This seasoning received honor and respect back in the 5th century BC. e. in India, where it grows. Today I would like to talk about cardamom, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are well known to traditional Indian medicine - Ayurveda. This plant from the ginger family loves a humid climate, is grown in the Indian southern forests, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Burma. As noted, in India, cardamom was not only used as a seasoning, but also sold as a cure for stomach ailments. The recipe for this drug was kept secret and passed down by hereditary healers. Nowadays, Arab countries are considered the leader in the consumption of this spice, adding cardamom to coffee. A similar fragrant refreshing drink, sweetish with a hint of Arabs, symbolizes traditions and local hospitality.
Cardamom. Useful properties andcontraindications
Refreshing ginger and slightly spicy taste is given to cardamom by essential oils included in its composition (more than 8%). Of the features of the chemical composition, one can single out the presence of vitamins A and B in the plant, as well as a rather diverse amount of trace elements: sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and niacin.
Cardamom treatment
Cardamom has long been considered an excellent antiseptic. The Chinese chewed it to eliminate bad breath, used it for headaches, and the Indians treated it with colds and disorders of the nervous system. In modern folk medicine, this useful seasoning is also not underestimated. So, cardamom will help with the following problems:
- Essential oils have played an important role, so cardamom is good for respiratory diseases (bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia). For flu and sore throat, you can gargle with tincture and cardamom with cinnamon.
- If we talk about the essential oil of cardomom, then you can add it just a couple of drops in wine or tea; you can also do inhalations and therapeutic baths with this oil. According to Ayurveda, the aroma of cardamom and the seasoning itself will sharpen the mind, relieve excessive tension, and restore strength. Similar to ginger, cardamom has a great warming effect as it improves blood circulation.
- In addition to the interesting properties of this seasoning, we can say that cardamom has a good effect on the heart and lungs, fights flatulence and alleviates pain, improves memory. Cardamom normalizesblood pressure and is a good natural aphrodisiac, but the main thing here is not to overdo it and check your body's reaction to cardamom.
Useful properties and contraindications are closely interconnected with this seasoning and its excessive addition, for example, to food, can make it even worse. Loss of sexual activity is possible, and ulcers and allergies can cause exacerbations, so if you are trying exotic spices for the first time, it is better to consult a nutritionist, after all, spices are a very delicate matter and not suitable for everyone.
Cardamom. Recipes
The aroma of this spice is simply amazing! It is usually added to pastries, various desserts (Arabian sweets), tea, coffee and other drinks. Perfect combination of cardamom with baked fruit and other seasonings. So, cardamom is also good for weight loss. The drink, combined with cinnamon, lowers sugar levels, and cardamom and pepper will burn extra calories. If you eat tsp. seeds with honey, you can restore vision and improve immunity. Cardamom can be made into a wonderful drink with the addition of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and pepper. These spices will have a beneficial effect on the entire body! Oh! This miracle cardamom. Useful properties and contraindications now you know, it remains to try this ancient panacea for yourself!
