Cardamom for detoxifying the body

Cardamom or Elaichi (in Hindi) is the queen of spice because of its pleasant aroma and taste.  There are two kinds of cardamoms, small light green and big dark brown.  Both kinds are used in flavoring in food as well as in drinks.  It is a very common herb in the Indian kitchen which has healing properties.

 It is used in European kitchens also especially green small pods type.  In Finnish and Scandinavian breads, usage of cardamom is pretty common.  In the Middle East green cardamom is used in sweet dishes and as a flavoring in tea and coffee.  In India, green cardamom is used in sweets and in Masala Chai (spiced tea) but dark brown cardamom is used in garam masala for curries.

Green cardamom is used in South Asia to treat teeth and gum infections, throat problems, congestion of lungs, inflammation of eyelids and digestive disorders.  Brown cardamom is used in traditional medicine in China, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan and Vietnam.

According to Ayurveda cardamom is good for improving digestion.  It is a good stimulant and an effective healer for those suffering from flatulence and gas.  This aromatic spice has detoxifying properties so helps in cleansing the body.  It improves blood circulation to the lungs and can be helpful in preventing spasms or convulsions.  It has beneficial affects in asthma, bronchitis and respiratory allergies.  Cardamom provides relief to the acidity in stomach.  It is a good antidote for nausea.  Traditional Indian physicians also recommend cardamom for treating urinary tract infection.  Cardamom is known to be helpful in balancing all three doshas (kapha, vata and pitta) in human body.

Cardamom contains many essential oils.  Cardamom oil has therapeutic properties and is used in modern day antiseptics, expectorants, stimulants and tonics.

Cardamom is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin C and all these minerals are essential for optimum health.

Green cardamom grows in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as it needs warm humid climate.  Dark brown cardamom needs cold and humid conditions and grows well in sub Himalayan region of North Eastern India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Cardamom belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and other members of this family are ginger.  Botanical name of green cardamom is Elettaria and that of dark brown is Amomum. Its fruit is used as a spice.