Product of India.
Green Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum, or 'elaichi' in Hindi) has been in use for at least 4,000 years as a medicine, perfume, breath freshener, preservative and flavouring.
It is related to ginger and can be used in much the same way medicinally.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Traditionally used for:
- combating nausea
- aiding digestion
- easing congestion
- relieving gas, acidity, heartburn, bad breath, bloating
- helping eliminate waste through the kidneys
In chai:
We use cardamom for its incredible fragrance and flavour, but also as a powerful decongestant to counteract the mucous-forming properties of milk in Masala Chai.
See also THE SPICE CABINET