5 Health Benefits Of Cardamom

The delectable aroma of many aromatic teas and Indian sweet and savory dishes is ascribed to the tiny black seeds of cardamom. Cardamom is an exotic spice native to the culinary and medicinal practices of India.

Regarded as the queen of spices, cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) ranks third in the category of the most expensive spices, with vanilla and saffron holding the first and second places respectively.

Cardamom is a herbaceous perineal plant belonging to the family of turmeric and ginger. Native to the bountiful forests of India, Bhutan, and Nepal, cardamom comes in black, green, and white varieties. The white variety is a bleached version of the green pods.

# Strengthens and Stimulates Digestion

Cardamom has cumulative properties that can aid in the digestion process. It may treat colic and stomach cramping and reduce flatulence and bloating. Plus, it increases the flow of bile, which is essential to the digestion of fats.

In a study conducted on rats, the gastroprotective effects of a combination of turmeric, sembung leaves, and cardamom pods were highlighted. It was found that the groups receiving the herbal infusion combination showed a lesser incidence of mucosal damage and gastric ulcers as well as lesser number of mast cells and eosinophils than the control group.

# Promotes Dental Hygiene and Fights Bad Breath

The distinctively pleasant fragrance and strong flavor of cardamom can fight bad breath. The essential volatile oils in it pack a punch of antibacterial properties, which helps in fighting the germs that cause bad breath and other infections including cavities.

The pungent spicy flavor promotes the flow of saliva and aids in maintaining oral health.

A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Preventive Dentistry supported the efficacy of a mouthwash containing 0.5 percent cardamom essential oil to overcome halitosis. The experimental mouthwash containing 0.5 percent cardamom essential oil was more effective than Listerine and placebo mouthwashes.

- To reap the benefits of cardamom on your oral hygiene, simply chew on a pod of cardamom after every meal.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm cardamom tea twice daily. It will work as an effective antiseptic mouth rinse without any side effects of an alcohol mouthwash.

# Improves Appetite

Cardamom works as a warm digestive tonic that can help you deal with indigestion, flatulence, and acidity, which can reduce your appetite. Plus, it stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which in turn improves your appetite.

- Add a little bit of powdered cardamom to your soup or chew some of its seeds to reactivate your appetite.

# Aids in Detoxification and Protects the Liver

Cardamom is replete with antioxidants and manganese, which aid in detoxification by scavenging free radicals and flushing out toxins from the body. A healthy liver is a prerequisite for a healthy metabolism and the secret to a long lifespan.

Cardamom extracts may reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and decrease the higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cardamom extracts can reduce liver enlargement and also protect against liver injuries that result from an overuse of drugs, chemicals, or antibiotics.

- Drink a cup of cardamom tea daily.

# Improves Kidney Health

Cardamom is said to be good for the kidneys as it promotes urination, lowers blood pressure, removes the calcium and urea that have accumulated in the kidneys.

A study conducted on rat models corroborated the role of the coadministration of cardamom with gentamicin to study its effects on drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

The control group who received only gentamicin suffered renal damage, whereas the experimental group who received the combination of gentamicin and cardamom had significant protection to the kidneys from gentamicin-induced damage.

Regular use of cardamom can help treat a wide variety of kidney, bladder, and urinary problems including kidney stones, nephritis, burning or painful urination, and frequent urges to urinate. It is also often used in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

- Both whole and ground cardamom can be used to improve kidney functioning.