Cardamom – The green queen among spices

Between fragrance, taste and healing properties

Cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum ) is one of the oldest and most prized spices in the world. It is indispensable in Afghan and Persian cuisine – whether in tea, rice dishes, or desserts. But the small green seed can do more than just smell wonderful: it is a true treasure trove for health.

✅ Scientifically proven health benefits

1. Promotes digestion

Cardamom stimulates the production of saliva, gastric juices, and bile. This helps with bloating, flatulence, and sluggish digestion. In traditional Persian medicine, it is considered a "warming spice" that soothes the stomach.

📚 Source: Jamal et al. (2006). Spices and herbs: their antimicrobial activity and its determination.  African Journal of Biotechnology, 5(11), 958-959.

2. Blood pressure lowering and vascular protective

A controlled study from India showed that daily intake of green cardamom (3 g over 12 weeks) can significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure – without any side effects.

📚 Source: Verma et al. (2009). Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) effects on human blood pressure. Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics, 46(6), 503-505.

3. Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory

Cardamom contains flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils such as cineole, which have strong antioxidant properties. These help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation in the body.

📚 Source: Srinivasan (2007). Spices as influencers of body metabolism: An overview of three decades of research. Food Research International, 40(6), 693-699.

4. Good for the respiratory system

Cineole (the main component of the essential oil) has expectorant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – ideal for colds, coughs or blocked airways.

📚 Source: Gilani et al. (2008). Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of cardamom in asthma. Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, 3(3), 80-83.

5. Antimicrobial & Oral Health

Cardamom seeds are used as a natural breath freshener in many cultures. Studies show that cardamom can inhibit bacteria in the mouth and thus prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum inflammation.

📚 Source: Aneja et al. (2010). Antimicrobial activity of spices against oral pathogens. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 22(5), 444-449.

🍽 ️ Use in the kitchen

Cardamom releases its aroma particularly well when the green pods are lightly crushed or opened. It goes well with desserts (e.g., Shirini Nokhodi), tea, coffee, milk, curries, or even spicy rice dishes like Sholeh Zard or Zereshk Polo .

💡 Tip: Cardamom can be cooked or ground for tea or coffee. A pinch of ground cardamom is often sufficient for desserts.

💡 Conclusion

Cardamom is not only a fragrant delight, but also a traditional remedy with proven effects. Whether for digestion, high blood pressure, or colds – this spice can contribute to health naturally and is versatile in its applications.

🌱 Note: The effects mentioned are based on scientific studies and traditional knowledge, but do not replace medical advice.