Elaichi – Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Elaichi, also called cardamom, is a spice. It comes from the seedpods of various plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family.

These seedpods are native to countries like Indonesia and India. The major countries, which cultivate Elaichi, also include Tanzania, Sri Lanka.

These countries have emerged in recent years as major cultivators of Elaichi. Elaichi pods have a paper-like texture. They are spindle-shaped, having a triangular cross-section.

The pods have many seeds inside once opened, which are black. The pods themselves are in various colors and sizes, depending on the species. Elaichi has a strong, sweet flavor, which is almost mint-like.

It is very flavorful and used in Indian, Arabic, and Middle Eastern Cuisine. Countries like Sweden add this exquisite spice to both their sweet and savory dishes.

The black, round seeds of Elaichi contain many medical properties. That is why people have made use of them since early times.

Asian cultures use this spice for natural remedies in the past. But in the present era, the use of Elaichi is worldwide.

Health Benefits of Elaichi

Apart from being an ingredient in various dishes, Elaichi has many benefits to the human body as well.

The seeds of Elaichi contain several antioxidants, as well as many minerals. These minerals and antioxidants aid in curing some health problems organically.

• Healing Properties: Besides its aromatic properties, Elaichi has healing properties. That makes its use as an herbal medicine very common.

• Antioxidant: Elaichi is a natural remedy for cough and cold. One of the two types of Elaichi, black Elaichi, has the presence of oxidants. These oxidants make Elaichi a natural healer of cough. It also helps to deal with problems relating to the respiratory system.

• Digestive aid: Being a carminative spice, Elaichi can speed up the digestion process. The consumption of Elaichi after a meal helps with digestion. Several Asian cultures make use of this property and include Elaichi as a supplement in their desserts.

• Antimicrobial: Elaichi is one of the few spices with antimicrobial properties. This property of Elaichi makes it useful in killing bacteria as well as fungi when used in the form of oil. Research shows that because of this property, medicines of Elaichi oil are very common.

• Aromatic: Due to its strong aroma, Elaichi helps in the elimination of bad breath. Its aroma and antimicrobial properties work together to make a natural breath freshener.

• Regulator of blood cholesterol: According to a report, the best heart experts make use of black cardamom in their diet. Additionally, Elaichi also contains Fiber. Fiber is a nutrient, which can help lower blood cholesterol levels.

• Antidepressant: Elaichi is beneficial as an organic stress reliever. The oil of Elaichi, used as an essential oil in aromatherapy. This essential oil also contains anti-depressant properties.

Medical Uses of Elaichi

1. Asthma

Elaichi is a natural respiratory problem healer. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, it plays an essential role in soothing the mucus membrane of the lungs.

Elaichi is also a good, natural cure to problems like coughing and wheezing. Because of its strong taste, Elaichi also enhances the circulation of blood. That makes it easier to breathe.

2. Urinary Disorders

In many countries, Elaichi acts as an aid in curing urinary tract infections. It is also a remedy to cure kidney disorders such as bleeding, cystitis, and even gonorrhea.

Aside from curing urinary disorders, Elaichi contains Magnesium in ample amounts. The presence of magnesium in this spice is an adequate way to prevent diabetes.

3. Sexual Health

Elaichi or cardamom is a cineole rich spice. The presence of Cineole in Elaichi makes it a natural aphrodisiac.

The use of Elaichi in crushed form can stimulate the nerves and induce passion.

Apart from being an aphrodisiac, it also aids in the cure of impotence, which is a problem many men go through.

4. Appetite

A study done in Poland revealed that Elaichi increases appetite. For a natural cure to a lack of appetite, Elaichi oil is a good appetite stimulant.

Histoplasmosis is a condition, and one of the symptoms is a lack of appetite. Elaichi is an aid for the treatment of this condition as well.

5. Cancer

Elaichi is rich in antioxidants. It has the potential to aid in the organic cure of cancer.

Many studies show that Elaichi is a natural inhibitor of cancer formation. Elaichi has the potential to reduce the growth of cancer.

It encourages the inhibition of the growth of cancer cells. Thus causing their death.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

The use of Elaichi cures nausea. Research showed that the use of Elaichi oil in aromatherapy reduces the urge to vomit.

This effect is beneficial in patients on chemotherapy. Another study also showed that Elaichi powder reduces severe levels of nausea.

That was a result of the observation done on pregnant women.

7. Body Detoxification

Metabolic activities in the body induce the release of toxins. These toxins, if not flushed out, can cause many health problems.

Such as cancer and even kidney stones. Elaichi is a natural detoxifier of body toxins. It aids in flushing out harmful toxins from the body.

Side Effects of Elaichi

• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should be cautious about cardamom they consume. Consumption of large amounts of cardamom may cause miscarriages.

• Breast-feeding women: Such should not consume Elaichi in large amounts, although there is not enough evidence to support this.

• History of Gallstones: The overconsumption of Elaichi by patients of gallstones may cause problems. Elaichi seeds trigger spasmodic pain.

• Allergic Reactions: The consumption of Elaichi can have allergic reactions. These include breathing difficulties, swelling, and discomfort of the chest.

Anyone who has health problems should consult their doctor before consuming Elaichi.

Conclusion

In ancient history, Elaichi is a famous organic spice containing many health benefits.

Most Asian countries add this spice into medicines for natural remedies. The seeds of Elaichi are more beneficial than the coating itself.

There are few side effects of over-consuming Elaichi. Pregnant women should avoid eating Elaichi as it may interfere with lactation. Also, Green Elaichi possesses more benefits than its sister, Black Elaichi.