Cardamom, a spice much loved in Arab countries and in the East, has numerous therapeutic properties widely used, through herbal teas, decoctions and infusions, for the treatment of colds, sore throats and for the well-being of the intestine.
Cardamom is a spice that is obtained from the Elitaria cardamom , very common in oriental and Arab cuisine, but now widely spread also in Europe.
Already known in the past for its therapeutic properties , it has always been used as a cure for colds and coughs, but also for stomach aches. Let’s discover two recipes of herbal teas and infusions useful precisely for the treatment of these different pathologies.
Description of the cardamom plant
The term cardamom indicates a group of different spices, often confused with each other .
- True cardamom is the green cardamom that comes from Elettaria cardamomum , a tropical plant of the Zingiberaceae family. It has a very intense flavor and is quite expensive.
- Ceylon cardamom, on the other hand, is obtained from Elettaria repens , a plant widespread in Sri Lanka.
- Black cardamom is the most common and cheapest spice, obtained from Amonum subulatum , it has a more bitterish taste and is reminiscent of mint.
- Finally there are the Amomum costatum , a cardamom widespread in China and Vietnam, and the cardamom of Siam, Amomum compact , known in Thailand and Burma.
Use and properties of cardamom
Cardamom has always been used in Ayurvedic medicine not only for the treatment of coughs and colds, but also for problems with the urinary system and for hemorrhoids, while in traditional Chinese medicine it has been used against stomach pain and dysentery.
In India, however, cardamom is an excellent natural remedy for dental care and gum inflammation. Finally, it seems that cardamom is an effective antidote against the venom of snakes and scorpions.
Cardamom herbal tea for the intestines
Ingredients for 2 people
> 2 tablespoons of cardamom seeds ;
> 2 teaspoons of honey or brown sugar.
Preparation
Boil the cardamom seeds in water for 5 minutes. After this time, turn off the flame and let the herbal tea rest for another 5 minutes. Sweeten and drink.
Cardamom tea for colds
Place 1 tablespoon of cardamom seeds in a cup of water, previously brought to the boil, and leave to rest for at least 10 minutes. After this time, use the infusion to gargle.
By increasing the doses, it is possible to use the same infusion also to make fumigation, taking care to filter the liquid first to eliminate the residues of the seeds.