Cardamom Seed, Whole (Elettaria cardamomum) – Dried Herb, Organic

Green Cardamom or True Cardamom is a spice consisting of whole or ground dried fruits or seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family that grows in India and Malaysia. The plants are grown from rhizomes but it is the seeds that are used as spice.

Cardamom is used to flavour coffee in the Middle East and tea in India. It has the characteristic flavor combination of ginger, cloves, vanilla and citron. Cardamom has been in use since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans used both black and green Cardamom in their food and perfumes.

It is recorded in Sanskrit texts as a medicinal herb and is still used in Ayurvedic medicine. According to Ayurveda, Cardamom is tridoshic (good for balancing all three doshas), but people trying to keep Pitta in balance should eat it in smaller amounts. It is excellent for balancing Kapha, particularly in the stomach and the lungs. It is also useful for pacifying Vata.

The use of Cardamom has grown tremendously since the early 1800s as a medicinal used to freshen breath, clear infection, and as a digestive aid. The essential oil and oleoresin (a naturally occurring mixture of resin and oil) are used in perfume. In the kitchen, Cardamom is used for a variety of dishes from main courses and soups such as rice and curry, to desserts, drinks and pastries.

Properties:

The energetics and taste of Cardamom are spicy, pungent, sweet, citrusy, warming, stimulating and drying. Cardamom has an affinity towards the lungs, digestive system, urinary system, kidneys, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system and immune system.

How to use:

Add a small amount of the Seed to curries, desserts, drinks or pastries.

For a spiced chai blend you can combine Cardamom with Cinnamon, Roasted Chicory, Ginger, Clove, Fennel or Black Pepper. If you would like caffeine in your chai you can add Yerba Mate or Green or Black tea.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider before the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.