Medicinal Properties of Cardamom

Cardamom grows wild in southern India and Sri Lanka and is cultivated in other tropical areas. According to Silvie Grell, author for Gayot Guide to the Good Life, each cardamom seedpod is handpicked. A member of the ginger and clove family, cardamom has warming properties and adds a spicy warmth to Indian dishes.

Digestive Benefits

• Cardamom stimulates the appetite in much the same fashion that it spices bland dishes. It also stimulates the digestive system and can counteract excessive acid in the stomach, according to author Silvie Grell. Its carminative properties help relieve indigestion and flatulence. According to the PDR for Herbal Medicines, animal studies on cardamom essential oil demonstrated its ability to stimulate bile production and reduce gastric juices.

Inhibiting Pathogen Growth

• The PDR for Herbal Medicines reports that cardamom inhibits the growth and development of viruses, bacteria and fungi. It may assist those individuals who have little resistance to disease and infection. Its disease-fighting capacity and stomachic properties may reduce bad breath.

Respiratory Benefits

• According to author Silvie Grell, cardamom improves lung circulation. It can sooth the mucus membranes.

  The German Commission E Monographs, an herbal medicine therapeutic guide, verified the efficacy and safety of cardamom in treating colds, coughs and bronchitis. It has expectorant properties and may reduce mucus production.

Anti-inflammatory

• Cardamom tea may provide some help in relieving sore throats. The PDR for Herbal Medicines reports that Commission E approved the use of cardamom for treating mouth and pharynx inflammation. Traditional medicine has used cardamom oil to treat inflamed back muscles, nerves and swollen joints. Cardamom may have some analgesic properties, as traditional ayurvedic and Indian medicine report that it can also ease muscle and joint pain.

  Masseuses employ cardamom essential oil in massage to relax muscles and to stimulate the mind.

Antioxidant

• An analysis of cardamom phenolics and flavonoids reported in the August 1998 Journal of the Association of Physicians in India rated the antioxidant properties of cardamom at medium levels of 50-100 milligrams per serving.

Detoxification

• Indian medicine uses cardamom to treat kidney, bladder and urinary tract disorders and complaints like cystitis and nephritis.

Antispasmodic

• An animal study reported in the July-August 1996 edition of Pharmacological Research verified the antispasmodic properties of cardamom. These properties may validate the use of cardamom in folk remedies to stop hiccups and convulsions, reduce nausea and vomiting, relieve morning sickness, and relieve intestinal and stomach cramping.

Anti-depressant

• No study validates the use of cardamom to treat depression, although some herbalists claim that cardamom tea is helpful in relieving depression.