in taste and aroma. Use your favorite variety of spice to taste and don't be afraid to experiment with combinations of additional natural ingredients. Of course all food experiments should be within reason.

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Content

Once this spice was brought by caravans of merchants from distant countries for big money. Ancient healers considered the seeds of the plant to be healing, helping from many ailments. Today, the benefits of cardamom are known not only as a culinary supplement, but also as a medicine. It is useful to get acquainted with the properties of spices and contraindications.

Cardamom - what is it

India and Sri Lanka are considered the birthplace of the herbaceous plant, although today it is cultivated in the countries of the East. Cardamom is a perennial tropical shrub that belongs to the ginger family. The value is represented by fruits located in pods that look like boxes, as in the photo picture. They are collected and dried in a special way. Popular are green varieties from India and black ones, called Javanese, with a sharp, burning taste. The grains are distinguished by a mixture of pleasant, spicy aromas:

  • lemon balm;
  • camphor;
  • eucalyptus.

Cardamom - useful properties

The use of plant grains in cooking is known as a spice that has nothing to replace, added during cooking, to dishes, pastries. The beneficial properties of cardamom allow the use of seasoning in cosmetology, traditional, folk medicine, and perfumery. It is important to take into account contraindications. The healing property of the plant is due to the composition, which includes:

  • fats;
  • carbohydrates;
  • cellulose;
  • proteins;
  • vitamin C;
  • thiamine;
  • riboflavin;
  • pyridoxine;
  • essential oils;
  • phytosterols;
  • magnesium;
  • phosphorus;
  • sodium;
  • potassium;
  • zinc;
  • manganese;
  • calcium;
  • iron.

Cardamom oil has beneficial properties, which has carminative qualities, acts as an antiseptic. Without forgetting about contraindications, you can use the remedy:

  • for baths - as a soothing, relaxing procedure;
  • in the form of inhalations as an expectorant for pneumonia, bronchitis;
  • inside - against heartburn, to improve digestion;
  • externally - for the treatment of skin, fungal diseases;
  • for rinsing with diseases of the throat, oral cavity;
  • in the form of aromatherapy to calm the nervous system.

Cardamom - beneficial properties for men

Since the seeds of the plant support the tone and endurance of the body, it is useful to use spices, taking into account contraindications, during physical exertion. Cardamom for men is used in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, prostatitis, prostate adenoma. The use of the beneficial properties of spices has proven effective in order to:

  • increase in sexual desire;
  • potency increase;
  • increase in sexual activity.

In order not to harm health, it is important to consider contraindications for the use of grains. Among the popular methods for impotence is the daily use of warm milk with honey and seed powder at night. A nice recipe is a glass of wine with two drops of cardamom oil. Just make a useful healing tincture according to the instructions:

  • grind a teaspoon of seeds in a mortar;
  • pour the powder into half a liter of vodka;
  • insist 3 weeks;
  • add 2 tablespoons of sugar;
  • drink 50 grams before bed.

Benefits of cardamom for women

The useful properties of the seasoning play an important role not only in the culinary delights that women create in the kitchen. The spice contributes to the acquisition of harmony, reducing excess weight, helps to reduce painful symptoms during premenstrual syndrome. Being a powerful aphrodisiac, cardamom for women helps to increase sexual attractiveness, enhance sexual desire. To prepare a composition that affects men, it is recommended to brew a healthy tea, to which add equal parts:

  • cardamom;
  • ginger;
  • vanilla;
  • lemon balm.

Seasoning due to the use in the composition of cosmetics helps women look perfect. Seeds in recipes for masks, creams, scrubs contribute to:

  • skin rejuvenation;
  • smoothing fine wrinkles;
  • stimulating an increase in skin tone;
  • activation of collagen production;
  • for hair - the revival of the bulbs;
  • improvement of strands, roots;
  • strengthening growth.

cardamom for weight loss

Since ancient times, the medicinal properties of cardamom as a fat-burning agent have been known. It was used in the composition of teas and decoctions, additives to dishes in the form of spices. An excellent effect is given by the use of this seasoning in combination with diets, especially when red pepper and cinnamon are added to them. The action of cardamom for weight loss is based on beneficial properties:

  • stimulation of the intestines to remove toxins;
  • acceleration of metabolic processes of the body;
  • active burning of calories;
  • reducing cravings for sweets;
  • fat burning.

