Elaichi, a celebrated spice among Indian households, is not only known for its flavourful taste and aroma, but also for various health benefits.
Don't we absolutely love the intense aroma and flavor when we add two to three crushed cardamoms to the tea or while tempering for the food we are preparing? Cardamom was initially widely popular in Indian and Egyptian folklore, known for not only its flavourful properties, but also for its medicinal uses. Now billions around the world use this spice for its sharp taste and soothing, refreshing aroma. Around the globe, this spice is used as part of a variety of recipes like sweet desserts, beverages and spicy dishes.
Cardamom is a spice from the seeds of various plants belonging to the ginger family. In Ayurveda, Cardamom is considered an important spice with various medicinal purposes. In this article, we will learn the health benefits of Cardamom, and how we can use it in our daily routine.
Cardamom is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, etc. It also contains essential minerals such as iron, potassium, manganese, calcium and magnesium.
Cardamom oil, on the other hand, is composed of pinene, terpineol, cineol and humulene. Although cardamom oil is extremely volatile, it contains antioxidant compounds which aid in digestion and metabolism.
100 grams of Cardamom contains:
Cardamom acts as a solution to digestive problems, respiratory issues and skin conditions. Let's explore the advantages of consuming cardamom.
Since ancient times, cardamom has been used to treat digestive issues. When the spice enters the stomach, it acts as a digestive and carminative stimulant, aiding in digestion and managing digestive disorders. When the spice is mixed with other herbs, it's known to provide significant relief from vomiting, discomfort and nausea.
Cardamom contains the essential oil Methone, which helps in the treatment of gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, acidity, and flatulence. Recent studies even show that the spice can be used to manage symptoms of gastric ulcers.
Cardamom has been known as an excellent remedy to high blood pressure. The antioxidants found in this spice can significantly reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Additionally, cardamom has diuretic properties, which is also known to lower blood pressure. By being a diuretic, it acts on the urinary system, aiding in the increased production of urine, and the excretion of sodium and potassium ions. This causes the relaxation of blood vessels, thus bringing down the blood pressure.
Cardamom is effective in managing pain, swelling and discomfort- thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidants present in the spice safeguard the cells of the body from damage, and prevent inflammation. Cardamom is known to reduce painful symptoms associated with gout, arthritis, and various other musculoskeletal conditions.
Cardamom seeds have abundance of Vitamin C. This essential Vitamin helps in cleansing the body of the harmful toxins that affect your skin, and improves blood circulation in the body. The spice also contains various phytonutrients which combat skin infections and allergies, promote fairer skin complexion, and prevent aging. Chew cardamom daily to ameliorate blood circulation in your body and watch your skin glow!
Black cardamom seeds harbor antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties which help in the prevention of common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. The active components found in cardamom seeds act as an expectorant, thus aiding in increased airflow and improved breathing.
Cineol and terpinene are the antibacterial compounds found in cardamom, and they aid in combating oral infections. We know how calcium and phosphorus strengthens the teeth and gums and supports the prevention of cavities. Chewing cardamom after a meal eliminates bad breath and refreshens the oral cavity. You can also incorporate cardamom in your toothpaste to get a pleasant after-taste, a fresh breath and a secured oral cavity.
If you consume cardamom powder, you will see the results on your blood sugar levels. The spice contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties which helps in reducing blood sugar levels and managing Type 2 Diabetes.
Our ancestors made good use of this spice by either chewing fresh seeds, drinking cardamom tea or applying its oil on skin. Let's learn how we can use cardamom for our daily routine.
We know how elaichi infused tea is popular among Indians. Add one teaspoon of cardamom powder to one cup of boiling water or milk. Now, brew it with black tea leaves, honey or lemon to adjust the flavor according to your taste. Cardamom tea helps support a good digestive and respiratory health, and also aids in weight loss.
Cardamom oil is widely used in aromatherapy for promoting fairer skin complexion, reducing acnes and skin infections. It also helps in digestion and acts as a respiratory stimulant.
To get rid of nausea and vomiting while you're traveling, consume cardamom powder with honey or jaggery. To manage your bad breath and cavity formation, you can rub cardamom powder inside your mouth or even chew two to three elaichi seeds.
This popular spice is found in every typical Indian kitchen, and Indians love its sharp flavor and aromatic smell. Besides adding taste to your food, it confers numerous health benefits. So, do not forget to enjoy your ‘elaichi chai’!
