Black cardamom is often referred to as the ‘queen of spices.’ This commonly used aromatic spice is widely used to flavour various Indian dishes that contains a number of health benefits. Also known as hill cardamoms, the oil extracted from the black cardamom seeds is used for many health and beauty purposes. This spice is used medicinally for heart problems, gastrointestinal problems and most of all respiratory disorders, especially asthma. It is believed that chewing black cardamom seeds are extremely beneficial in conditions like bronchitis, whooping cough, pulmonary tuberculosis and asthma. Let’s find out how do these seeds help manage such respiratory conditions.

Benefits Of Black Cardamom

1.Black cardamom helps prevent heart diseases. It helps control cardiac rhythm that balances the blood pressure and reduces the chances of developing blood clots.

2.If you suffer from oral health issues like cavity, mouth odour, bleeding gums, et al, chewing on black cardamom seeds maybe a one-stop-solution. The healthy oils present in the seeds are said to benefit oral health.

3.Black cardamoms help stimulate gastric and intestinal glands. They help secrete stomach juices that promote digestion. This further prevents conditions like gastric ulcers, acidity, et al.

4.The presence of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant, helps improve blood circulation throughout the body.

5.The seeds of the black cardamom have antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties that protect against infections, further boosting the immunity system.

Here’s how black cardamoms help reduce the symptoms of asthma and other conditions

According to Dr. Preyas Vaidya, Consultant Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, “Black Cardamom has been studied in animals and has been found to have some Bronchodilator effects, by acting on calcium channels in the airways. It may have some effect on asthmatics, however, human scientific confirmations are lacking. It has flavonoids that may also help with relaxation in the airways. However, this is not as a substitute to medicine.” He adds, “It doesn’t help in treatment or management of asthma. But, has weak airway dilatation properties, which may make an asthmatic feel better. Airway constriction is one of the components of this condition, and cardamom may help alleviate it to an extent.”

As per Dr. Jaee Khamkar, Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, “Black cardamom provides many health benefits; it has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and is an antioxidant reservoir, a homeostasis agent and a blood pressure regulator. This tiny yet powerful black seed can help warm the respiratory tract. It helps ensure easy passage of air through the lungs. Moreover, black cardamom seeds help combat cough, cold and sore throat. This is achieved by alleviating the mucous membrane while also normalising mucous flow through the respiratory tract.”

Here’s how you bring black cardamoms to your rescue:

Dr. Khamkar suggests drinking kadha or concoction made using black cardamom. Here’s how it can be made:

Ingredients:

2 cloves
4-5 black cardamoms
1 teaspoon of ginger (grated)
5-6 basil leaves
3-4 cups of water

Method:

In a pan, roast the whole spices for two minutes. Pour the water in the pan, add ginger and boil the solution. Add basil and simmer for four to five minutes. Remove from heat, strain and pour in a cup. Water should be reduced to half the quantity you began with.

While black cardamom may not be a medicine that can treat asthma and other respiratory conditions, it can definitely help reduce the symptoms to make you feel better.