Cardamom - application

Oriental seasoning - cardamom - the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been known for many hundreds of years, is used in modern life. Thanks to its healing properties, the spice:

  • possessing the qualities of an analgesic, helps with toothache;
  • treats oral infections;
  • normalizes vision;
  • improves immunity;
  • clears the airways of mucus with bronchitis, colds;
  • normalizes pressure;
  • relieves asthma.

The use of cardamom helps:

  • deal with depression
  • calm the nervous system;
  • improve brain function;
  • reduce fatigue;
  • invigorate;
  • normalize blood circulation;
  • relieve nausea;
  • stabilize the work of the digestive tract;
  • counteract the formation of cancer;
  • cure cystitis, purulent inflammation of the genitourinary system;
  • reduce cholesterol;
  • cope with insomnia;
  • speed up metabolism;
  • eliminate bad breath.

Coffee with cardamom

For coffee gourmets, the addition of ground beans of the plant to the drink will give a new refined taste and aroma. This composition reduces the state of depression, calms the nervous system. A useful property of the plant is to reduce the effect of caffeine on the body when ground powder is added to the drink. To prepare coffee with cardamom, the beans can be pre-roasted, used in the form of boxes or ground first. During the preparation of the drink, 2 pods of spices are added to a glass of water in a Turk:

  • before cooking;
  • after the coffee is ready.

tea with cardamom

Since ancient times in China, in Ceylon, it is customary to brew green, black tea with cardamom. It was believed that this is a useful tool for giving wisdom, promoting health. They used ground grains as an additive to the main tea leaves, adding ginger, cloves, and red pepper to the drink. The easiest and most affordable recipe:

  • brew tea in your favorite way;
  • add 2 flattened seed pods;
  • drink with honey or milk.

Milk with cardamom

The beneficial properties of the seasoning are improved by combining the ground grains of the plant with honey. Using milk with cardamom, you can achieve positive results in the treatment of adults and children, it is important not to forget about contraindications. When chilled, the composition helps to reduce the secretion of mucus. A warm remedy helps:

  • calm the nervous system;
  • relieve fatigue;
  • improve heart function;
  • relax;
  • increase potency.

Cardamom - contraindications

Not excluding all the beneficial medicinal properties of this plant, it should be used very carefully, observing the dosage. Abuse of the amount of seasoning can cause a laxative effect. Diarrhea is followed by dehydration. When using cardamom for treatment, contraindications must be strictly observed so as not to cause trouble. Its use is excluded in case of:

  • gastritis;
  • stomach ulcers;
  • pregnancy;
  • spice intolerance;
  • during breastfeeding.

Cardamom, whose beneficial and medicinal properties have been known in Asian countries for many hundreds of years, is the most famous spice. It is traditionally used in Indian cuisine and is one of the main components of the famous spicy seasoning called garam masala. Few of us know about its medicinal properties. Meanwhile, this fragrant spice can help with digestive problems, the genitourinary system, increase tone and performance. And this is not all of its healing properties, which will be discussed today.

Where does cardamom grow?

This fragrant spice comes from the evergreen tropical forests of southern India. It is grown in only a few southern countries.

Two types of cardamom are combined under the name "cardamom": green or real cardamom and black cardamom. In this article, we will focus specifically on green or real cardamom. It is better known to a wide range of people as a spice that is sold in seeds or ground form.

Green cardamom belongs to the genus Eletaria ( Elettaria cardamomum).

Black cardamom is a representative of several species of plants belonging to the genus Amomum.

The first cardamom is grown mainly in India. Black cardamom is grown in parts of Asia and Australia.

Both types of cardamom belong to the ginger family. It is a perennial tall plant with fleshy roots and large lanceolate leaves. Cardamom blooms with white, green, and sometimes from light lilac to purple flowers. The fruit is a three nested pod about two centimeters long. Inside the pod are small, about 3 mm long, dark brown fragrant seeds, each of which is located in a separate nest, separated from each other by a thin membrane.

Black cardamom has larger pods and dark brown seeds. Both types of cardamom are used in cooking as a spice for flavoring dishes and drinks, as well as in medicine.

For spice, cardamom fruits are harvested in an unripe form and then dried. The process of collecting and drying is very laborious, mostly manual. Therefore, this affects the price of spices.

