Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, India, and Nepal. Traditionally, its fruits, seeds, and leaves have been used for infusions, culinary uses, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its carminative, antispasmodic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Cardamom
Scientific Name	Elettaria cardamomum
Plant Family	Zingiberaceae
Genus	Elettaria
Species	cardamomum
Native Range	Southeast Asia, India, Nepal
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Seeds, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Antispasmodic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Culinary Use, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Common Name: Cardamom
Synonyms / Alternative Names: True Cardamom, Elettaria, Java Cardamom
Plant Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Elettaria

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface lighter green, bearing prominent stomatal bands.
Stems: Cylindrical, herbaceous, erect growth habit with nodes, opposite branching, glabrous surface, and presence of longitudinal ridges.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Culinary Use
Powder
Decoction

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: Traditionally described as a cooling carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a calming antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a mild tonic, in whole-system applications.
Expectorant: Historically regarded as a moderate expectorant, for breathing-focused uses.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Terpenoid: Plant-produced compounds commonly found in essential oils and resins.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Culinary Use: A preparation involving the use of plant parts in cooking or food production.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.