Cardamon isn’t a new spice as its been used in Ayurvedic medicine for 5000 years. This spice comes from an evergreen tree, is native to India, and is a member of the ginger family. It has an abundance of health promoting oils, vitamins and minerals in it. Cardamon has been used to help everything from digestive problems to infections to aphrodisiacs. Check out the health benefits and add a little of this citrusy peppery spice to your life.

Benefits of adding Cardamon to your diet

1. Helps digestion
2. Lowers blood pressure
3. Helpful for urinary track health
4. Relieves muscle spasms
5. Relieves heartburn
6. Anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory
7. Helpful for colds, coughs and Bronchitis
8. Cancer fighter
9. Helpful for liver and gallbladder problems
10. Detoxifies the body

Cardamon has stomachic, tonic and antispasmodic qualities that help calm and heal the digestive tract, relieve muscles spasms, and improve heartburn. Cardamon also has diuretic and expectorant properties, these help with urinary tract issues, high blood pressure and bronchitis. Along with these abilities cardamon also has beneficial vitamins and minerals. It is high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin-C all necessary for optimal health and well being. We are most familiar with the taste of cardamom in Indian food. Cardamon comes in both green and black varieties. The green version is most commonly used and it comes in either pod form or ground.

How to add Cardamom to your life

• Add to food

Cardamom has a very fragrant taste. It works well with curry, stews, fresh fruit, chocolate and baked goods. It can also be added to simple breakfast foods such as oatmeal.

• Add to beverages

In India masala tea is a common hot beverage that uses cardamom and black tea. This spice helps neutralize acid and can be brewed with black tea, green tea or coffee. Try adding it to a smoothie or other cold drink. Cardamom mixes well with coconut and almond milk.

• Use for Colds

To take advantage of this spices cold fighting abilities try brewing cardamom and green tea. Here’s how. Crush 10-15 seeds (1/2 tsp ground). Mix with three cups of water. Add two green tea bags (can be omitted). Simmer mix uncovered on low for 30 minutes. Strain mix and enjoy.

• Use for stress relief

Cardamom also comes in essential oil form. A few drops can be added to an ounce of carrier oil such as coconut, almond or jojoba oil and used for massage. This mix can be rubbed onto achy muscles and joints. A few drops of cardamom can also be added to an ounce of water, placed in a spray bottle and used as a room spray to combat stress and depression. Add a bit of this versatile spice to your diet and take advantage of its helpful healing properties.