Down the ages we have been using cardamom to spice up many of our food items. We also know that it must be good for health. But we rarely find out why is it good for health. So, why not look into it? After all it is one of our favorite spices.

Cardamom is a perennial evergreen herb that stays in the form of rhizomes like ginger and gives out stems with pointed leaves. The cardamom that we use is actually the capsules containing seeds that are found in the white flower of the cardamom plant which bloom in summer. The seeds and oil are used in many herbal products as well as to flavor food like curries, pickles, etc.

Cardamom is basically a warm herb with pungent aromatic properties. It has been found to have expectorant properties and stimulating characters and is also thought to have aphrodisiac properties. It also counteracts the toxicity of caffeine and mucus causing foods like the dairy products, wheat, beer, pastries, eggs and also fried and fat containing foods.

Cardamom oil contains monoterpenes. Monoterpenes have been found to have anti-tumor activity and it not only has the power to prevent the formation and development of cancer, it has also shown the ability to suppress already existing malignant tumors. The essential oil of cardamom has also shown antibacterial, antiviral and antimycotic properties.

People have been using the cardamom as a flavoring agent for long. But it is also used in cases of indigestion, nausea and vomiting, and also to deal with pulmonary diseases especially when it involves large amount of phlegm build up. Cardamom is also a good laxative and can treat griping pain and flatulence. Who can ignore the sweet smell of cardamom? People often chew it as a breath freshener. Those who are coffee addicts can take it to detoxify the effects of caffeine. It has also been found to relieve the irritation that the women experience in premenstrual tension or stress.

No known side effects have been shown by both the cardamom in the seed form or by the essential oil derived from it. However, those with a sensitive skin should be precautious of the use of the oil. The only known restriction of using cardamom is in Ayurveda where it is not used during pregnancy and is not recommended for those suffering from gallstones.