Everything You Need to Know About

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Botanical family: Zingiberaceae

Parts used: Seeds

Overview and Health Benefits

Cardamom is renowned for its aromatic and spicy seeds. These have been valued in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani for centuries. Medicinally, it is primarily used for its benefits in digestive health, respiratory support, metabolic regulation, and as a potent antioxidant (Pole, 2006). Its diverse applications make it a staple in both culinary and therapeutic contexts, supported by modern research that confirms its efficacy in managing conditions such as indigestion, respiratory ailments, and metabolic disorders (Aghasi et al., 2019; Daneshi-Maskooni et al., 2019).

Key Benefits:

Digestive Health
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Support
Respiratory Benefits
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Antimicrobial Activity
Mood and Mental Clarity

Warming and invigorating, cardamom is highly regarded for its carminative properties, which help alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion (McIntyre, 2019). It stimulates digestive enzymes, promoting efficient digestion and reducing symptoms associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as acid reflux and nausea (McIntyre, 2019). Studies support its effectiveness in easing chemotherapy-induced nausea and general digestive discomfort (Ozgholy et al., 2015; Khalili et al., 2014).

Cardamom has been shown to positively affect lipid profiles and glucose metabolism. It can help manage conditions like type 2 diabetes by lowering HbA1c levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Moreover, it reduces total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, contributing to cardiovascular health (Aghasi et al., 2019; Fatemeh et al., 2017). It also enhances circulation (Mandal et al., 2024; McIntyre, 2019).

Traditionally used in treating respiratory conditions, cardamom's expectorant properties make it effective for alleviating dry coughs, colds, bronchitis, and asthma. It helps clear mucus from the lungs and is particularly beneficial in treating conditions exacerbated by excess kapha, such as colds and flu (McIntyre, 2019; Pole, 2006).

Cardamom's potent antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to numerous chronic diseases. Its anti-inflammatory effects further enhance its therapeutic potential, particularly in reducing inflammation associated with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Daneshi-Maskooni et al., 2019).

The essential oil of cardamom exhibits significant antimicrobial properties, making it effective against various bacteria and fungi, including those responsible for periodontal infections and other digestive tract issues. This antimicrobial action contributes to its traditional use as a breath freshener and in treating infections (Noumi et al., 2018; Souissi et al., 2019; McIntyre, 2019).

In Ayurveda, cardamom is also known for its ability to uplift the mood and enhance mental clarity (McIntyre, 2019). It has been shown to help alleviate stress, depression, and mental fatigue (Bala et al., 2024; Masoumi-Ardakani et al., 2017). The essential oil of cardamom is often used in aromatherapy to promote a sense of well-being and to counteract feelings of lethargy and sluggishness (Frawley, 2001).

Safety Profile

While cardamom is generally considered safe when used in culinary amounts, caution is advised when taking it in larger therapeutic doses. Overconsumption of cardamom may lead to overstimulation of upper gastrointestinal secretions, potentially aggravating acid reflux, gallstones or related digestive issues (McIntyre, 2019). As with any herbal remedy, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before use, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications.

Featured Products Containing Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Key Body Systems Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) relates to

Digestive System

Respiratory system

Nervous system

Warming

Drying

Key actions

Carminative
Anti-inflammatory
Antiemetic
Expectorant
Mood lifting

Key uses

Gastritis
Bloating, pain and distension
Imbalances in the gut flora
Oral infections and cavities
Convalescence

Where to Find Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Often referred to as the "Queen of Spices," cardamom is a striking herbaceous perennial belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes ginger and turmeric. This family is known for its aromatic rhizomes and lush, tropical foliage. Cardamom grows in dense clumps, reaching heights of up to 5 metres. Its long, lance-shaped leaves are bright green, with a smooth texture, and can extend up to 60 centimetres in length, creating a vibrant, almost jungle-like canopy.

The plant's most distinctive feature is its flowering stalk, or panicle, which can grow separately from the leafy shoots. The flowers themselves are small but ornate, typically featuring pale yellow petals with delicate purple or pink stripes—an elegant contrast against the verdant leaves. These blossoms eventually give way to the plant’s prized fruit: small, oval pods that mature from green to a golden yellow when fully ripe, each containing 15-20 tiny, aromatic seeds.

Cardamom thrives in the warm, humid climates of tropical rainforests, particularly in the shaded understories of these environments. It is native to the Western Ghats of southern India, but it is also cultivated in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The plant prefers rich, loamy soils with good drainage and grows best at elevations between 600 and 1,500 metres. Regular rainfall and consistent moisture are key to its cultivation, making it a perfect candidate for regions with monsoonal climates.

References

Aghasi, M., et al. (2019). Beneficial effects of green cardamom on serum SIRT1, glycemic indices, and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99(8), 3933-3940. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.9617

Bala, R., Parle, M., Yadav, M., & Lamba, D. (2024). Antianxiety effect of cardamom oil against sleep deprivation-induced anxiety in mice. Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, 9(2), 86-98. https://doi.org/10.4103/jdras.jdras_29_24

Daneshi-Maskooni, M., et al. (2019). Green cardamom supplementation improves serum irisin, glucose indices, and lipid profiles in overweight or obese non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(59). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2465-0

Fatemeh, Y., et al. (2017). The effect of cardamom supplementation on serum lipids, glycemic indices, and blood pressure in overweight and obese pre-diabetic women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, 16(40).https://doi.org/10.1186/s40200-017-0320-8

Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide (2nd ed.). Lotus Press.

Khalili, Z., Khatiban, M., Faradmal, J., Abbasi, M., Zeraati, F., & Khazaei, A. (2014). Effect of Cardamom aromas on the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. Avicenna Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Care, 22(3), 64-73. https://nmj.umsha.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=1280&sid=1&slc_lang=en

Mandal, P., Pradhan, S. M., Mathew, A. A., Benny, S., Kumar, S., & Unni, A. R. (2024). Exploring the effects of vasoactive constituents in large cardamom: Implications for the anti-hypertensive effect via eNOS coupling pathway – an in-vitro study in rat endothelial cells. Natural Product Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2024.2351534

Masoumi-Ardakani, Y., Mahmoudvand, H., Mirzaei, A., Esmaeilpour, K., Ghazvini, H., & Khalifeh, S., & Sepehri, G. (2017). The effect of Elettaria cardamomum extract on anxiety-like behavior in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 87, 489-495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.116

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon.

Noumi, E., et al. (2018). Chemical and biological evaluation of essential oils from cardamom species. Molecules, 23(11), 2818. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23112818

Ozgholy, G., et al. (2015). Cardamom powder effect on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Complementary Medicine Journal, 5(1), 1056-1076. https://cmja.arakmu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=279&sid=1&slc_lang=en

Pole, S. (2006). Ayurvedic medicine: The principles of traditional practice. Churchill Livingstone.

Souissi, M., Azelmat, J., Chaieb, K., & Grenier, D. (2019). Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) extracts: Potential therapeutic benefits for periodontal infections. Anaerobe, 59, 102089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.102089

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Overview and Health Benefits

Key Benefits:

Safety Profile