Cardamom, properties, side effects, and contraindications

The cardamom is an aromatic plant with digestive properties and health benefits. It is used as a spice due to its organoleptic qualities. You can take its whole seeds or buy its oil to ingest it in different recipes.

Cardamom properties

It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and to the genus Amomum. Its scientific name is “Elettaria cardamomum” and the part of the plant that is ingested is the seeds. It is cultivated in many parts of the world such as Malaysia, India, Australia, and even Ethiopia, where there is a species with a designation of origin called Afromomum corrorima. This is due to the properties of cardamom, which help to:

• Improve digestion.
• Eliminate bad breath or halitosis.
• Decrease the symptoms of diarrhea.
• Calm nausea.
• Reduce stomach inflammation produced by gases.
• Disinfect teeth and gums.
• Strengthen the body’s defenses.
• Treat candidiasis.
• Calm muscle pain.
• Relieve cough.

For intestinal gas

Its characteristics to facilitate digestion and decrease the presence of CO2 in the digestive system are well known. Like other natural remedies, the intake of the active principles of cardamom seeds as an infusion favors the disappearance of the discomfort that gas produces. It is considered one of the best natural antiflatulents. It reduces the content of CO2 in the intestine. The sensation is that of slimming since the abdomen is less bloated.

To increase the body’s defenses

Its rich composition of vitamins and trace elements makes it an effective aid to restore and increase the resistance of the human body against the common cold and seasonal flu. It contains vitamins A, B, and C in addition to minerals that are very important for human health.

Although it is not a staple food like oranges or mandarins, it does work as a functional support, preparing the body to increase defenses before the cold arrives.

Remedy to eliminate bad breath

Chewing its seeds reduces the bad odor and discomfort produced by halitosis. Cardamom for bad breath is a traditional home remedy that, in addition to improving mouth freshness, disinfects, so it also acts with anticaries properties if you nibble a couple of seeds after eating.

Nutritional value

It has very little fat and a high fiber content, facilitating intestinal transit. It is also a food low in cholesterol and provides protein and minerals, making it a useful element in nutrition. Although its uses are not like those of other plants or vegetables, it can accompany and complement a healthy eating plan. So let’s look at the nutritional values of cardamom:

Side effects

• Dermatitis.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.

The side effects of cardamom are those associated with a food allergy. People with hypersensitivity to its composition may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and abdominal pain.

It is also possible to develop contact dermatitis. Some people should avoid touching the seeds directly with their hands, since the terpenes they contain can cause irritation and rash. Although this is not common, it can occur.

Otherwise, when taken in moderation, it should not produce any adverse reaction.

Contraindications

• Dumping syndrome.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Irritable colon.
• Intestinal inflammation.
• Pregnancy.

If you suffer from Dumping syndrome, you should avoid consuming it, since it has been shown that in some cases it worsens symptoms.

People with stomach problems or diseases related to the intestines, the stomach, or severe digestive disorders should also be cautious, since its properties increase digestive activity. In such cases, you may feel unwell and notice a worsening of symptoms.

If you are pregnant, you should avoid its consumption. Cardamom and pregnancy is a contraindication, since it has emmenagogue effects, meaning it promotes menstruation and may trigger a natural abortion.

Cardamom for weight loss

Although its benefits are not proven for reducing abdominal fat or eliminating adipose tissue, in many cases it may contribute to weight loss or at least to a sensation of a reduced waistline. This is because the properties of cardamom for weight loss include:

• Reducing abdominal bloating.
• Facilitating digestion.
• Eliminating intestinal gas.

As mentioned, it is not a weight loss plant in itself. Many people seek it believing that drinking a cardamom infusion causes weight loss, but in reality, as with ginger infusion for weight loss, cardamom works by reducing abdominal distension when there is a gastrointestinal issue.

Its antiflatulent and anti-inflammatory effects are particularly useful for people who tend to experience gas, bloating, and flatulence.

Relationship with ginger

Although they are different plants, they share similarities because they belong to the same plant family, known as Zingiberaceae. Both are beneficial for health. The ginger root has vitamins and is widely used in infusions or as a condiment, while cardamom seeds are used for digestive issues or as a flavoring, including in beverages.

Cardamom oil

It can be used as a topical soothing agent for muscle pain, sprains, and bruises. Cardamom oil works due to its anti-inflammatory properties, so if you do not know how to use cardamom oil, follow these steps:

• Add one tablespoon of moisturizing oil to a small glass container.
• Add one tablespoon of cardamom oil.
• Soak a piece of gauze or a compress in the liquid.
• Apply the gauze to the inflamed or painful area.
• Leave it on for at least 15 minutes.

You will notice how the sensation of pain and inflammation gradually decreases. Its analgesic effects are mild, but for many people with joint problems or contusions, it is beneficial.

In addition, cardamom essential oil is also used to treat candidiasis, a vaginal infection that is very common in women.

Is cardamom a spice?

It is considered a spice because it can be used in many recipes. It is common to prepare chicken, cake, and even jam with cardamom. Many seeds are classified this way due to their culinary uses.

Preparing cardamom as an infusion

It is very simple and useful in many cases of indigestion, after a meal, or after typical holiday excesses. If you have a gathering where you are going to eat at a restaurant, or you have simply eaten too much, you can make a cardamom infusion as follows:

• Heat some water in a saucepan until it reaches the boiling point.
• Turn off the heat.
• Add 3 grams of cardamom seeds.
• Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Strain the water.
• Drink it slowly.

You have finished preparing the cardamom infusion. As you can see, it is very simple and has notable benefits. In addition, you can also use it in powdered form. The difference is that if you use powdered cardamom, straining will be more difficult, although you will ingest a higher amount of active compounds than if you use whole seeds.

If you like a sweet flavor, add a tablespoon of organic honey. There are many varieties that are rich and healthy, as is the case with the properties of heather when bees use its pollen.

Gin and tonic

• 3 to 4 cardamom pods.
• 3 parts premium tonic.
• 1 part gin.
• 1 lemon slice.
• Ice.

It gives a different flavor to alcoholic drinks, especially gin. The use of cardamom in gin and tonic is well known. It changes the flavor, adds a spiced note, and makes it more distinctive.

For this purpose, it is best to prepare it in a large glass, where the ice fits well and the visual presentation is more appealing. Use clear glass so that the pods floating in the liquid can be seen along with the peel of a lemon slice.

If you want to enhance the flavor and add a different note, you can also add juniper berries. Their properties, in addition to being digestive, improve the flavor of the drink.

Where can you buy cardamom?

Currently, its use is widespread, so it is relatively easy to find it in food stores, supermarkets, and herbal shops. The main difference is usually quality.

Herbal shops usually offer natural products of high quality. Their origin, cultivation, and processing are handled with care. The disadvantage of cardamom from an herbal shop is that it is more expensive than that from Mercadona, for example, although if you try it, you will notice many differences.