Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices in the world. It is a staple in Indian, Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine. Did you know that cardamom has been used for medicinal purposes since long before our era? Today, a little forgotten in our natural pharmacies, it is more commonly used in cooking to flavor dishes. Through this article, we invite you to take a new look at cardamom and its benefits for a natural health and well-being.
Présentation botanique de la cardamome
The cardamom, Elettaria Cardamomum by its botanical name, is a large herbaceous plant of the Zingiberaceae family native to southern India. Today, it is cultivated almost everywhere in the tropics and especially in Southeast Asia and Central America.
The dark, fragrant seeds are contained in a capsule that is the fruit from the flowers of the plant. These flowers can be white, pink and blue.
The seeds contain an essential oil rich in camphor, borneol, pinene and carvone.
Les bienfaits de la cardamome à travers l'Histoire
The Egyptians and Greeks were already using cardamom to make perfumes. In addition, the use of these seeds can also be found in the traditional and millennial Indian medicine, Ayurveda, to relieve digestive disorders, asthma and bronchitis. In China, it was credited with benefits against stomach ailments.
In the Middle Ages, cardamom was recognized as a stomachic and then in the Renaissance, as a diuretic.
Les propriétés thérapeutiques de la cardamome aujourd'hui reconnues
Today, it is believed to have carminative virtues, i.e. it facilitates the expulsion of gas contained in the intestines. It also facilitates digestion, calms dyspepsia of nervous origin, ulcers, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea and colic. It regulates gastric secretions, calms digestive spasms and promotes the proliferation of good intestinal bacteria.
Finally, chewing cardamom seeds freshens breath.
La cardamome, une épice reminéralisante
The cardamom contains:
Calcium in notable amounts: Ca plays a role in building and maintaining bone mass, regulates the nervous system and heart rate.
Magnesium: The Mg regulates the nervous system, participates in the proper functioning of muscles and reduces the risk of muscle cramps and aches. It also protects against the harms of stress, which is a major consumer of magnesium.
Zinc: Zn is an ally of the immune system and fertility. It also helps the pancreas function properly and promotes cell renewal.
Vitamins B2 and B6 which stimulate brain function and act as a co-factor in the proper absorption of minerals and trace elements.
Utilisation de la cardamome
The use of cardamom is mainly internal. It is used as a tincture or infusion of the seeds in proportions of 30 g per liter.
In case of digestive sluggishness, drink a cup before a meal or introduce cardamom seeds into your culinary preparation.
However, there is essential oil of cardamom which can be used orally (in a dish, never pure) or diluted in a little vegetable oil to be applied in massage on painful and inflammatory areas of type: rheumatism, muscle contractions, dental infections ... Thanks to its analgesic properties, it calms the pains.
Choisir de la cardamome de qualité et éthique
To take advantage of its gustatory and therapeutic virtues, it is essential to be careful in the choice of cardamom. In order to avoid any risk of pollution by contamination, it is preferable to turn to the BIO labels especially since ecological certifications are also a guarantee of ethical values especially for the working conditions and remuneration of the growers and pickers.
Utiliser la cardamome en cuisine-santé
To take advantage of both its health and taste benefits, here are some assortment ideas. The cardamom fits wonderfully in Indian and Asian cuisine but also in gingerbread, Turkish coffee and spiced teas. It pairs with white meats, vegetables and enhances the taste of fruits. The cardamom pairs very well with turmeric, ginger and lime.