Cardamom Green Benefits Remedies Origin Nutritive Value Medicinal Virtues Uses Elaichi

CARDAMOM (Green / Choti Elaichi)

Description:

Cardamoms (Elettaria cardamomum) are broadly grouped into two categories, namely, small cardamom (Chhota elaichi) or true cardamom and large cardamom (Bara elaichi). The former is commercially far more important and also far more popular than the latter. In fact, it constitutes one of the most important and valued spices of the world. It is also the second most important ‘national spice’ of India, known as the ‘Queen of Spices’, being next to black pepper, called the ‘King of Spices’. It is an indispensable part of everyday cooking.

Cardamom is a perennial plant with thick, fleshy branched rhizomes and several erect stems which sometimes grow upto a height of 3 m. It has very large, 30-90 cm. long, narrow with one strong median nerve and numerous faint side nerves. The flowers are about bunches. The fruits are about 1.5 cm. long, pale green to yellow in colour, somewhat oval in shape, 3-celled and many-seeded.

The seeds are 2 to 3 mm. long angular in shape having pits on them. Each seed is covered with a thin transparent colourless membrane, which becomes more prominent when moistened with water. The dried cardamom fruits of the plant contains medicinal virtues. They have a pleasant aroma and a characteristic warm and slightly pungent taste. The seeds are actually used, but they are taken out from the fruits just when required.

Origin and Distribution:

Cardamom is indigenous to Western Ghats in South India. It is mentioned by Theophrastus in the fourth century B.C. and later by Dioscorides in Fifth century B.C. By 1000 A.D., it was an article of trade from India westwards.

Cardamom occurs wild in southern India, particularly in the moist forsts of the hilly regions of Mysore and Kerala. It is also grown in adequate amounts in Sikkim. Cultivation of this spice is still limited to a few countries, mainly South India, Sri Lanka and Guatemala.

India exports about 90 per cent of cardamom to the other countries of the world and earns substantial exchange on this account. India cardamom is valued all over the world for its superior quality, unique flavor, rich content of oil, attractive shape and colour.

Natritive Value/Composition:

Cardamom has excellent food value. It is low in fat and high in protein and vitamins A, B and C. An analysis of cardamom capsule shows it to consist of moisture 20 per cent, protein 10.2 per cent, ether extract 2.2 per cent, volatile oil 7.4 per cent, mineral matter (total ash) 5.4 per cent, Crude fibre 20.1 per cent, carbohydrates 42.1 per cent, Calcium 0.13 per cent, phosphorus 0.16 per cent and iron 5 mg. per cent 100 grams. Its calorific value is 299.

The seeds contain 10 per cent of volatile oil. The principal constituents of the oil are cineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene and terpineol in the form of formic and acetic acid.

Medicinal Virtues:

The aroma and therapeutic properties of cardamom are due to its volatile oil. Tinctures of cardamom are also made. They are used chiefly in medicines for windiness and for strengthening the stomach. The medicinal virtues of cardamom were recognized even 2000 year ago. During the days of Charaka and Susrata the noted physicians of the 1^st and 2^nd centuries A.D., cardamom was acclaimed as a cure for many diseases. Today, the thereapeutic value of this spice is widely recognized and Ayurvedic physicians use it for the treatment of various diseases it is used as an adjunct to carminative drugs and is official in the British and U.S pharmacopoeias.

Digestive Disorders : Cardamom possesses carminative property. It helps subside the air and water elements in the body. It also increases appetite and soothes the mucous membranes. It relieves gas and heartburn and is useful in nausea and vomiting.

In case of gas formation in the stomach, half a teaspoon of this spice should be mixed in hot water and taken three times a riander are an effective remedy for useful in headache resulting from indigestion. For Nauses and Vomiting, two cardamoms should be taken, of which one should be roasted. Both cardamoms should be ground with a little water and taken as a drink.

Foul Smell : The aromatic flavor in cardamom is a good mouth cleaner. A few seeds chewed for a brief period will remove foul smell.

Genito-Urinary Disorders : Cardamom helps increase the secretion and discharge of urine. It’s powdered seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of banana left and Indian gooseberry (amala) juice taken thrice a day, serve as a valuable diuretic food. It is very effective in treating diseases like gonorrhoes, cystitis, nephritis, burning micturition or urination and scanty urination.

Sexual Dysfunctions : Cardamom is a sex stimulating food. It’s use has been found beneficial in the treatment of sexual dysfunction like impotency and premature ejaculation. A pinch of powdered cardamom seeds, boiled in milk and sweetened with honey, should be taken every night. It will increase sexual stamina and virility. Excessive use of cardamom should, however, be avoided as it may have adverse effect.

Despression : This spice is a mood elevating food and a decoction prepared from it has been found valuable in overcoming depression. This decoction is prepared by powdering the seeds and boiling them in water. It should be taken mixed honey. It has a very pleasant aroma and it helps lift moods in case of depression.

Hiccup : The use of cardamom has been found beneficial in the treatment of hiccup. An infusion should be prepared by boiling a couple of pounded whole cardamoms in a cup of water along with five leaves of mint. This infusion should be taken to relieve the condition.

Oral Disorders : This spice has also been found beneficial in the treatment of phyaryngitis, sore-throat, relaxed uvula and hoarseness during the infective stage of influenza. A gargle should be prepared from cardamom seeds and cinnamon and used in treating these conditions. This gargle used can protect a person against influenza virus.

Headache : This spice has been found beneficial in the treatment of headache. It should be grond to a fine powder, and this powder should be used as a snuff to obtain relief.

Kidney stones : The used of cardamom has been found valuable in kidney and bladder stones. The seeds should be consumed with the seeds of cucumber to obtain relief.

Uses:

In India, cardamoms are used as masticatory and are often included in the btel quid. They are used for flavouring curries, cakes, bread and for other culinary purposes,. Substantial quantities are imported into the Middle East, where they are used for flavouring coffee, meat dishes and sweetmeats. In Sweden and Finaland, they are widely used in confectionery. The Americans use this spice in baked foods and the Russians in caked and Confectionery. The essential oil of cardamom is used both in pharmacy and perfumery, for flavouring liquors and bitters, in the preparation of tincture and as a stimulant.