CARDAMOM – THE QUEEN OF SPICES

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

​

Brief History of Medicinal Plants
The utilization of medicinal plants to treat illness is not new, as historically humans have used a variety of therapeutic plants as a remedy for any diseases or injuries. However, due to the introduction of modern medicines in the 18th century, the uses of alternative medicine have declined.


Fast forward to the 20th century, medicinal plant applications in diseases and injuries are becoming a trend. Presently, many people around the world are opting for Phytotherapy rather than modern medicine since studies have found scientifically proven health benefits.



The Queen of Spices
Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton or as it is commonly called Cardamom is one of the spices that have been used as a therapeutic plant around the world since ancient times. This plant is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. 


Moreover, cardamom is regarded as the oldest spice used in curing illness and as flavouring in food, thanks to its existence 4000 years ago. It is also known as the “Queen of Spice” since it is the third most expensive spice worldwide due to its various health benefits. This spice is cultivated predominantly in India, Guatemala, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Vietnam.



Most people in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Thailand) and the Middle East add this spice to cooking as a flavour to the food. Indians use it in their curries and rice puddings. On the contrary, the Romans and Greeks are known to use Cardamom in perfumes and essential oils, thanks to the warm and aromatic smell of this spice. The ancient Egyptians, on the other hand; use this spice in rituals and to clean their teeth. 





Nutritional information of Cardamom (US Department of Agriculture, USDA)
 
Nutrients                                            % Daily Value

Total fat                                                         10%

Potassium                                                     31%

Total Carbohydrate                                    22%

Dietary Fibre                                               112%

Protein                                                           22%

Vitamin C                                                      35%

Vitamin B6                                                    10%

Iron                                                                 77%

Magnesium                                                   57%

Calcium                                                         38%




Based on the nutritional information, cardamom is rich in dietary fibre, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, and Vitamin C, which are highly beneficial for your health and well-being. 




How Cardamom nurtures your body from the inside
 
1. Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is the process where your body fights off and removes harmful stimuli, through your immune system so healing can take place. It can be either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation occurs instantly and becomes severe shortly after. Examples of acute inflammation are microbial invasion and tissue damage due to trauma.



Chronic inflammation materializes after several months to years of continuous acute inflammation. The symptoms of chronic inflammation are frequent infections, body pain, chronic fatigue, and acid reflux. Cardamom is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and works to reduce inflammatory reactions by regulating pro-inflammatory mediators.



2. Protects your heart and reduces blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease is a chronic illness that affects people around the world. Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, prolonged periods of high blood pressure will eventually lead to developing heart impairment.


Cardamom can protect your heart and reduce your blood pressure. A study concluded that cardamom can lower the mean arterial blood pressure and reduce the heart rate, by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes the smooth muscle cells therefore; decreasing the blood pressure. Another research shows evidence that this spice can minimize blood clots consequently; preventing stroke.



3. Improved liver function
The liver is a large organ inside your body, which carries out an array of functions. It is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, immunity, digestion, and storage of vitamins. Cardamom nurtures your body by inhibiting the congestion of your liver. Aside from that, this medicinal spice also promotes hepatic function.


 
4. Anti-cancer
Cancer is a chronic illness and the leading cause of death worldwide with approximately 10 million deaths in the year 2020. The most common cancer is breast cancer, lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer and prostate cancer. A study reported that cardamom enhances the immune response hence; is effective in the treatment of breast and lung cancer.



5. Encourage good digestion
Cardamom can aid in the digestion of food by reducing indigestion, bloating and gas. It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting related to stomach issues. Several studies have shown evidence that cardamom has the potential to reduce gastric ulcers, nevertheless, more study is needed to confirm this.



6. Antioxidant properties
Food that contains a high amount of antioxidant properties is important for your body because it helps fight free radical that causes damage to healthy cells. Cardamom contains a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids (antioxidant phytochemicals) that protects against cellular damage.



7. Anti-diabetic effect
A study conducted on cardamom shows that this spice reduces diabetic complications. This medicinal spice contains a high amount of Zinc and Iron, which affects insulin action and glucose metabolism, therefore, improving the glycaemic profile.





How Cardamom nurtures your body from the outside
 
1. Skin Health
Cardamom is also used in cosmetics for skin rejuvenation. Due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this spice can reduce acne build-ups and enhance circulation for glowing skin.


2. Hair Health
Cardamom contains Zinc, a trace element responsible for repairing damaged and dry hair. This spice nourishes your hair follicles and strengthens your hair.


3. Essential oil
Cardamom essential oil works best as an alternative to other essential oils if you crave a massage. Not only it has a warm and spicy smell, but it also nourishes your skin from the outside. Thanks to its aromatic smell, it is also used in aromatherapy to relax your mind.







 
 
All in all
Cardamom is an excellent spice that has many nutritional values. This spice has long been cultivated and incorporated into human life even since ancient civilizations, making it one of the oldest spices used around the world.


The queen of spice – cardamom not only has the potential to nurture your body from the inside but also from the outside. Therefore, start today by incorporating this medicinal spice into your diet.


Comment and share your experience if you use this spice. I would love to know your journey with medicinal plants. Not only that, the family of Nutrition Takes who read this article will benefit from different ideas. 
 
 


 



​
References
1.  Oras Khalis Yaseen (2023); Health and Medicine Benefits for Black Cardamom  (Amomum sublatum ); JOURNAL OF CRITICAL
    REVIEWS; 10(2): 42-50.
2.  Ashokkumar K, Vellaikumar S, Murugan M, Dhanya MK, Ariharasutharsan G, Aiswarya  S, Akilan M, Warkentin TD and Karthikeyan
    A. (2021); Essential Oil Profile Diversity in Cardamom Accessions From Southern India; Front. Sustain. Food Syst; volume 5.
3. Singletary, Keith PhD. (2022); Cardamom: Potential Health Benefits; Nutrition Today; 57(1):38-49.
4. Yahyazadeh R, Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Razavi BM, Karimi G, Hosseinzadeh H. (2021); The effect
   of Elettaria  cardamomum (cardamom) on the metabolic syndrome: Narrative review; Journal of Basic Medical Science;
   24(11): 1462–1469.
5.  Izadi. B. et al (2022); The effect of green cardamom on blood pressure and inflammatory markers among patients with                      metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials; Phytotherapy
    Research; 37(2): 679-688.