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All about cardamom cures

The queen of spices, cardamom has many medicinal properties

FRAGRANT SPICE Many uses of cardamom

Cardamom is the queen of spices. Its spice value depends on the volatile oils present in the seeds. The essential oil of cardamom is used for pharmaceutical purposes, perfumery, and flavouring. It is also used in the preparation of tincture and as a stimulant. Cardamom is a carminative.

Uses

The seeds have a pleasant aroma and a characteristic pungent taste. They are used as a spice and in medicine. They are the common ingredients of curry powders, cakes, bakery products, and sweets. It is also used for flavouring teas, coffees, and liquors. The chewing of cardamom masks bad breathes and prevents dental decay. Cardamom oil is used in medicine and in flavouring beverages.

Home remedies

These remedies are not scientifically proved but are the oldest and the most natural form of natural therapy.

Tinctures of cardamom are used chiefly in medicines to relieve flatulence and for strengthening digestive activities.

Cardamom tea gives a pleasing aroma and is as a remedy for depression and headache caused by indigestion. Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion. It helps to stop vomiting, belching and acid regurgitation.

It can be used in the treatment of colds and coughs as well as bronchitis. Gargling with an infusion of cardamom and cinnamon cure pharyngitis, sore throat and hoarseness during the infective stage of influenza.

An infusion made by boiling a couple of pounded cardamom in a cup of water along with five leaves of mint is useful in relieving hiccups.

The herb is useful in sexual dysfunction like impotency. A pinch of powdered cardamom seeds boiled in milk and sweetened with honey every night is claimed to yield excellent results.

MUMTAZ KHALID ISMAIL

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