You may have read my post about Chai Tea. A Nia Teacher friend gave me a yummy recipe for chai tea. I had futzed with it because I wanted it a bit spicier — what? Me? I know. But it is not HOT spice, just more flavorful. Well, I was excited until I saw the price of cardamom. And, as is my habit, I posted about how outrageous it was. As is my friends’ way . . .one of them helped me out. First of all she GAVE me some Cardamom, then she reminded me of where I live. I live in one of the most diverse areas in the country – well, I think I do. But whether that is true or not we have all types of different markets around. There are Asian Markets, Hispanic Markets, Indian Markets, Spice Markets, Vegetable Markets, Fabric Markets . . . you name it, I bet there is one within 5 miles of me. Well, Spice Markets have way more affordable spices then grocery stores. I got a bag of cardamom and I have been using it in my tea.
I was curious as to what benefits cardamom might have. And also what else I can use it in besides tea. Here are the results of my “research”.
First of all wiki states: “It is the world’s third-most expensive spice, surpassed in price per weight only by vanilla and saffron.” Well, that explains the high price at the store. I did not know that!
Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat many ailments.
According to several websites (Sunwarrior, Organic Facts, Food Facts, and The Health Site), cardamom is good for digestion. Some compared it to ginger, in that it can aid in digestion. It can help relieve things like nausea, bloating, gas, heartburn, acidity, loss of appetite, and constipation.
It helps eliminate toxins from the body.
It helps with bad breath. And mouth ulcers and throat infections.
It is a diuretic, which could be one way it helps eliminate toxins.
It can act as an anti-depressant.
It can also help prevent colds and flus.
Studies on animals are showing it might help protect against some cancers.
Studies on humans have shown it helps lower blood pressure.
It controls cholesterol according to a study in India done on mice.
Can possibly prevent or aid in the prevention of blood clots, by improving circulation.
It is an antioxidant, an anti inflammatory, and an aphrodisiac.
It’s essential oil can be used in aromatherapy.
Research has been done at the King Saud University concluding that cardamom can be used to control muscle spasms on animals.
Cardamom can help with some respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.
It can help with sore throats and hiccups.
It is said to cure impotency and a bevy of penis problems. I occurred to me with better circulation, these types of problems could possibly be helped. And then if these types of problems are improved upon it could definitely relieve some depression. 🙂
In a tablespoon of cardamom there is 80 percent of the recommended value of manganese, which is really important for healthy skin.
Cardamom is a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Well, I didn’t quiet get to the part on how to use it other than in tea. But perhaps you can help. Do you use cardamom? How do you use it?
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