Cardamom

Properties

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Dosage

0.5-1 gm(s), 250-500 mg

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Katu (pungent), Madhura (sweet)
• Virya: Sheeta (cold)
• Vipaka: Madhura (sweet)

Benefits

• Clinical trials suggest that cardamom supplementation can improve certain health parameters
• A randomized controlled trial (PMID: 28480505) found that cardamom improved inflammation and oxidative stress markers in pre-diabetic women
• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Rochana (improves taste)

Traditional uses

• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: neutral

Preparation methods

• Chyawanprash: Standard preparation as per API.
• Trikatu blends: Standard preparation as per API.
• Herbal teas: Standard preparation as per API.
• Warm water with honey: Standard preparation as per API.
• Spice mixes (masalas): Standard preparation as per API.
• Desserts (e.g., Shrikhand): Standard preparation as per API.
• Beverages (e.g., Chai): Standard preparation as per API.

Contraindications

• Individuals with known allergies to cardamom or related plants
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to limited safety data)
• People taking medications metabolized by the liver
• People with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast or ovarian cancer
• People with diverticulitis

Side effects

• May cause allergic reactions (itching, rash, hives, or swelling). May cause gastrointestinal discomfort (heartburn, stomach upset, or diarrhea). May affect blood sugar levels. Use with caution before surgery. Cardamom essential oil should not be given to children under 6 years. May increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that also increase the risk of bleeding.

Interactions

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin
• Anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Antidiabetic drugs
• Medications metabolized by the liver (e.g., carbamazepine, cyclosporin, irinotecan, midazolam, nifedipine, birth control pills, simvastatin, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, warfarin, or HIV drugs)
• Antispasmodic drugs or muscarinic agents

Clinical evidence

Clinical trials suggest that cardamom supplementation can improve certain health parameters. A randomized controlled trial (PMID: 28480505) found that cardamom improved inflammation and oxidative stress markers in pre-diabetic women. A meta-analysis (PMID: 36181264) indicated that green cardamom could reduce diastolic blood pressure and inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. These findings suggest potential benefits of cardamom for managing inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood pressure, particularly in individuals with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Rochana (improves taste)
• Hrudaya (cardiac tonic)
• Vatahara (balances Vata)
• Kapha hara (balances Kapha)
• Pittahara (balances Pitta)
• Antiemetic
• Carminative
• Diuretic
• Antispasmodic
• Expectorant
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory

Classical clinical indications

• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Cold
• Congestion
• Asthma
• Headache
• Stress
• Hypertension
• Dysuria
• IBS
• Sore throat
• Heartburn
• Respiratory inflammation
• Genitourinary infections
• Fatigue

Frequently asked questions