Cardamom, one of the most expensive medicinal and culinary spices, is a paramount digestive herbal remedy. Cinnamon is another excellent carminative, which is a substance that relieves intestinal gas. Both are used in sweet and savory recipes, and as tea ingredients. The popular tea beverage, chai, features both of these warming and fragrant spices, writes biochemist Bharat Aggarwal in his book, "Healing Spices." Always be sure to discuss all medical and nutrition questions with your healthcare provider.
Digestion
Human digestion is a complex process that changes food into molecular components that the body can absorb. The digestive tract is a system of hollow organs that include the mouth, the stomach and the large and small intestines. Other organs that assist digestion are the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, according to the National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse. Stress, chronic disease, environmental pollutants, viruses and bacteria can all affect the digestive system.
Cardamom
Cardamom possesses over 25 volatile oils that combine to provide relief for stomach cramps, gas, bloating and other digestive problems. One of these oils is cineole, which is also a compound present in bay leaves. It appears to be the most medicinally potent oil in cardamom's cache, according to Aggarwal. He notes that an Indian clinical study showed that cardamom acts to rouse the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls digestion and saliva production. Cardamom also shows the potential to heal ulcers induced in laboratory animals. Consult a qualified healthcare professional if your condition is severe or persistent.
Cinnamon
Scientists are currently researching why cinnamon is such an effective digestive remedy. According to herbalist Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs," researchers speculate that cinnamon helps to metabolize fats in the digestive process by increasing enzymatic activity. Aggarwal also remarks that cinnamon is a valuable anti-bacterial, and acts against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that is the root cause of most stomach ulcers. This versatile spice can act as a food preservative as well. Consult your doctor before using cinnamon medicinally.
Cinnamon in Chinese Medicine
One of the most ancient remedies in traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is recommended for an array of medical conditions, including parasites, flu and chills, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In the West, most stick and ground cinnamon is derived from the bark of the evergreen cinnamon tree, Cinnamomum zeylanucum. Chinese medicine uses a different variety of cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia, to increase blood circulation and provide a sense of bodily warmth, according to clinical herbalist Penelope Ody, author of "The Complete Herbal Medicinal." Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cinnamon to treat any disorder.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Your Digestive System and How It Works; April 2008
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Cinnamon; February 2011
- "Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices . . . "; Bharat Aggarwal; 2011
- "The Complete Medicinal Herbal"; Penelope Ody; 1993
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
