Biological Name: Elettaria cardamomum, Elettaria repens

Family: Zingiberaceae

Other Names: Yelam, Bastard cardamom, Elachi, cardamom seeds, Ela, cardamon, cardamom, Malabar cardamom

Additional Info: Cardamom is a herb with a long lifespan native to the southern areas of India. The leaves have a lanceolate shape, they are green-colored. Flowers appear on the stem and are yellow-colored. The fruit commonly contains nearly 18 seeds.

Elements Applied: Seed is a commonly applied element in herbal medicine.

Active Components:

Volatile oil, found in pods and seeds, is applied for its stimulative capacity, and added to perfumes.

History: According to some reports, cardamom was cultivated by Babylon livers. In ancient Egypt the plant was applied to make the teeth bright and have pleasant breathing. In ancient Ayurvedic medicine the plant was applied to fight excess weight and treat skin and urinary tract conditions. In Greece and Rome it was applied as a perfume component. Apicius, one of the epicures, suggested using cardamom for additional confidence.

Used for: The plant is applied to increase the appetite, fight flatulence, increase perspiration and metabolic rates, stimulate the system, boost expectoration and stomach activity.

The list of conditions cured by cardamom includes: vomiting, mind weakness, stomachaches, respiratory diseases, nausea, involuntary urination, indigestion, hoarseness, headache, diarrhea, cough, colds, bronchitis, biliousness, belching, and asthma.

Cardamom is commonly applied for meteorism; however, it’s mostly applied to increase the potency of other herbs. Some pharmaceutical companies apply it to add a taste to medicines, others use it for food.

Pods and seeds are rich in volatile oil of stimulative origin, which is also applied in cosmetics. Cardamom is generally believed to boost sexual desire, especially in Far East, where it has been used for this purpose for centuries. The plant is also used to reduce fever and boost metabolic rates.

Cardamom is additionally applied for gluten intolerance, associated with celiac condition, and commonly found in children of early age. It is associated with prolonged digestive disorders and diarrhea.

Preparation and Intake: The plant is used in form of infusion (seeds are not recommended to boil), milk decoction and powder.

Safety: There is no data concerning the plant’s safety level.