Botanical Overview
Aframomum melegueta belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is commonly known as Grains of Paradise, Melegueta pepper, Guinea pepper, and Alligator pepper. It is native to West Africa, where its seeds are harvested and used medicinally and as a spice.
Energetics
This plant is considered warming and drying with a pungent and bitter taste. It has an ascending and outward directionality and is tonifying in nature, primarily affecting the body’s qi.
Primary Actions
- Carminative
- Stimulant
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive aid
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Cough
- Runny nose
Syndromes
- Digestive insufficiency
- Common cold
- Bronchitis
TCM
No well-documented indications in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ayurveda
- Poor digestion
- Loss of appetite
- Coldness in the stomach
Syndromes
- Agni mandya (low digestive fire)
- Vata imbalance
Unani
- Cold stomach
- Flatulence
- Respiratory congestion
Syndromes
- Soda-e-Miyaq (cold indigestion)
- Sada-e-Sudah (phlegmatic conditions)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The seeds contain essential oils, gingerols, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids contributing to their stimulant, antimicrobial, and digestive properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered seed: 0.5–2 g daily
- Infusion of seeds: 1–3 g 2–3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol: 2–5 mL 1–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used in culinary amounts. High doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Use cautiously during pregnancy and lactation due to lack of well-established safety data. Avoid if hypersensitive to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Potential interactions include anticoagulants and antihypertensive medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers found for this plant.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future: Aframomum melegueta
- World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, 1999
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 2001
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2023