Cardamom

Cardamom is an herb that is often used as a spice in foods. The seeds and the oil from the seeds are sometimes used to make medicine. Cardamom contains chemicals that might kill some bacteria, reduce swelling, and help the immune system.

Cardamom is used for digestion problems including heartburn, intestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal gas, constipation, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. It is also used for common cold, cough, bronchitis, sore mouth and throat, and tendency toward infection.

Apart from its distinctive flavour, cardamom contains high levels of antioxidants, and it is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat urinary tract disorders and to lower blood sugar levels. It is also frequently incorporated as an ingredient in homeopathic toothpaste for its antibacterial and breath-freshening qualities.