Cardamom is native to the evergreen forests of India. This spice is commonly used in Indian cuisine, but it has also made its way into Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for mouth ulcers, digestive problems, and even depression. Some of the health benefits of this peppery, citrusy spice are now making their way into modern studies. It’s well worth adding cardamom to your food for the flavor alone, but these health benefits are also something to consider whenever you break out the spices
- Digestion
Cardamom is related to ginger and can be used in much the same way to counteract digestive problems. Use it to combat nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation, and much more. - Detoxify
This spice helps the body eliminate waste through the kidneys. - Halitosis
In India they chew cardamom after meals or whenever they need to freshen their breath. - Diuretic
Part of the reason cardamom is such a good detoxifier is thanks to the diuretic properties. It helps clean out the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys, removing waste, salt, excess water, toxins, and combating infections too. - Depression
The science behind the antidepressant qualities of cardamom hasn’t been studied yet, but Ayurvedic medicine swears by the tea as a means to fight depression. - Oral Health
Apart from helping with bad breath, cardamom is used for mouth ulcers and infections of the mouth and throat. - Cold and Flu
This pungent spice may help prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s also used for bronchitis and coughs. - Cancer
Animal studies are showing promise that cardamom protects against, inhibits growth, and even kills some cancers. - Blood Pressure
As a diuretic and fiber rich spice, cardamom significantly lowers blood pressure. - Blood Clots
Cardamom prevents dangerous blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation and the sticking to the artery walls. - Antioxidant
Many of the vitamins, phytonutrients, and essential oils in cardamom act as antioxidants, cleaning up free radicals and resisting cellular aging. - Pathogens
The volatile essential oils in cardamom inhibit the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungus, and mold. - Anti-inflammatory
Like ginger and turmeric, its relatives, cardamom has some anti-inflammatory properties that limit pain and swelling, especially in mucus membranes, the mouth, and throat. - Hiccups
Cardamom is an anti-spasmodic that can help get rid of hiccups. This also applies to other involuntary muscle spasms, like stomach and intestinal cramps. - Aphrodisiac
Traditional medicine lists cardamom as a powerful aphrodisiac that can help with erectile dysfunction and impotence.