Cardamom

Cardamom
Botanical Name: Elettaria Cardamomu
Indian Name: Chhoti elaichi

Cardamom is one of the most valued spices in the world. The dried cardamom fruits of the plant constitute the drug. They have a pleasant aroma with a characteristic, slightly Pungent taste. They leave a warm feeling in the mouth. It is the seeds, that give the warm sensation.

An analysis of the cardamom capsule shows it to consist of carbohydrates, moisture, protein, ether extract, volatile oil, crude fibre, calcium, phosphorus and iron. The seeds contain a volatile oil. The principal constituents of the volatile oil are cineol, terpineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene, and terpineol in the form of formic and acetic acids.

Curative Properties

Depression Powdered seeds of cardamon are boiled in water with tea. It gives a very pleasing aroma to the tea. This can be used as a remedy in the treatment of depression.

Impotency The herb is useful in impotency and premature ejaculation. A pinch of powdered cardamom seeds boiled in milk and sweetened with honey every night would yield results. Any excessive use of cardamom at times may lead to impotency.

Bad Breath The aromatic flavour in cardamom is a breath freshener.

Oral Disorders Gargling with an infusion of cardamom and cinnamon cures pharyngitis, sore-throat, and hoarseness during the infective stage of influenza. Daily gargling protects one from the flu.

Hiccups: An infusion made by boiling a couple of pounded whole cardamoms in a cup of water along with 5 leaves of mint is useful in relieving hiccups.

Digestive Disorders Cardamom reduces the air and water elements, increases appetite and soothes the mucous membrane. It relieves gas and heart burn caused by garlic and onion. A tea made from cardamom is valuable in headache caused by indigestion.

Genito-Urinary Disorders An excellent diuretic for the treatment of gonorrhoea, cystitis, nephritis, burning micturation or urination and scanty urination.Its powdered seeds mixed with a tablespoon of banana leaf and amla juice taken thrice a day.

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