Useful properties of cardamom

Cardamom seeds contain many important nutrients, including:

vitamins

Minerals

Essential oil

Carbohydrates

The essential oil makes up about 5 percent of the weight of the seed itself. It contains a lot of fatty oils. The aromatic part of the oil is cineol, p-cumene, terpineol, myrcene, terpinyl acetate and other compounds. It contains formic and acetic acids. It is the essential oil that makes cardamom valuable for medicinal purposes.

Cardamom seeds are a good source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium, phosphorus and others.

100 grams of seeds contain 1119 mg of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell fluid and the whole body, helps to control heart rate, blood pressure.

Copper is needed for the production of red blood cells.

In addition, it is an excellent source of iron and manganese. 100 grams of seeds contain 13.97 mg of iron, which is 175 percent of the daily human need for this element. Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells and cell metabolism.

Manganese acts as a cofactor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, a powerful antioxidant. 100 grams contains 28 mg of this trace element.

This spice contains a number of important vitamins: riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, vitamin C.

It contains many compounds with antioxidant properties. These substances serve as the prevention of many diseases, strengthen the immune system and generally have a beneficial effect on human health.

Cardamom medicinal properties

Due to its unique chemical composition, cardamom has not only a pleasant aroma, but also many useful properties, among which it should be noted:

Antiseptic;

Antispasmodic;

Carminative;

Diuretic;

expectorants;

Stimulants;

Firming;

Tonic.

It improves the functioning of the digestive system, promotes appetite, stimulating the secretion of gastric juice.

Cardamom improves liver function by increasing the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. This property has always been used to cleanse and detoxify the body. It can relieve nausea and vomiting, flatulence and various indigestion.

Studies show that cardamom can be much more effective in treating gastric and duodenal ulcers than ranitidine, a commonly prescribed drug in these cases.

Even the ancient Romans, after a plentiful feast, drank tea with cardamom to avoid the unpleasant consequences of overeating.

Drinks with cardamom increase the overall tone, performance and endurance of the body. This is an excellent supplement for people who have to work hard, experience great physical, mental, emotional stress.

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of the spice are used for sore throats, sore throats, colds and flu.

It has long been considered a good aphrodisiac that can increase male strength and potency.

cardamom application

As a medicine, cardamom has found use due to the presence and rich chemical composition of the essential oil, which is obtained from seeds. It is traditionally used as an antiseptic, as a local anesthetic.

These properties of it have been confirmed in modern scientific research, which were known many years ago in oriental medicine. Cardamom can be used:

To relieve nausea and vomiting after surgeries;

With intestinal spasms;

From heartburn;

With irritable bowel syndrome;

With colds and flu;

From bronchitis;

For pain in the mouth and throat;

With diseases of the genitourinary system;

To improve appetite;

With increased gas formation;

With constipation;

With infectious diseases;

From an unpleasant smell in the mouth;

Even in ancient treatises, methods of application are described for:

Throat diseases;

Teeth and gums;

tuberculosis;

Diseases of the stomach;

It has been used as an antidote for bites from poisonous spiders and snakes. As shown by recent studies of cardamom, it can be used even in the treatment of gonorrhea.

Dyspepsia;

hypertension;

epilepsy;

bronchitis;

loss of appetite;

Difficulty urinating;

Bladder diseases;

kidney disease;

blockage of the lungs (emboli);

Tuberculosis of the lungs;

Inflammation of the eyelids;

gastrointestinal disorders;

flatulence;

Cardiovascular diseases;

Headache.

Application of cardamom recipes

Cardamom for treatment is used in grains, which are used whole or ground. Essential oil is widely used, which is used for rinsing, in ointments or lotions.

To get rid of hiccups, prepare an infusion by brewing 5 mint leaves and 2 cardamom grains into a glass of boiling water, which must first be crushed.

With gonorrhea, cystitis, nephritis, pain during urination, frequent urge to urinate, with the release of gall and kidney stones in South Asia, cardamom is used in combination with banana leaves and alma juice. To do this, mix 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom seeds, banana leaves and alma juice. Take this mixture three times a day.

To relieve headaches, prepare a paste of ground grains and apply to the forehead.

For indigestion, grind 2 cardamom seeds and mix with one teaspoon of honey.

To strengthen immunity, grind 3-4 grains and mix with a teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture in the morning once a day.

