The Health Benefits of Cardamom

Written by Colleen Williams. Scientifically reviewed by Alexandra Sartori, MS Nutrition Science.

Known as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom has been one of the most sought-after botanicals for thousands of years. A member of the ginger family, this perennial bush produces green shoots at its base, which are picked, dried, and harvested for the contents of the pods – intensely aromatic seeds that have a definitive cardamom scent.

Originating in the Western Ghats (also known as the Sahyadri), a mountain range in southwestern India, cardamom has traveled across continents and cultures. From ancient Ayurvedic medicine and Arab spice markets to Nordic baking traditions, it’s celebrated as a balancing and detoxifying spice with culinary prestige as well.

Botanical Overview

Botanical Name:Elettaria cardamomum

Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)

Common Names: English: Cardamom, Green Cardamom. South Asia: Elaichi / Elakkai / Yelakki. Middle East: Hil / Hael / Habb al-Hil. Europe: Cardamom, Kardamom, Cardamome. Southeast Asia: Kapulaga, Pelaga. Folklore English: Queen of Spices, True Cardamom, Grains of Paradise.

Location:, Produced in the following regions: Guatemala (the world’s largest producer of premium green cardamom), India (Originated and continues to be produced in southern India), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

What is Cardamom?

Cardamom is the seed pod of a tropical plant native to India and Sri Lanka, now cultivated across Southeast Asia and Central America. Its seeds contain aromatic essential oils—cineole, limonene, and linalool—which give the spice its floral, citrusy, and slightly minty scent. You might recognize its taste in chai tea, as it's one of the primary flavors.

Often used whole, ground, or infused, cardamom has been a cornerstone of wellness traditions for thousands of years—offering both flavor and function to every cup of tea or tonic.

History & Traditional Use

Cardamom’s story begins over 4,000 years ago in ancient India, where it was used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion, freshen breath, and uplift the spirit. Known as a tridoshic herb (balancing to all three doshas, the three fundamental energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), it was recommended to detoxify (ama), ease bloating, and help digestion after heavy meals.

As trade flourished along the Silk and Spice Routes, cardamom became a prized export of the East. The Greeks and Romans valued it as perfume and medicine; Arab traders wove it into coffee and sweets for its digestive comfort; and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it was used to “transform dampness,” supporting digestion, circulation, and warmth.

Throughout multiple cultures, cardamom promotes a feeling of harmony. Its sweet, pungent, and gently warming taste helps balance the intake of rich foods, promoting digestive comfort.

The Health Benefits of Cardamom

1. Digestive Support

Cardamom has been used for stimulating digestive enzymes and bile flow, helping the body break down food efficiently while easing gas, bloating, and indigestion. In both Ayurveda and TCM, it’s used to balance heavy meals and the resulting sluggishness, and studies in rats show that cardamom impacts metabolism as well.

It’s also been studied in surgical Caesarean patients who have had an epidural, determining its aromatherapy properties can help with intense nausea.

2. Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health

Cardamom has been examined for its effects on heart and metabolic wellness. Clinical studies show it may help reduce blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity in those with type II diabetes—making it a supportive spice for those managing metabolic imbalances.

3. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects

Cardamom is packed with antioxidant compounds (including limonene and linalool), which help calm inflammation throughout the body. Modern research in rats shows that cardamom may protect the liver through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, due to the limited number of studies, caution must be exercised when interpreting the current results.

4. Mood & Nervous System Support

For centuries, the aroma of cardamom has been used to steady the mind and lift the mood. Its therapeutic essential oils activate areas of the brain associated with calm focus and clarity, but the science behind its scent and use is more concrete:

The antioxidant compounds mentioned above have research to back up possibilities for mood and nervous system support: Linalool has been studied for its effects on depression and limonene for anti-anxiety. Cardamom has also been tested in rats for mental health benefits.

It may even have neuroprotective properties, according to a study, “From kitchen to clinic: Pharmacotherapeutic potential of common spices in Indian cooking in age-related neurological disorders.”

In Ayurveda, cardamom-infused milk or tea is a traditional evening drink to support relaxation and better sleep, and scientists have found that, in rats, cardamom supports sleep. With its naturally soothing warmth, cardamom helps the body unwind, making it a perfect botanical for evening elixirs and mindful rituals.

5. Respiratory Support

Cardamom’s essential oils have been used as “folk medicine” for natural decongestants and antimicrobials, helping open the lungs and support clear breathing. In traditional use, cardamom tea or steam inhalations were common during seasonal changes to alleviate stuffy noses and congestion. Studies today support the claim that cardamom assists in lung health, providing respiratory balance and comfort.

Cardamom in Rasāsvāda

In Rasāsvāda’s Black Ginger, cardamom plays both a sensory and functional role. Its sweet-spicy aroma bridges the earthy bitterness of burdock and dandelion with the warmth of ginger and angelica. This harmony of flavor mirrors its wellness purpose—balancing digestion, circulation, and vitality.

Flavor Profile: Aromatic, spicy, floral, and citrusy with a cooling aftertaste. It carries notes of clove, mint, cinnamon, and citrus peel.

Sourced From: Guatemala

At Rasāsvāda, we honor this ancient spice for its ability to bridge the sensory and the spiritual—bringing aromatic vitality and deep grounding to our blend, Black Ginger.

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Key Takeaways

Cardamom is both spice and solution; from digestion to detoxification, circulation to calm, its benefits can be enjoyed by fans of the taste and those looking for an herbal boost to their wellness routine. At Rasāsvāda, we honor this timeless botanical by weaving it into Black Ginger—a ritual of warmth, balance, and mindful indulgence.

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Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, having existing medical conditions, or taking medication.

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