Plant History

Cardamom's history dates back millennia, with roots profound in the Indian subcontinent. Revered for its medicinal properties in ancient Ayurvedic texts, Cardamom symbolised wealth and hospitality along busy trade routes. Traded by Greeks, Romans and Arabs, its aromatic journey eventually reached the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Plant Identification

• Origin: India
• Growth: Herbaceous and perennial, meaning they live for more than two years. They have a clump-forming growth habit, with stems rising from a rhizomatous root system. They can reach a height of about 6 to 12 feet.
• Plant family: Zingiberaceae.
• Scent: Floral spice.
• Colour: Green
• Harvesting: Cultivated in areas with high humidity and rainfall, Cardamom is typically harvested when the capsules are fully ripe but still green.
• Endangered: Not an endangered plant; however, the process involves a combination of traditional knowledge and modern techniques to deliver high-quality Cardamom to consumers around the globe.

Benefits

Spiritual

Cardamom holds the vibration of protection, love and warmth, which is a wonderful spice to either place or hang in your home. Cardamom enhances meditative states when consumed. You may wish to infuse Cardamom in tea or if you are working with soft plant medicine (non-psychedelic.) 

When one establishes a connection to the spirit of Cardamom, it is an invitation to receive wisdom and knowledge, invoking the pineal gland (third eye chakra), but it also works well as a heart medicine. If you are experiencing imbalances with your sacral or solar plexus it is a great idea to work with this spice in a tea form to aid your imbalances.

Cardamom promotes abundance and good luck; if you are the type of person to work with the plant kingdom, then Cardamom is your spiritual bestie! 

• Cardamom is connected to the element of water and carries feminine energy.

Medicinal

Cardamom provides an array of medical uses. In Ayurveda, it is believed that Cardamom is a great spice to balance the three doshas, promoting balance within the body. Cardamom is a great spice to use in drinks, food and remedies to aid stomach inflammation and disorders. This anti-inflammatory spice can help reduce any nausea or vomiting symptoms which can occur from a disturbed stomach, acid reflux, or even anxiety or digestion problems. 

With its antibacterial benefits, Cardamom is great for dental health. Preventing toxic bacteria that may cause infections or decay to develop in the mouth later on. Cardamom is a great detox spice and can also assist with inflammation through the joints and bones or aid any rise in blood pressure and diabetes. 

Cardamom is high in iron and, therefore, a great remedy for iron deficiency anaemia. With its high vitamin content, Cardamom is another great remedy for common colds, anxiety, and nose bleeds, and it supports heart health.