In case of kidney failure, drink milk with ground cardamom. This healing mixture helps with burning during urination. Milk with cardamom and honey will help improve potency in men. Add a pinch of ground cardamom and a teaspoon of honey to a glass of milk.

Cardamom mixed with honey can improve eyesight. Eat this mixture for a long time.

A decoction of the seeds of the plant is used to gargle with respiratory diseases, flu, oral cavity with gingivitis, to freshen the breath. You can brew it in combination with mint, sage.

An infusion prepared from one teaspoon of ground cardamom, brewed with a glass of boiling water, is drunk to cleanse the body. Take 50 ml of infusion once a day. The same infusion can be drunk at night with insomnia.

For intestinal disorders from diarrhea, cardamom is brewed together with fennel (dill) seeds. A teaspoon of the mixture, prepared in equal proportions, brew a glass of boiling water and insist. Strain and drink, starting with 1 tablespoon, gradually bringing the dose to 50 ml at a time.

Essential oil added to the bath will relieve fatigue, depression, stress.

Essential oil is used in perfumery, cosmetics and medicine.

It was once used in the preparation of love potions.

It is used locally as a repellant.

Why chew cardamom

Cardamom grains contain a lot of essential oil, which contains chemicals that provide them with many beneficial and healing properties. In many clinics of oriental medicine, patients are still recommended to chew its grains to prevent intestinal infections. Essential oil has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microflora and kills bacteria.

Traditionally, cardamom is chewed for:

breath freshening;

Prevention of oral diseases such as gingivitis and others;

Prevention of intestinal and gastric disorders;

Throat disease.

Chew a cardamom pod before going out in the sun to protect against heatstroke.

To detoxify the body on an empty stomach, chew two cardamom seeds daily and then drink a glass of milk.

When motion sickness in transport, nausea, chew 2-3 grains.

cardamom for cough

Cardamom improves circulation in the lungs and may help prevent spasms or seizures. Hence, cardamom is very beneficial for those who suffer from asthma or bronchitis. It should be taken in small amounts.

Cardamom is also beneficial for those who suffer from some form of respiratory allergy. It has some warming effect and hence is said to be able to relieve severe headaches that come with a cold. It also helps with coughing.

A good cough remedy can be prepared by mixing a pinch of ground cardamom with a pinch of table salt, one teaspoon of ghee and half a teaspoon of honey. This mixture helps to relieve cough.

Gargling with tincture of cinnamon and cardamom helps to get rid of hoarseness in the voice. To prepare a rinse for a glass of water, take a teaspoon of tincture of cardamom and cinnamon.

Cardamom use in cooking

Cardamom is added to sweet dishes and desserts. After extracting the seeds from the pod, they are cleaned and ground into powder with a pestle or in a hand grinder just before being added to the dish.

Often just whole spice pods are used to flavor non-sweet dishes.

Green cardamom can be used:

As a flavoring additive in food, soups, soft drinks;

Cardamom with pistachios is a popular dessert in India, Pakistan, Iran.

Add it to rice pudding with pistachios and raisins;

For flavoring tea and coffee.

Black cardamom is used mainly in the preparation of non-sweet dishes: pilaf, stew, lentils.

How to choose and store cardamom

Cardamom is sold in grains or in ground form. This expensive spice. In terms of price, it ranks third. Green cardamom is smaller and light green in color. Black cardamom is larger and dark brown in color.

The fresh pods should be heavier than their weight and should give off a sweetish flavor when rubbed with the hands.

Buying pods with light discolored spots, which can be affected by a fungal infection, should be avoided.

Store cardamom in sealed spice jars. It is used in small quantities.

Cardamom contraindications

Cardamom as a spice is added to dishes in small amounts and is safe in this regard. When preparing medicines, it also requires very little.

For medicinal purposes, it should not be used for gallstones, which can cause stones to pass, spasms and pain.

For pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, it should only be used as a culinary spice, not for medical purposes. This is explained by the fact that there is no scientific data on its effect on the body of a woman during pregnancy and on infants.

Some people may be allergic to this medicinal plant. Side effects of an allergic reaction can be very serious and include:

Labored breathing;

Pain and discomfort in the chest;

Irritation;

Swelling of the skin.

Those who develop such symptoms after taking cardamom should immediately consult a doctor to avoid more serious consequences.

cardamom useful properties