Cardamom Herb

Cardamom, known as both Black Cardamom and Green Cardamom is part of the Ginger family and is a commonly used spice in the kitchen as well as ground and used with coffee. Both the Black and the Green Cardamom has its uses in the culinary world and the medicinal world with the Black variety being more pungent.

Native to India and other Eastern regions Cardamom is one of the oldest spices and used in many curry dishes. Cardamom seeds are the portion of the plant most used and is most aromatic while still in the pod. Once the dried Cardamom pod is opened the seed will begin losing fragrance and flavor. Cardamom is considered to be one of the most expensive spices available and is second only to Saffron.

Cardamom Tea

A tea can be made using Cardamom seeds by crushing 10 - 15 dried seeds and steeping in 4 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes then add 4 ounces of milk and vanilla to taste. This can be sweetened with sugar or honey.

Cardamom Uses & Herbal Remedies

Cardamom has been chewed as a breath freshener and the taste is warm and camphorous.

Cardamom seed is used in many culinary dishes such as curry and is used in coffee and is thought to be a sign of hospitality.

Cardamom tea is often used to aid in indigestion, digestion and dispel gas.

Cardamom oil can be used as a fragrance and it is said that Cleopatra used Cardamom to scent her palace for when Mark Anthony would visit.

Cardamom is thought to be an aphrodisiac and aid in impotence; ironically enough it is also said to be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea.

Cardamom Folklore

Cardamom is said to draw love in and it is suggested to place Cardamom in an amulet and wear the amulet next to the heart when at a party to meet your true love.

Cardamom Cautions

Cardamom may increase the chance of sun sensitivity in some people; however, Cardamom is considered to be a safe herb.

Do not ingest Cardamom essential oil, or any other essential oil.