The Health Benefits Of Elettaria Cardamomum

There are two types of the Elettaria cardamomum perennial herb, suksma and brhat. Suksma is the small variety used in medicines and brhat is the large variety, which is mostly used as spice. It grows in Sri Lanka and the humid forests of India and is a member of the ginger family. Suksma tastes pungent and sweet, while brhat is just pungent. In cooking, the herb Elettaria cardamomum is referred to as cardamom and is used in many dishes. Always consult your physician before using this or any herbal remedy.

Active Components

The active components of Elettaria cardamomum oil are pinene, sabinene, myrcene, cineol, limonene, cymene, heptenone, linalool, linalyl acetate, terpineol, borneol, geraniol, nerol, neolidol, heptacosane. The components of the fruits and leaves include pinens, caphene, limonene, pcymene, terpinene and a-terpineol.

Traditional Uses

E. cardamomum seeds can be used externally as a paste and applied for headaches. It also works well on skin diseases, ulcers on the skin and itching. Used as a gargle, it helps dental problems and eliminates bad breath. The oil is very effective for toothaches caused by infection. A little oil in drinking water can also kill the germs in the water. There are several internal uses of E. cardamomum. Decocted E. cardamomum is used to improve digestion and control vomiting. It is also commonly used as a carminative to relieve flatulence by expelling gas from the digestive tract.

Taking a mixture of E. cardamomum. with sunthi and honey is good for controlling coughs, as is taking a mixture of roasted E. cardamomum fruit skins, sugar and ghee. Asthmatic coughs are aided by E. cardamomum, rock salt, ghee and honey. For urinary tract problems E. cardamomum seed powder is mixed with honey. The oil from E. cardamomum. acts as an antispasmodic by curing spasms of the muscles or respiratory system. It also gives relief to muscle cramps, asthma and whooping cough. The oil acts as a stimulant to help ease depression and fatigue. It also stimulates enzyme and hormone secretions, gastric juices, and circulation to maintain proper metabolism.

Other Purported Health Benefits

There are several other purported benefits of E. cardamomum, which may have not been thoroughly tested in humans. It can be used as a laxative and as an antacid to calm the stomach or relieve heartburn. It is also used to assist the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or colon cancer. It also lessens the effects of chemotherapy and increases the appetite after treatment. Used externally it works as an antiseptic for snake bites or stings from insects. E. cardamomum can act both as an immunostimulant or a sedative, which may be helpful for nervous disorders. It is often used in treating sciatica and tuberculosis. Some of these conditions may be serious so always consult your physician before starting any herbal regimen.

Medical Research

Current research is being conducted on the therapeutic value of cardamom in inhibiting human platelet aggregation. In the May 2005 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," W. Jessie Suneetha and T.P. Krishnakantha wrote an article wherein it was reported that the "aqueous extract of cardamom may have component(s) which protect platelets from aggregation and lipid peroxidation."

Side Effects and Warnings

Although there are few side effects that have been reported with the use of cardamom, allergic contact dermatitis may occur from an allergy to the seeds. It also should not be used in people with gallstones as it can cause a spasmodic pain. It should not be taken with any blood thinners, including aspirin, warfarin, Plavix or ibuprofen products like Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn or Advil, or any herbal supplements, such as Ginkgo biloba or saw palmetto, as it may pose a risk for bleeding. It should not be used in children under 18 years of age or in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Ask the pharmacist about any other drug or herbal interactions.