Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed chai with something slightly spicy and sweet. Great wake-up, right? That’s the aroma of cardamom, one of the most loved and ancient spices. You all know that this little pod is used in sweets and curries as a taste enhancer, but did you know that it has been used for centuries in Ayurveda? It’s all because of its healing properties.
It was used for soothing upset stomachs to reduce stress and cardamom was one of the trusted remedies for generations in Indian households. The ancient science of life was Ayurveda and it considers these spices as a natural healer that balances our body and mind. We can consider it as a wellness power bank rather than just a kitchen ingredient.
So, Let’s get into the blog and explore what makes this cardamom so special and how you can use it in your daily life for better health and well-being.
Cardamom in Ayurvedic Doshas
Commonly, In Ayurveda, it is considered that every food affects the human body’s three doshas, which are vata, pitta and kapha. These are called Tridoshic. And here comes cardamom, the superhero which balances all the three making it beneficial for everyone.
- It helps balance Vata (Air + Space) by keeping digestion, bloating and anxiety by keeping it in track.
- Then, it cools down acidity and body heat, keeping Pitta (Fire + Water) at its level.
- Finally, Kalpha a combination of earth and water is managed by clearing congestion and boosting metabolism.
That is, no matter what your body type is, cardamom will bring balance to your system.
10 Amazing Benefits of Cardamom
I will cover the most important health benefits of cardamom below:
1. Natural Digestive Aid:
In Ayurveda, Agni which is strong digestion is an important aspect of good health. Have you felt bloated after a heavy meal? Here comes cardamom, it creates that digestive fire that breaks down food, and prevents gas, acidity and indigestion. You can add a small pinch of cardamom powder in warm water, it works as a wonder for your gut.
2. Clears Lung and Sinus:
If you are struggling with coughs, colds or regular sinuses, then you can have cardamom as your best friend. Its warming nature helps clear mucus called kapha in Ayurveda which is a natural decongestant, which makes breathing easy. You can try inhaling cardamom steam when you have a stuffy nose.
3. Body Detoxification:
Nowadays our lives are exposed to a lot of toxins (Ama) from food, pollution and stress. And here cardamom acts as a detoxifier that flushes out the harmful substances present in the body keeping the liver and kidneys healthy. This in Ayurveda is called panchakarma, which is a treatment.
4. Body Heat Balance:
Cardamom contains a mild cooling effect that will help in controlling the excess body heat, acidity and heartburn. Ayurveda has a recommendation of adding herbal drinks like a combination of jeera and cardamom water which calms the digestive system which is inflamed.
5. Heart Health:
Cardamom can improve the circulation of blood which benefits the heart the most. It is a natural blood purifier which reduces high blood pressure. Cardamom supporting heart health in Ayurveda is called Hrudaya Balya.
6. Mental Clarity:
Cardamom is a Medhya Rasayana herb which rejuvenates the brain. It gives mental clarity, memory and focus. It says that cardamom’s aroma reduces anxiety and stress, which calms the nervous system.
7. Immunity Strength:
The immune system called Ojas in Ayurveda is the base for good health. And combining cardamom with turmeric, ginger and tulsi becomes a powerful health booster. And cardamom is also used in ayurvedic kadhas which are herbal decoctions.
8. Controls Blood Sugar level:
In Ayurveda, for the management of prameha (diabetes), Cardamom was used to improve insulin function by maintaining the fluctuations of blood sugar levels. You can sprinkle some ground cardamom in your meals for a natural boost as well as taste. Many Ayurvedic medicines are used to contain cardamom along with neem and turmeric.
9. Improves Skin Health:
Cardamom fights free radicals that cause ageing. It clears blemishes, reduces inflammation, and gives skin a natural glow. So, try adding cardamom-infused water to your skincare routine. Ayurveda relies heavily on cardamom for glowing skin, and it is mostly found in face masks and oil.
10. Diuretic property:
Cardamom helps your body to get rid of excess fluids, this reduces bloating and any urinary infections. This way will keep your kidneys healthy preventing kidney stones and often Ayurveda prescribes cardamom-based infusions for kidney issues.
Traditional Ways to Use Cardamom in Ayurveda
1. Recipe of Cardamom Herbal Tea
- To make the tea, boil 1 cup of water, then add 2 to 3 crushed cardamom pods and let it boil in simmer for 5 minutes. Drink this tea after meals for good digestion.
2. Cardamom Milk Recipe
- You can make this milk by heating a cup of milk and adding a pinch of cardamom powder and a teaspoon of honey. Stir and drink it before bed for restful sleep.
3. Cardamom Steam
- Boil water and add 3 to 4 crushed cardamom pods to the water, then inhale steam for 5 to 10 minutes to relieve congestion and cough. This clears blocked sinuses.
4. Cardamom and Honey Paste
- Just mix a pinch of ground cardamom with honey. Then you can apply this face mask for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off. Now you can see a refreshed and glowing face.
5. Herbal Decoction (Ayurvedic Kadha)
- This Kadha helps in immunity building. To make this, you can boil water with cardamom, tulsi, ginger and some black pepper. Let it boil in simmer for 10 minutes. Then you can strain it and consume it daily for immunity.
Who should be cautious with Cardamom?
Cardamom is considered safe in Ayurveda but some people should consume it in moderation:
- People who have lower blood pressure should consume cardamom in moderation as it may lower their blood pressure further.
- Then, people who have gallstones should not consume cardamom except by flavouring the food slightly. Consuming more may cause discomfort
- Finally, pregnant women should consult a doctor or ayurvedic expert before consuming cardamom regularly.
The Final Takeaway
In Ayurveda as well as normally cardamom is not just a fragrant spice but it’s a spice of wellness. You can consume it in any method from herbal teas to kadhas. The ability of cardamom to balance all three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) makes it a unique spice. This natural remedy of cardamom stands over chemical-based solutions for health and wellness. So, the next time when you have a cup of tea, just inhale the aroma of cardamom and appreciate the moment for its deeper importance.
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