Cardamom seeds.
Cardamom is used primarily in Middle Eastern and Indian cultures. It is popular in the traditional Indian system of medicine, known as Ayurveda. According to Planetary Apothecary author and nutritionist Stephanie Gailing, there are two types of cardamom--green and black. Cardamom is most often used in seed or powder form. The benefits of cardamom are, most notably, in the health and culinary realms.
Digestion
As the UCLA Biomedical Library notes, cardamom is used as a digestive aid. Gailing notes that both the green and black varieties of cardamom are used to relieve indigestion and gas. Dr. Robert E. Svoboda claims, in his book "Ayurveda: Life, Health and Longevity," that cardamom combats acidity, which prompts Middle Easterners to put it in coffee. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) doctors suggest drinking tea that contains cardamom to prevent roundworms, a parasite that infiltrates the intestines.
Other Health Ailments
Dr. Svoboda contends that cardamom can remedy piles, urinary issues, heart problems, cough and asthma, though this is based primarily on traditional notions. Gailing advises chewing on cardamom seeds to alleviate bad breath. UCLA adds colds, fevers, bronchitis and liver problems to the list of ailments cardamom is used to relieve, though it notes that no scientific evidence exists to support these applications.
Culinary Benefits
Some curry powders contain cardamom.
Cardamom is often an ingredient in curry powder. Its strong aroma and pungent flavor is noticeable in many Indian and Middle Eastern Desserts as well as chai tea, according to Gailing. Gailing suggests adding cardamom to ground coffee prior to brewing to enjoy a "modified" cup of Arabic coffee. As a digestive aid, she advises simmering 1.5 tsp. of cardamom seeds in water for about 10 minutes. Combine with 2 tsp. of lemon or orange juice and honey, and drink. Similarly, cardamom can be added to warm milk alongside spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves to make a soothing beverage.
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