Black Cardamom

A very popular Indian spice known as "Badi Elaichi" or "ali Elaichi" is black cardamom. This is a staple in every household and is crucial to the creation of Garam Masala powder. This is tiny, sticky, and has the appearance of tough, wrinkled skin. Its color ranges from dark brown to black. The seeds of black cardamom are grown in dribbled areas between September and October and are grown in Nepal, Sikkim, and several regions of Darjeeling. After being implanted for 25 to 30 days, its seeds begin to sprout. The ideal growing conditions for this herb are in forest-loamy soil with shade. When the seed's outer layer turns brown, the seeds can be grown. In this post, we'll talk about the advantages black cardamom has for your health and how it can help with a variety of ailments.

Introduction

Amomum subulatum, the scientific name for black cardamom, is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. With a 50% share of the global market, India produces the most black cardamom, with Sikkim, Nepal, and some areas of Darjeeling contributing the most to its growth. There are various diverse species of black cardamom, with sizes varying from 2 to 5 cm and varying flavors. It has a pungent perfume with a citrus and eucalyptus flavor with wonderful cooling similar to mint, as well as a smokey flavor blended with warm spices. This comprises a variety of essential oils, many of which have health benefits and aid in treating a variety of ailments.  This herb is often used in a variety of foods, including biryani or achari pulao, ginger chutney, and many other rice dishes. Additionally, it may be regularly ingested.

Selection and Uses of Black Cardamom

To make sure it is filled with seeds, only touch the firm and plumped pods. Use the entire cardamom with the pod since it is flavorful and bursting with aroma. The whole black cardamom should be ground into a fine powder in a mixer before being sieved to remove any tough or unblended pieces. Smaller amounts of cardamom powder should be blended because it might lose flavor when kept for an extended period of time. Keep it in an airtight jar for later use. In dry conditions, it will continue to be healthy or good for a year.

Therapeutic Properties

Other Properties

Mentioned in Vedana Sthapak Mahakashaya, acts as a diuretic, enhances the digestive fire, and metabolic rate, and a great vata-anulomana, abolishes the Kapha, relieves fever and maintains temperature, and is detoxifying in nature. It also eliminates odor, lessens pain, lessens skin disorders, and is a good wound healer.

Culinary Uses

In addition to being used in garam masala, black cardamom can be added to a variety of dishes, such as biryani rice, pulao, or basic malvani gravy, soups, and chowders, to enhance and deepen the flavors of the other components.

Medicinal benefits

1. In Digestion - This herb is extremely helpful for the GI Tract and helps to promote stomach juices that aid in healthy food digestion, increase appetite, and reduce chronic constipation, flatulence, and pain. It is frequently utilized for illnesses including decreased digestive fire, bloating, loose stools, liver-related disorders, as well as decreased urine production. The relaxing effect lasts after digestion.

2. Supporting Heart Health - This herb is well known for treating heart-related conditions such as thrombosis, artery or vein hardening, strengthening weak heart muscles, arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, valve disease, and numerous other cardiomyopathies, among others.

3. Respiratory Health - helps to alleviate cough, dyspnea, and pain-related symptoms while breathing. It also acts as an expectorant and aids in clearing up excess kapha from the respiratory system. It can be used to treat respiratory spasms and asthmatic symptoms.

4. For Kidney - It has powerful diuretic effects, aids in maintaining the kidneys' supportive health, prevents the formation of kidney stones by strengthening the kidneys' muscles, has anti-inflammatory properties, can be combined with pumpkin seeds, and has positive effects by effectively removing the stones.

5. For Dental Health - It helps to safeguard dental health and makes sure that dental caries or bacterial infections don't enter the oral cavity. To do this, make a decoction of black cardamom and gargle with it to enhance the buccal cavity's hygienic conditions.

6. For Skin - This herb aids in the body's detoxification process and maintains good skin because it is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Eczema, inflammation, itching, and other skin allergies can all be treated naturally at home with this home remedy.

7. For Hair - As we've already established, this herb has antioxidant characteristics that also aid in hair development and conditions of the skin that specifically impact the scalp. It has daily use and exhibits favorable benefits on both the skin and the hair. Regular use results in thick, lustrous, and long hair. Black cardamom-based Ayurveda hair care products are one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for hair fall. It is also the most effective treatment for getting rid of dandruff.

8. For Mental Health - This herb aids in maintaining calm and has antidepressant properties that improve and fortify mental health. It aids in the patient's recovery from stressful situations and promotes both mental and physical wellness.

9. Reduces Pain - Black cardamom has anti-inflammatory qualities that reduce several types of congestion, relieve pain, and help a person stay calm and healthy.

Conclusion

Black cardamom, which has a variety of health benefits including the ability to stimulate gastric juices, clear the respiratory tract, act as an expectorant, and have anti-emetic properties, has been used traditionally by our mothers to support our health and maintain our digestive systems. It contributes to the aroma and flavor of many dishes as an essential element. Consuming black cardamom can therefore have excellent results.