12 Proven Benefits of Black Cardamom

June 12, 2023

Black Cardamom is a popular flavoring spice widely used in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The scientific term for Black Cardamom is Amomum subulatom Roxburgh. The spice belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae.^[1] Black cardamom in Hindi is called Kali elaichi or Badi elaichi. This unique spice comes in rough textured seed pods with a Smokey, bold flavor and taste. This aromatic spice is believed to have originated in the Eastern Himalayan region and is the third-most costly spice in the world. ^[2] The northeast Indian state of Sikkim alone produces 50% of the net global production of this fantastic spice.^[3]

Black cardamom uses

Primary black cardamom uses include:

Use as an Ayurvedic medical remedy for ailments

In this context, we can list the therapeutic properties of Black Cardamom as a medicinal herb. The properties and features of Black Cardamom, according to Ayurveda, are as follows:

Rasa (tikta meaning bitter, katu meaning pungent)
Guna (ruksha meaning dry, laghu meaning light)
Veerya (Ushna meaning hot)
Vipaka (Katu meaning pungent)
Karma (Dosha remedy; it heightens the pitta dosha and pacifies the vata and kapha doshas.)

Use as a mouth freshener

Black Cardamom has certain aromatic oils that can control bad breath and oral infections and is often used as a mouth freshener.

Use as a flavoring spice

In many of the signature dishes of Indian cuisine, Black Cardamom is a flavoring spice that can set your mouth watering.

Black Cardamom Benefits

1. Improves Liver Function:

Black cardamom can improve liver function and reverse alcohol-induced hepatic damage. The liver protective function of black cardamom results from decreased insulin resistance and liver steatosis, which this spice promotes.^[1]

2. Promotes Heart Health:

Black Cardamom benefits consist of remarkable benefits for the heart. The spice triggers antioxidant activities in one’s heart and protects the heart’s muscular tissues. Ischemic heart diseases can be prevented through regular consumption of black cardamoms.^[3]

3. Improves Digestive Health:

Stomachic properties of black cardamom essential oil can help in digestion and stimulate appetite. Nausea, indigestion, abdominal aches, stomach ulcers, and rectal diseases may be treated using black cardamom.^{[2], [3]}

4. Supports Oral Care:

Black cardamom decoctions have shown proven results in managing dental and gum-related issues, such as dental caries by destroying the bacteria thriving in the mouth.^{[2], [3]}

5. Powerful Against Microbes:

Black cardamom possesses antimicrobial properties. According to research, black cardamom extracts can destroy strains of Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.^[2] Skin and lung infections caused by microbes can be cured using black cardamom.

6. Helps in Weight Loss:

Black cardamom benefits can slim you down. Taking black cardamom tea can reduce total body fat and abdominal girth significantly. ^[1]

7. Controls Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Due to its diuretic properties, black cardamom can lower blood pressure ^[4]. Increased urine volume leads to an increased expulsion of potassium and sodium, allowing blood vessels to relax and blood pressure to drop.

8. Relieves Aches & Pains:

Black cardamom has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ^[5] effect, and black cardamom oil may be used to treat various types of aches and pains, such as joint pains, headaches, and stomach aches.

9. Prevents Cancer:

Black cardamom benefits include its role in destroying various types of cancer cells. The spice is most effective in the case of lung cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer. ^[6]

10. Strengthens Immunity:

Black cardamom can strengthen your immunity and make you less susceptible to sickness. ^{[7] Strengthening} the immune system is the key to sound health. Apart from using black cardamom as an immunity booster, you can also try the Zandu Chyavanprash Avaleha, a potent immunity booster infused with the power of Ayurvedic herbs, such as Aswagandha, Amla, Satavari, and Giloy.

11. Lowers Harmful Lipids:

Black cardamom has a lipid-lowering impact and can reduce LDL, Triglycerides, and VLDL levels, thereby strengthening your cardiovascular system.^[7]

12. Stress-reliever & Sleep-promoting:

Black cardamom has a soothing and mind-calming effect that relieves stress, induces sleep, and helps you feel relaxed.

Side-effects of Black Cardamom

There is no evidence-based information regarding the side effects of black cardamom, but for some, it may cause breathing issues and pain while urinating.

FAQs about Black Cardamom

1. What is the shelf-life of black cardamom?

Raw black cardamom can last up to 3 years if stored properly. Powdered black cardamom can last about 2-3 months.

2. How should you store black cardamom?

It would be best to store black cardamom in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

3. How many seeds are there in a pod of black cardamom?

There are nearly 8 to 16 seeds in a black cardamom pod.

Conclusion

Black cardamom, a special spice used in many of the luxurious, signature delicacies of the Indian subcontinent, comes with immense medicinal value as per the principles of Ayurveda. This aromatic herb can treat a wide range of illnesses and can also add a distinct flavor to some of those mouth-watering delicacies. In this article, we have discussed the details of black cardamom benefits for health.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is solely for educational purposes and is not medical advice. For any disease, the reader must consult a doctor before using black cardamom for treatment.