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For centuries, Arabs have added Cardamom to their drinks in the belief that it was an aphrodisiac. This herb contains at least two androgenic compounds. It certainly stimulates your central nervous system. Cardamom is the best source of the stimulant compound cineole, which is present in most of all the herbs that aromatherapists recommend for fainting. Popularly well known as the Queen of the Spices, it is eminently a tropical plant originating in India and Sri Lanka. Ground seeds are an essential in Indian cuisine; featured in the best of curries and an important member of the spice blend, Garam Masala. Cardamom's perfumed flavor is delicious in lassi, the famous yogurt drink in India, and in Indian spiced tea. Scandinavians are fond of its use in pastries. The first samples of this aromatic and medicinal spice are from 4th century. In Guatemala, Cardamom was first introduced at the begining of the 20th century and its cultivation has increased rapidly, becoming in 1978-79, the main exporter worldwide. The Cardamom pods and seeds contain aproximately, 20% of water, 10% of protein, 2% fat, 42% of carbohydrates, 20% fiber and 6% ash. The seeds' aroma and properties have a volatile oil content between 3.5% and 7%. For the occasional bout of laryngitis, try making a tea blend with a selection of these herbs that are loaded with cineole: Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Rosemary, Ginger, Nutmeg, Lavender, Peppermint and Tansy. Use slightly more Ginger than the others and add some pineapple juice before drinking. It's also an antiseptic that kills bad breath bacteria. Combine Cardamom with several ounces of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Spearmint and maybe even Parsley, in a jar of vodka and let it steep indefinitely. Use three times daily as a mouthwash. If you suffer from emphysema, try adding a teaspoon or two of powdered Cardamom to fruit juice or tea--it's a potent expectorant. Try adding one or two Cardamom seeds for really good tasting coffee or tea. Cardamom may help eliminate gas, relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. Sprinkle some on toast, along with Cinnamon. For those suffering vaginitis, Cardamom contains the compound terpinen-4-ol, which offers effective anti-candida action. Studies have shown that creams and douches with high amounts of this compound are as effective against yeast infection as the pharmaceutical antifungals nystatin (Mycostatin) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin). For recurrent yeast infections mix two to three drops of either Cardamom or Tea Tree oil in a tablespoon of yogurt and then soak a tampon in it. Use it every night for six nights. Remember not to take any essential oils orally. Powdered Cardamom sprinkled on cooked cereals and used in whole grain bread is useful in treating celiac disease (an intolerance for the gluten in grain commonly occurring in children, marked by frequent diarrhea and digestive problems). Because of its mild, pleasant, Ginger-like and an intense sweet flavor, Cardamom can be used in a number of bean dishes, eggnog, baked goodies or in fruit cakes. Popular use in chai.
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