This month’s superfood belongs to the same botanical fam­ily as other plant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric. Cardamom contains antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that promote health and may protect against chronic illness. It’s been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times, with references dating back to the earliest civilizations. A common flavour in sweet and savoury Indian dishes, cardamom is also used in baking in Nordic countries. Intensely aromatic, a little goes a long way—and that’s a good thing because it’s one of the most expensive spices by weight after saffron and vanilla.

The Benefits

Age-old answers

Commonly prescribed as a digestive aid in many traditional medicinal systems, cardamom’s therapeutic benefits have been extolled for millennia. Like ginger, cardamom has been shown to possess gastro-protective activity. One of its most researched properties is its potential to heal ulcers. Laboratory studies suggest that cardamom extract may help limit the size and frequency of ulcers. Research also suggests that cardamom may protect against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to the development of most stomach ulcer issues.

Buh-bye bad breath

Step aside, mint and cinnamon, cardamom is also an effective breath freshener. Not only does it have a refreshing, menthol-like flavour, but cardamom also possesses bacteria-fighting properties against several common bacteria that can cause dental caries, gum disease and bad breath. Other evidence suggests that it is also effective in balancing the pH of the mouth, which may help prevent the development of cavities. In some cultures, it’s common to chew on a whole cardamom pod after a meal to freshen your breath, and it’s even been added to gum flavours by candy manufacturer Wrigley.

Scent sensations

Take a whiff and get moving! Cardamom’s invigorating aroma may boost your body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise. In one study, participants inhaled cardamom essential oil for one minute before walking on a treadmill. This group had significantly higher oxygen uptake compared to the control group. Early evidence also suggests that cardamom’s compounds may help relax airways and improve breathing, providing a basis for its application in the treatment
of asthma.

Beauty notes

Fresh, herbal cardamom is the perfect addition to any beauty regimen.

 

SPARITUAL Citrus Cardamom Foot Balm, $27, thedetoxmarket.ca.

 

ATTITUDE Leaves Bar Body Soap Orange Cardamom, $6, well.ca.

 

CLARINS Santal Face Treatment Oil, $68, clarins.ca.