Green cardamom is used in differentiated ways in different parts of the world. In Germany, it is considered a classic Christmas spice for gingerbread and mulled wine. Yet cardamom is more versatile than most people realize: it is also suitable as a natural remedy.
Occurrence and cultivation of green cardamom.
Externally, the plant resembles an herb. To use the capsule fruits, they are harvested just before they ripen. Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices in the world, accompanied by saffron and vanilla. The plant is a member of the ginger family. In most cases, the seeds are used to soothe ailments or to flavor certain dishes. However, ingesting the capsule fruit of the plant is not uncommon either. Originally, the plant comes from Sri Lanka, southern India and Iraq. However, the plant is now cultivated elsewhere, with Guatemala and Madagascar, for example, being involved in the export of green cardamom. The plant itself is usually between two to three meters high. In exceptional cases, it reaches a size of five meters. Externally, the plant resembles an herb. To use the capsule fruits are harvested immediately before they ripen. Green cardamom is reminiscent of black cardamom. The biggest difference between the two species lies in their different uses in cooking. Green cardamom is considered sweet and pungent. It can be purchased in the form of powder or capsules. The capsules are considered more aromatic in the long run.
Effect and use
The starting point of the healing effect of green cardamom is its essential oils. These have a positive effect on the digestive tract. In this way, complaints such as flatulence, nausea and constipation can be reduced. The relief of digestive problems are based on the stimulation of the production of bile, saliva and gastric juice. These play a crucial role in the digestion and decomposition of food. Bile disorders can lead to abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. Once sufficient fluids are present, the body can better handle fatty foods so that they no longer cause discomfort. Increased gas formation is reduced, and existing flatulence becomes less noticeable. In the context of digestion, green cardamom also helps to stimulate a weak appetite. In ancient times, the dishes at festivals are said to have intentionally contained large quantities of green cardamom. Thus, on the one hand, the taste of the spice was exploited, and on the other hand, the ingested food was easier to digest and did not lead to various ailments. The cineol of the plant is used in respiratory diseases. It has an expectorant effect and is also found in eucalyptus. Clogged sinuses are cleared by the application and swollen mucous membranes can decongest. Green cardamom can be ingested in a variety of ways. As a spice, it is suitable for sweet dishes such as cookies, desserts and ice cream. Coffee and tea get a pleasant note by adding green cardamom. On the one hand, mixtures with the components of the plant already exist. On the other hand, they can be added to coffee and tea on their own. A pure tea from green cardamom is rather unusual. Especially in India, the spice is added to a chai tea. In addition, the fruit capsules of green cardamom can be chewed. In the Christmas season, the spice is suitable to give mulled wine a certain flavor. For this, a teaspoon of the cardamom is added to the rest of the ingredients. Then the wine is boiled as usual and left to infuse for a few minutes. It is consumed while warm.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Cardamom can help maintain or improve health in several ways. Thus, it is used for colds, asthma, cramps, digestive problems and bad breath. In some countries, the spice is also considered aphrodisiac and is used accordingly. Those who regularly suffer from urinary tract infections can also benefit from green cardamom. It has a diuretic effect on the bladder, flushing out any bacteria more quickly and preventing inflammation. The antispasmodic property is suitable for menstrual cramps, for example. At the same time, the plant is said to provide relief from bad breath.In some countries, the seeds of green cardamom are chewed after dishes that contained garlic. Thus, the green cardamom is not only an aromatic spice for various dishes. It is also capable of alleviating health complaints. Unpleasant phenomena and side effects usually do not occur through the use of green cardamom. Thus, the spice can be relevant in terms of health for prophylaxis and treatment of minor ailments. Most of the properties of the plant have been used for centuries in different peoples. For example, ancient Egyptians are said to have chewed on the seeds of green cardamom to clean their teeth. In ancient times, evidence in Mediterranean areas suggests that the spice was used here for better digestion. Green cardamom, including its medicinal uses, reached Europe about 1200 years ago. Until today, most people do not know that the seeds not only flavor sweet dishes from the Christmas season, but also carry health benefits. To preserve the aroma and effect, the seeds should be stored in a dark, dry place. Because the flavor of the powder fades quickly, buying seeds and capsules is usually more efficient.
