Herb library

Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamom, the warming spice with sweet, citrusy notes, is a long-standing household remedy used in small amounts for digestion and to freshen the breath. It is gentle and fragrant, easy to work into teas, syrups, and steam inhalations.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a digestive aid, taken after meals in small amounts to soothe an uneasy stomach and reduce bloating.
• •Traditionally used to freshen the breath and calm mild throat discomfort, chewed or added to warm drinks.
• •A long-standing household use is to add cardamom to steam inhalations for a comforting aromatic boost when sinuses feel heavy.

Simple preparations.

• •Cardamom tea: crush 3 to 5 green pods lightly, bruise the seeds, simmer in 2 cups water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and sip warm after meals up to twice daily.
• •Cardamom honey syrup: lightly crush 6 to 8 pods, warm gently with 1 cup honey and 1/4 cup water for 10 minutes, cool and strain; take 1 teaspoon as needed for a soothing, sweet mouthful (do not give to children under one year).
• •Steam inhalation: bruise 4 to 6 pods and add to a bowl of hot water, cover head with a towel and inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, once or twice a day for short-term comfort.

Cautions.

• !Cardamom is generally safe in culinary amounts, but concentrated dose or frequent large doses may cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.
• !Those with known allergy to cardamom or other spices should avoid use and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms.
• !Do not give honey-based preparations to infants under one year.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing or on medication, check with your doctor before using cardamom medicinally.

Often kept beside.