Cardamom, native to India, is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine to add a sweet and unique flavor to dishes. But it has medicinal value also. Cardamom is rich in several vitamins and micronutrients like niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, thiamin and vitamin A, C, potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, copper, phosphorous, manganese and magnesium and zinc. In ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is used to treat gastrointestinal problems, control cancer, lower cholesterol, recover cardiovascular health and for improving blood circulation. Widely used as natural mouth freshener, it is even used for curing dental disease and urinary tract infection. It contains aphrodisiac property and can be used to cure impotency, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Here Are Top 15 Health Benefits Of This Simple Green Pod
Improves Digestion
Cardamom is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders as it contains methanolic extract. It helps to speed up digestion, brings relief from acidity, stomach cramps, flatulence, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation and nausea. It soothes the mucous membrane and brings relief from gastrointestinal disorders. The essential oils in cardamom strengthen the lining of the stomach. Chewing cardamom helps to release essential oils that stimulate the salivary glands which helps further to stimulate stomach lining to function better.
Brings Relief From Food Poisoning
Research shows that cardamom contains antimicrobial properties. The volatile oils from cardamom can inhibit the growth and spread of harmful microbes that often cause food poisoning.
Beats Bad Breath
Chewing cardamom after every meal is a good remedy for bad breath. It has antibacterial properties and an aromatic smell which will bring relief from bad breath along with improving your digestive system, which is the root cause of bad breath.
Detoxifies
Cardamom has anti- carcinogenic properties. It contains manganese which produces enzymes that detoxify the body and help to fight free radicals.
Diuretic
Cardamom is a good detoxifier because of its impressive diuretic properties. It helps to clean out the bladder, kidneys, urinary tract and toxins from the body.
Improves Heart Health
Cardamom is an excellent source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Due to abundance of these essential minerals, and being a diuretic and fiber-rich spice, it can help to keep your blood pressure under good control and also regularize the heart rate. To increase its consumption, add cardamom to your daily meals and drink cardamom tea.
Natural Remedy For Respiratory Illness
Cardamom increases blood circulation within the lungs and can be used as a remedy for asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. Cardamom heats up the body internally and helps in expulsion of phlegm and relieves from chest congestion. Use cardamom essential oil for steam inhalation.
Lowers Cholesterol
The micronutrients contained in cardamom are helpful in counteracting the flow of lipids in the body. The antioxidant enzymes contained in cardamom help to control the levels of cholesterol.
Works As Anti-Depressant
It is believed that cardamom has anti-depressant properties. According to Ayurveda, aromatic cardamom tea can relieve from depression. Cardamom essential oil can also be used to fight depression.
Prevents Blood Clots
Cardamom can inhibit platelet accumulation and restrict them from sticking to the artery wall and prevents blood clot.
Act As Anti Inflammatory
Cardamom also has anti-inflammatory properties which help to relieve pain and swelling, particularly throat pain. Cardamom is also a good remedy for muscle and joint pain.
Oral health
Cardamom has been used in ayurvedic medicine for treating dental problems. Besides bad breath, it is also used for treating mouth ulcers, mouth and throat infections.
Hiccups
Cardamom is anti-spasmodic and helps to get rid of hiccups; it can also bring relief from muscle spasms, stomach and intestinal cramps.
Works As Antioxidant
The vitamins, phytonutrient and essential oils contained in cardamom act as antioxidant and combats free radical damage and premature aging.
Aphrodisiac properties
Traditional medicine regards cardamom as powerful aphrodisiac which can cure erectile dysfunction and impotence.