Ayurveda and Spices: Cardamom
Cardamom: Exotic, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. And yet many in the west have never tasted this wonderful spice. If that’s the case with you, you’re missing out!
Cardamom is delicious in baked goods, oatmeal, in coffee and tea, curry, and many savory dishes. And yet the most important thing about cardamom (and in fact spices in general) is the positive effect it has on health!
Cardamom is one of the best and safest herbs for stimulating digestive “fire.” It also alleviates intestinal spasms and pain, stops coughing, and helps prevent asthma. It is stimulating to the mind and heart. If you add a pinch of cardamom to milk, it will neutralize its mucous forming properties. Add a pinch to coffee and it detoxifies the caffeine.
Cardamom is basically tridoshic (balancing for all three doshas), just don’t use it in excess if you’re pitta!
Cardamom is one of the more expensive spices, but fortunately, a little goes a long way… So start experimenting with this delicious spice and enjoy the enhanced flavor it brings to your food along with its many health benefits!
By Dr. Marisa Jackson-Kinman, CAS, PKS, AYT, faculty at the California College of Ayurveda
