What is cardamom and what is it for?
cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is one of those delicate spices that they transport with their fine, spicy and camphorous flavor to the magic of eastern traditions.
Native to the forested areas of southern India and Sri Lankais cultivated on a large scale in the state of Kerala, where it has given its name to a jungle mountain range, as well as in Southeast Asia, eastern Africa and Central America. It flowers from April to May and the fruits are harvested in Octoberafter the monsoons.
cardamom seedsbrown or black in color, are one of the most valued oriental spices, and one of the basic ingredients of Indian curry and of garam masala.
In the Middle East flavor teas and coffeesand in northern Europe and Russia it is highly valued in cakes, breads and biscuitsas well as to prepare liquors.
Its composition includes a essential oil with borneol, limonene and cineolestarch, resins, mucilage, fatty acids such as caprylic, linoleic and palmitic, and phytosterols.
It comes in the form of small pods or grains, green or dried, for infusion or decoction; but also ground into powder (extracting the seeds), in liquid extract and in tincture.
Benefits and properties of cardamom
- Related to him gingercardamom stands out as digestion stimulantas carminative and tonic. It turns out ideal to gain appetiteespecially after a period of discomfort or loss of appetite.
- Prevents heaviness in the stomach, abdominal bloating, and gasflatulence and meteorisms.
- It also helps prevent bad breath and bad taste in the mouthand counteracts garlic flavor.
- In the India this spice is prescribed to treat the flu, bronchitis and asthmaand in China is taken against incontinence.
- Cardamom is considered to have bacteriostatic, antiseptic and antifungal properties, and its essential oil is applied on skin infections and skin fungi.
- In aromatherapy, to the smell of cardamom Antiseptic, antispasmodic, stimulant and carminative properties are attributed to it. It is intended for digestive problems, but also to treat mental fatigue, nervous tension and lack of sexual interest; That is why it is often said that it has properties antidepressants.
- As a spice, cardamom is used in powder form for seasoning. rice, stews, soups and desserts, and goes well with savory or oregano.
Natural remedies with cardamom
- To combat bad breath and heartburn: It is very useful in infusion along with fennel and caraway or oregano. Some people prefer to add a few drops of juice lemon or a teaspoon of Honey to mitigate its spicy flavor.
- Cardamom infusion to relieve gas: This tasty drink combines cardamom, star anise, licorice root and cinnamon cane in equal parts.
How to prepare it: Before mixing, the cardamom seed, which is used in its pod, is lightly tapped to open it. Then add one tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water. Boil it for about three minutes, let it rest covered for another five minutes and eat it hot after the main meals. - For body and mind: In India you take a cardamom and ginger infusion to balance the energy state of the body, and the green tea with cardamom It is the typical drink of Kashmir.
Contraindications of cardamom
Cardamom essential oil should not be taken orally.especially pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age; should also be avoided in case of gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer, liver disease and epilepsy.
Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”