cardamom properties: the secrets of a little-known spice

Cardamom properties: What is cardamom

Cardamom is a perennial herb native to India and Sri Lanka. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, like ginger and turmeric. But unlike these, it is not the root that is consumed but its seeds.

Cardamom seeds are found in green pods, similar to pistachios in size, and can be consumed either crushed or as ground cardamom for seasoning both savory and sweet preparations.

If we leave aside its culinary use, what is cardamom used for? Much more than a tasty spice, cardamom as a medicinal plant has been used for millennia in India. Ayurvedic medicine already knew the therapeutic properties of cardamom to relieve many digestive (colic, diarrhea ...) and respiratory (asthma or bronchitis) discomforts, and to treat anorexia, anemia, asthenia and kidney stones. 

It was also reputed to have stimulant and aphrodisiac properties, and was even used to relieve snake and scorpion bites. Cardamom could be considered an "all-round" medicine! Let's now see what diseases cardamom can help cure, and what ailments this versatile spice can prevent or alleviate.

Cardamom properties: cardamom health benefits

At a nutritional level, cardamom is rich in essential vitamins and minerals: magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and iron, as well as vitamins B2, B3 and vitamin C.

- The magnesium content in cardamom is particularly noteworthy. Magnesium is essential to maintain the normal functioning of muscles and nerves, to strengthen the immune system, to maintain a steady heartbeat and to strengthen bones. It also helps adjust blood glucose levels and is involved in the production of energy and protein.

- Calcium ensures strong and resistant bones and teeth, and is necessary in the body to help the contraction and relaxation of muscles and blood vessels.

- As for vitamin C, it stands out for its antibacterial effect and its antioxidant power, essential to prevent cellular aging and contribute to the good health of the skin, bones and connective tissue. It also helps the body to absorb iron, especially iron of vegetable origin.

In addition to the benefits of cardamom derived from its minerals and vitamins, it is worth noting the importance of other extremely valuable components for health.

Cardamom has great therapeutic properties thanks to its two active principles: terpenic acetate with antispasmodic and tonic effects, and terpenic oxide with respiratory and anti-inflammatory properties.

- The first active principle of cardamom supports the treatment of numerous digestive disorders: indigestion, colic, gastritis, diarrhea, functional colopathy, digestive spasms.

- It also favors the elimination of accumulated gases in the stomach and facilitates intestinal transit. Hence the importance of cardamom-based herbal teas in herbal medicine. A digestive infusion of cardamom is one of the simplest remedies to effectively combat the annoying flatulence and pain they cause.

- To fight against heartburn after meals, it is recommended to sprinkle our dish with ground cardamom (if the flavor goes well with the food) or finish the meal with a cardamom infusion.

- The cardamom with its antispasmodic effect also favors the reduction of muscular pains and menstrual pains.

- It is also a psychic rebalancing, and good results have been observed in the treatment of mild depressive states in some patients.

- The respiratory and anti-inflammatory properties of the second active ingredient give cardamom the ability to alleviate respiratory tract diseases.

Colds are traditionally treated with cardamom in India. Cardamom is a natural expectorant that allows us to relieve coughs and fight bronchitis, asthma and tonsillitis, for example.

- Another remarkable property of cardamom is its analgesic power, particularly at the oral level. In Asia, cardamom is traditionally used to treat infections of the teeth and gums, thanks to its vitamin B2 content.

- It is good to know, although it is not a medicinal property per se, that chewing cardamom seeds is a very effective remedy to eliminate the taste of garlic in case of difficult digestion. Let's take note!