Cardamom is well known as a cooking spice with rich aroma and flavour. What many people don’t know is that cardamom has many health benefits and uses too. In India, cardamom was traditionally considered as an herb and was one of the ingredients in Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of medicine and lifestyle) and traditional Chinese medicine. Here are the top benefits and uses of cardamom for health and beauty:
CARDAMOM BENEFITS FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY
DETOXIFY BODY
Regular use of cardamom can help treat a wide variety of kidney, bladder, and urinary problems like kidney stones, nephritis, burning or painful urination, and frequent urges to urinate. It is also often used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Cardamom is said to be good for the kidneys as it promotes urination and lowers blood pressure as well as removes calcium and urea accumulated in the kidneys.
IMPROVES DIGESTION
Cardamom has carminative properties that help in the digestion process. It reduces flatulence and bloating and helps treat colic and stomach cramping. Plus, it increases bile flow, which in turn improves digestion of fats as well as other nutrients. ll this makes cardamom an ideal solution for a host of digestive problems, such as constipation, dysentery, acidity, indigestion and different types of stomach infections.
FIGHTS ANEMIA
Cardamom has powerful antioxidants that help replenish vitamins lost during an anaemic condition. It also has copper, iron, manganese and essential vitamins like riboflavin, vitamin C and niacin, which are good for fighting symptoms of anaemia like fatigue and weakness. All these nutrients help in the production of red blood cells and cellular metabolism.
DENTAL DISEASES
Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda as well as traditional Chinese medicine for dealing with dental problems for many centuries. After the invention of antibiotics, it was found that these antibiotics produced mixed results, as well as side effects. Some side effects included the inhibition of friendly probiotic bacteria thriving in the intestines. However, the use of spices, on the other hand, is ideal because they inhibit only infectious microbes, not the probiotic bacteria.
ACIDITY
The essential oils in elaichi strengthen the mucosal lining of the stomach and also increase the amount of saliva you secrete. When you chew the pod, it releases a slew of essential oils that stimulate your salivary glands which in turn stimulates your stomach lining to work better. It also improves your appetite and reduces the amount of acidity you experience by imparting a cooling sensation to reduce the burning you feel during an attack of acidity.
USES OF CARDAMOM IN HEALTH AND BEAUTY
COUGH AND COLD
If you have a cold, cough or a congested chest, elaichi is the best natural remedy to relieve the symptoms. All you need to do is add few drops of elaichi essential oil to boiling water and use this for steam inhalation.
HICCUPS
Take few pods of cardamom and boil them in water. By drinking this water, one can get rid of hiccups.
ANAEMIA
Add a pinch or two of elaichi powder and turmeric to a glass of warm milk. You can add a little sugar for taste (if you like). Drink this every night to help relieve weakness and other symptoms of anaemia.
BAD BREATH
Chew on a pod of elaichi after every meal. You could alternatively drink some elaichi tea every morning to help detoxify and strengthen your digestive system thereby preventing bad breath.
SORE THROAT
For sore throats, cardamom acts as a good remedy. Cardamom and cinnamon can both be boiled in water and can be used to gargle every morning to control painful sore throats.
TONER
Boil cardamom in water and use it as a toner. The antioxidants present in it help us fight against premature ageing and keep our skin toned as well as youthful for long.
HEALTHY HAIR
Cardamom tea can be used a last rinse on hair. Boil cardamom in water and use it after shampooing. Regular usage makes hair healthy and shiny.