Zingiberaceae
Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Southern India, Sri Lanka
Also known as: True Cardamom, Green Cardamom, Ela
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
SeedFruit
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive complaints (dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea), IBS, respiratory catarrh, coffee and tea digestive aid, oral hygiene (antimicrobial), depression (traditional), cardiovascular support.
Herbal Actions
Carminative, antispasmodic, stomachic, expectorant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (1,8-cineole 35–45%, α-terpinyl acetate 30–40%, linalool), flavonoids, fixed oils, starch
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 3–4 crushed pods per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily after meals |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Crush pods immediately before use — aroma indicates fresh volatile oils. Traditional in Ayurveda: cardamom milk with honey for digestive and respiratory conditions. Add to coffee to reduce stimulant side effects. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Gallstones — may worsen (stimulates bile). Essential oil not for infants. Otherwise very safe.
Side Effects: Rare — extremely safe culinary herb. Allergic reactions possible. GI discomfort at very high doses.