Cardamom Pods

Elettaria cardamomum

Common name: Cardamom

Family: Zingiberaecae

Part used: Seeds and whole fruits

Habitat: Cardamom is a bushy evergreen perennial herb and a relative of ginger with similar fleshy rhizomes. Cardamom is cultivated widely across trpoical regions, since it is the third most expensive spice by weight, after saffron and vanilla. 

Constituents: 2-8% Essential oil: α-terpineol, myrcene, limonene, menthone, β-phellandrene, 1,8-cineol, sabinene and heptane.

Actions: Aromatic, carminative, breath sweetener, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, COX-2-inhibitor, possibly: hypotensive and protective against stomach ulcers. 
 

Traditional and current uses:

• Flatulence

• Loss of appetite

• Sluggish digestion

• To prevent griping, particularly alongside laxative use
 

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.