Elaichi
Description:
Cardamom is native to India and Sri Lanka where it occurs in the wild. It has been introduced all over all over tropical Asia where it is cultivated.
The plant grows in a thick clump of up to 20 leafy shoots. It can reach a height of between 2 to almost 6 m.
Leaves - dark green, long and sword-shaped. The underside is paler and may have a covering of tiny hairs.
Flowers - on a long flowering stalk which can grow to more than 1 m long. They are both male and female and are pale green. One of the petals is white and streaked with violet.
The plant grows in a thick clump of up to 20 leafy shoots. It can reach a height of between 2 to almost 6 m.
Leaves - dark green, long and sword-shaped. The underside is paler and may have a covering of tiny hairs.
Flowers - on a long flowering stalk which can grow to more than 1 m long. They are both male and female and are pale green. One of the petals is white and streaked with violet.
Fruits - pale green to yellow and elongated oval-shape. Each fruit has 3 chambers filled with small aromatic seeds, each about 3 mm long. The fruits and seeds dry to a straw-brown colour and are widely used as flavouring.
Always try to buy black cardamom whole rather than in seed form as it begins to lose its potency and aroma when the skin is removed and seeds are stored without the skin. It is also preferable not to buy the powdered form if whole pods are available, for the same reason. When required for use as a powder, remove the skin and discard and then grind the seeds in a clean, dry coffee grinder and use immediately. Look for fragrant, well formed pods that are plump, firm, dry and about an inch in length.
Benefits of Elaichi
According to traditional wisdom of Ayurveda, cardamom is effective in improving digestion. It helps those suffering from stomach cramps. It is a good stimulant and beneficial for those suffering from flatulence and gas.
Cardamom helps treat Sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation and impotency can be easily remedied using the elaichi herb. Boiling the cardamom seeds in a mixture of honey and milk and then ingesting the concoction every night has been shown to yield superb results.
Cardamom also helps in cleansing the body as it has detoxifying properties. It is basically a warm spice and known to have originated from India. It improves blood circulation to the lungs and can be helpful in prevention of spasms or convulsions. Hence, cardamom in small quantities is beneficial for those suffering from asthma or bronchitis.
Cardamom enhances appetite and provides relief from acidity in the stomach. It is used in the cure of halitosis. It is beneficial for those suffering from various kinds of respiratory allergies. When you have sore throat, you can try out a little quantity of this medicinal spice.
Those suffering from nausea as well as excessive threat can also try out cardamom. Along with some other medicines, it can be used for treating mouth ulcers. It is known to be a good cure for weakness in general. Some practitioners of Ayurevda also advise its use for treating infection of the urinary tract.
Cardamom is known to be helpful in balancing all three 'doshas' in the human body. Hence it is termed as "tridoshic”. A little quantity of cardamom is especially beneficial in balancing "kapha”. It can be used for balancing "vata" and "pitta" also.
Cardamom helps treat Sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation and impotency can be easily remedied using the elaichi herb. Boiling the cardamom seeds in a mixture of honey and milk and then ingesting the concoction every night has been shown to yield superb results.
Cardamom also helps in cleansing the body as it has detoxifying properties. It is basically a warm spice and known to have originated from India. It improves blood circulation to the lungs and can be helpful in prevention of spasms or convulsions. Hence, cardamom in small quantities is beneficial for those suffering from asthma or bronchitis.
Cardamom enhances appetite and provides relief from acidity in the stomach. It is used in the cure of halitosis. It is beneficial for those suffering from various kinds of respiratory allergies. When you have sore throat, you can try out a little quantity of this medicinal spice.
Those suffering from nausea as well as excessive threat can also try out cardamom. Along with some other medicines, it can be used for treating mouth ulcers. It is known to be a good cure for weakness in general. Some practitioners of Ayurevda also advise its use for treating infection of the urinary tract.
Cardamom is known to be helpful in balancing all three 'doshas' in the human body. Hence it is termed as "tridoshic”. A little quantity of cardamom is especially beneficial in balancing "kapha”. It can be used for balancing "vata" and "pitta" also.
Quality of Elaichi :
- Small Elaichi
- Big Elaichi
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