Botanical Overview
Elettaria cardamomum is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, commonly known as cardamom, green cardamom, or true cardamom. The plant is native to South and Southeast Asia and parts of East Africa. The medicinally used parts are mainly the seeds, fruit, and pods.
Energetics
Cardamom is warming in temperature with drying moisture qualities. It has a complex taste profile including bitter, pungent, and sweet notes. Energetically, it is ascending and outward in directionality and tonifying in nature, affecting primarily the qi aspect of the body.
Primary Actions
- Carminative
- Digestive stimulant
- Expectorant
- Antimicrobial
- Diuretic
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Urinary tract infections
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Respiratory congestion
- Urinary stagnation
TCM
- Epigastric pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cold limbs
Syndromes
- Spleen Yang deficiency
- Stomach cold
Ayurveda
- Gastric disorders
- Bad breath
- Cough
- Cold
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance
- Kapha disorders
Unani
- Digestive weakness
- Respiratory issues
Syndromes
- Cold dystemperament of stomach
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include 1,8-cineole, alpha-terpineol, camphor, cineol, limonene, linalool, and terpinyl acetate, contributing to its antimicrobial, carminative, and expectorant actions.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powder 1-3 g taken 1-2 times daily
- Essential oil 0.1-0.3 mL diluted
- Infusion of 1-2 g taken 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Cardamom is generally safe in culinary amounts. High doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Use cautiously in patients with gallstones or bile duct obstruction. Limited data on safety in pregnancy; traditionally used sparingly. Possible interaction with anticoagulants exists.
Astrological Correspondences
Cardamom is linked to the planetary ruler Jupiter and elemental rulers Air and Fire, reflecting its expansive and warming properties.
Selected References
- Elettaria cardamomum – Plants For A Future Database
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Vol. 3 (2007)
- Clinical Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine by C.P. Khare (2007)
- Materia Medica of Ayurveda and Unani by K.H. Muhammad (2004)
- Dictionary of Medical Astrology by Patricia Kyritsi Howell (2008)