Herb Profile: Cardamom
A commonly used but slightly less recognizable herb, cardamom safely soothes digestion, calms anxiety, and clears Kapha congestion in the body.
In the Zingiberaceae family with its herb cousin ginger, this plant is pungent and sweet in taste with a distinctive aroma of camphor and earthy spice. Native to India, the seed pod of this plant is often used in curries and other dishes to encourage digestion. It pairs well with cold and sweet food such as milk and rice. A recognizable spice in chai, its prolific use validates it as safe. Cautions include ulcers and high Pitta due to its heating quality. It should be used as an infusion, added to tea or warm milk but not boiled. It is also a popular baking spice. Suggested dosage is 100-500 mg. As recommended for many herbs, start with a pinch and gradually increase dosage after noting effects, using up to 1/4 tsp per serving. Whole cardamom pods may be opened up and used, though it is most commonly found ground in powder form, which releases its aromatic fragrance.
Digestive stimulant – to treat indigestion, it activates digestive fire, heating up and burning off congestion in the stomach. Add it to dishes after they are cooked as the herb should not be boiled.
Cardamom for colds – it removes phlegm and mucus congestion in the lungs making it great for helping the body clear out these substances during illness
Counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee by brewing it with cardamom
Neutralize the mucus-producing effects of milk by adding cardamom
Cardamom for calm – classified as a sattvic (promoting purity, truth, balance) herb, it is anti-anxiety and soothes the flow of vital energy in the body
The compound terpinene-4-ol, present in cardamom, has been effective in treating yeast vaginitis, suggesting cardamom use can be used as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatments.
Sources: (1) Khalsa, Karta Purkh Singh and Michael Tierra. The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs. Twin Lakes: Lotus Press, 2008. (2) Frawley, Dr. David and Dr. Vasant Lad. The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes: Lotus Press, 2001.
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Herbs are intended to support general well being. If conditions persist, visit your doctor.