Small green cardamom, known as the 'Queen of Spices' in Indian kitchen, is commonly used to enhance the taste of sweets, make tea aromatic or as a mouth freshener after meals. Often people chew the cardamom that comes with the bill in a restaurant or immediately after having food at home just to keep the breath fresh. But do you know that this little cardamom is not just a source of fragrance, but is also considered a powerful medicine in both Ayurveda and modern medical science? According to nutritionists and wellness experts, if 1 to 2 green cardamoms are chewed and eaten regularly in the right manner, it can provide many miraculous benefits ranging from chronic stomach diseases to heart health. Green cardamom, a natural panacea for stomach gas, acidity and indigestion, contains many essential oils like 'Cineole', Limonene and Terpene. When you chew cardamom with your teeth, these oils rapidly activate the salivary glands. Secretion of digestive juices: Chewing cardamom increases the production of digestive enzymes in the stomach, due to which even heavy and oily food gets easily digested. Relief from acidity and heartburn: Its natural cooling properties soothe excess stomach acid. For those people who suffer from sour belching, bloating or stomach cramps after eating, chewing a green cardamom 10 minutes after food has a faster effect than any antacid medicine. Elimination of harmful bacteria in the mouth and stronger gums: There is a deep scientific reason behind using fennel and cardamom as mouth fresheners. Cardamom not only suppresses bad breath with its strong fragrance, but it also attacks the root of the bad smell. According to research, green cardamom extract has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. It kills harmful bacteria like 'Streptococcus mutans' found in the mouth, which are the main causes of diseases like tooth decay, bleeding gums and pyorrhea. Chewing one cardamom daily keeps the pH level of saliva balanced and the breath remains naturally fresh throughout the day. A protective shield for high blood pressure and heart health: Consumption of green cardamom proves to be very beneficial for people suffering from hypertension. Natural Diuretic: Cardamom works as a natural diuretic in the body. It removes excess sodium (salt) and toxins accumulated in the body through urine, which reduces the pressure on the blood vessels and helps in maintaining normal blood pressure. Abundance of antioxidants: The polyphenols and antioxidants present in it reduce the risk of blood clots and maintain smooth blood flow in the veins, which does not put additional burden on the heart. Helpful in detoxifying the lungs and opening the respiratory tubes, cardamom has no match in providing relief from phlegm, cough or mild symptoms of asthma in times of pollution and seasonal changes. In Ayurveda, cardamom is considered a 'cough suppressant'. The anti-inflammatory properties present in cardamom reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and facilitate the circulation of oxygen to the lungs. It helps in melting the mucus and expelling it, thereby relieving chest congestion. For people who smoke cigarettes or live in highly polluted cities, chewing cardamom is a simple home remedy to clear the lungs of toxins. To remove internal toxins from the body and boost metabolism, the liver and kidneys have to work continuously to remove harmful elements (free radicals) from the body. The detoxifying agents present in cardamom increase enzyme activity in the liver, thereby preventing excess fat accumulation in the liver. Apart from this, regular consumption of cardamom keeps the metabolic rate healthy, which keeps the body away from lethargy and also speeds up the fat burning process. Right way and time to consume green cardamom: To get the full medicinal benefits of cardamom, it is important to eat it at the right time: After lunch and dinner: 10 to 15 minutes after lunch or dinner, put a green cardamom in your mouth and chew it slowly and swallow its juice. Its peel can also be chewed and eaten. With lukewarm water before sleeping at night: If you have the problem of constipation or inability to empty your stomach in the morning, then chew a cardamom thoroughly and drink a glass of lukewarm water before sleeping at night. Be careful of quantity: Too much of anything can be harmful. Consuming 1 to 2 green cardamoms a day is completely sufficient and safe. People suffering from excess bile or gall bladder stones should avoid consuming excessive amounts of cardamom.
