What Is Cardamom?

Cardamom is a spice that is extremely labor intensive to grow, requiring many months before it is ready to be consumed. It is primarily grown in Guatemala and India, and each pod is harvested individually. This makes it one of the most expensive spices in the world, surpassed only by saffron and vanilla. Cardamom has a warm, bright and spicy smell.

How to Use Cardamom (Common Uses)

Cardamom can be taken internally as a powder, tea, decoction, in capsules, and as an extract. It works well both on its own and when combined with other herbs. Cardamom often used as a spice for cooking and baking. Visit our herbal blog for more ideas about how to use cardamom.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Cardamom

Cardamom is gently warming and gently stimulating. It has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, although there are many other uses for it as well. Cardamom can help to enhance digestion, and is best taken after meals to help freshen breath and relieve intestinal gas. It has a pleasant taste that is often combined with less palatable remedies to make them taste more appealing.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cardamom is often used for healing issues relating to the lungs, including asthma and bronchitis.

Active Constituents in Cardamom

Volatile oil, flavonoids.