- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Southern India, Sri Lanka)
- Sanskrit
- Ela Chhoti
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa: Tibetan medicine, Unani medicine
Asia · Herb · № 344
Elettaria cardamomum
Herb · Asia
Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, pungent, strengthens the heart, stomachic, laxative, diuretic, carminative; for asthma, bronchitis, haemorrhoids, bladder complaints, flatulence, cramps from laxatives, dizziness, indigestion, vomiting.
Safety notes
Not with gallstones, in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbs for viral infections: Not with gallstones, in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Preparation
Seed powder 0.6–1.75 g; with honey; decoction with peel and jaggery; powder with ginger, clove and caraway 1.5 g.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica, herbal applications for viral infections and Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. Sanskrit name: Ela Chhoti. Cardamom, the 'queen of spices', grows in the Western Ghats. It is used in chai, biryani and Arabic coffee and chewed after meals. In Unani medicine it is called heel khurd, in Tibetan medicine sug smel; it is used for nausea and wind.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Aromatic, pungent, strengthens the heart, stomachic, laxative, diuretic, carminative; for asthma, bronchitis, haemorrhoids, bladder complaints, flatulence, cramps from laxatives, dizziness, indigestion, vomiting.
Preparation and amount
Seed powder 0.6–1.75 g; with honey; decoction with peel and jaggery; powder with ginger, clove and caraway 1.5 g.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Terpenes inhibit the replication of viruses; especially against flu; further for colic, irritable bowel, constipation, liver problems, bronchitis, heartburn.
Preparation and amount
Oil, powder or in food; standard 1.5 g a day.
Caution: Not with gallstones, in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Sweet, aids digestion; good for skin and hair (also recommended during pregnancy).
Preparation and amount
Bruised pods or powder in spiced milk and sweet sooji; stewed fruit with cardamom.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pasteSyrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen