Cardamon

A leafy stemmed shrub with very long leaves from 30-75cm long and pale yellow flowers. The fruits are oval and greyish in color, about 1.25 cm long, and contain dark brown seeds.

Four species of rhizomatous perennials belong to this genus, which occurs in India, Sri Lanka, Sumatra and Malaysia. Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) is a rainforest species that has been exported from the East to Europe via caravan routes since Classical times, mainly for use in perfumery. It can be grown under cover in temperate regions but rarely flowers or fruits. Elettaria is derived from elettari, the name given to the plant in SW India. There are several varieties of cardamom and other Elettaria species that produce similar fruits, all varying in flavor and appearance. True cardamom seeds have a eucalyptus-like aroma, which deteriorates rapidly when ground, while substitutes often have more camphoraceous odor. Elettaria cardamomum was first mentioned as a medicinal plant in China c.CE720. Large, white fruits (bai dou kou) are considered better for the lungs, while small, green fruits (sha ren) are regarded as a kidney tonic. In Ayurvedic medicine cardamom is known as ela.

Evergreen perennial with thick rhizomes and erect stems bearing linear-lanceolate, pointed leaves, to 60cm (2ft long). White flowers, 2cm (¾in) long, each with pink- to violet-striped lip, are borne in a loose spike in summer, followed by pale green to beige, 3-celled capsules containing 15-20 aromatic seeds.

Common Name:	Cardamon
Other Names:	Cardamom
Botanical Name:	Elletaria cardamomum
Genus:	Elletaria
Family:	Zingiberaceae
Native Location:	India, Sri Lanka
Cultivation:	Rich, moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Plants grown under cover may suffer from spider mite. Prone to mosaic virus and thrips in the tropics.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe at 19-24°C (66-75°F); by division in spring.
Harvest:	Fruits are collected during the dry season and dried whole; seeds are removed for oil extraction or used in infusions, liquid extracts, powders and tinctures.
Height:	3m (10ft)
Width:	3m (10ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 10°C (50°F)
Extraction:	Steam Distillation
Parts Used:	Seeds, oil
Color and Odor:	The essential oil is pale yellow with an agreeable, warm, sweet and spicy aroma.
Background:	Cardamon has a long history of use in India. Also known to the ancient Egyptians and used by the Greeks and Romans. The Arabs later also recognized its digestive properties, often grinding it with their coffee. Cardamon is popular in Eastern European countries.
Properties:	Warming, tonic, stimulant, refreshing, invigorating, digestive, aphrodisiac. A pungent, warm, aromatic herb that has stimulating, tonic effects, especially on the lungs and kidneys. It relaxes spasms, is expectorant, and improves digestion. Reputedly aphrodisiac, it also detoxifies caffeine and counteracts mucus-forming foods, such as dairy products.
Planet:	Venus
Element:	Water
Magical Influences:	Love, Sex.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for indigestion, nausea and vomiting, enuresis, and pulmonary disease with copious phlegm. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for bronchial and digestive complaints. Seeds are chewed to sweeten breath.
Culinary Uses:	Seeds are used to flavor baked goods (especially in N Europe), coffee (Middle East), curries, pickles, milk-based desserts, fruit compôtes, and mulled wine. An ingredient of the Ethiopian hot spice blend mit'mit'a.
Economic Uses:	Essential oil is important in perfumery.
Warning:	This herb, as a tincture, is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Uses:	Digestive System—A digestive aid, cardamon corrects indigestion and gastric fermentation. It is good for flatulence and freshens the breath. Cardamon is mainly recommended for chronic indigestion with bloating, belching, flatulence and hiccups. It is an effective remedy for heartburn as it relieves pressure in the chest caused by swollen stomach pressing on the diaphragm. Urinary System—As a diuretic, cardamon remedies urine retention and can cure gout. Emotions—Cardamon's distinct, uplifting and lightening effect helps to clear the mind of confusion. Cheers the heart and counters selfishness. Stimulates the mind to enable clear thinking.
Blends:
DIGESTIVE URINARY EMOTION Cardamon 5 Cardamon 5 Cardamon 5 Ginger 3 Celery 4 Basil 3 Parsley 3 Fennel 3 Lemon 3
Bibliography:	Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 74-75 Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1989 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. pp.68-69 The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 200.