What is Elaichi and its benefits?
From the first whiff of a warm cup of chai to the last bite of a festive kheer, the sweet, soothing aroma of Elaichi (Elā) is instantly recognizable in every Indian home. But beyond its role as a flavorful spice, Elaichi holds a special place in the ancient science of Ayurveda — not just as a taste enhancer, but as a potent herbal medicine.
Lets explore the benefits of this tiny yet powerful herb.
Latin Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Choti elaichi
- Bengali: Choto Elach
- Tamil: Ellakai
- Telugu: Ellakulu
- Kannada: Ellaki
- Malayalam: Elakka
- Marathi: Velchi
- Gujarati: Elchi
- Punjabi: Choti elaichi
- English : Himalayan Cedar
Sanskrit Names:
Ela, Sukshmaila
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Devdaru
Ras
- Madhur(Sweet)
- Katu( Pungent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet(Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur (Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Kapha and Vata dosha
Does not increase Pitta too much if used in small dose.
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Shvashara : Group of herb that helps in management of asthma and cough
- Angmardprashman: Group of herb useful in relieving body ache
- Shirovirechnopag : Useful in nasya( nasal administration)
In sushrut samhita – It is categorized as
- Eladi gana : Group of herbs that balances Vata dosha.
Eladi gana, Trijataka, Chaturjataka
Varieties & distribution
Elaichi is native to the green forest of India. It is cultivated in different parts of India mainly western ghat and south India.
It has got two varieties
- Sukshma Ela- Elettaria cardamom : The pods are small and green in color.
- Brihat Ela- Amomum subulatum : The pods are big and black in color.
Chemical constituents
It contains Bornncol, Camphene, P-cymene, geraniol, heptane, D-limonene, Linalol, Menthone, Methyl heptenone, Myrcene, Nerol.
Nerylacetate, a&b pinenes, siabenene, a&b terpeneols, N-alkanes, Ascaridole, camphor, citral, citronellal, farnesol, sitosterol, thijene.
Health Benefits of Eliachi
Aids in Digestion
Ever wonder why elaichi is a staple addition to saunf after meal? Well, that is because elaichi is carminative in nature and helps in digestion process. It also reduces inflammation of the stomach lining, fights heartburn and nausea. Another added advantage of this spice is that it soothes the mucous membrane, making it function better thereby relieving the symptoms of acidity and an upset stomach. Moreover, according to Ayurvedic texts it also reduces the air content in the stomach, making it more capable of digesting food efficiently.
Respiratory problems
In Ayurveda most of the respiratory problems are caused due to Kapha and Vata dosha imbalance. Elaichi is Kapha balancing in nature. The kaphahar nature help clear out mucus and soothe inflamed airways, making it helpful in
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders
- Allergic Rhinitis ( Runny nose)
Supports heart health and blood pressure
Human studies have shown that cardamom may help lower blood pressure in people with stage 1 hypertension.
It may work by relaxing blood vessels, increasing urinary output, and reducing oxidative stress.
Study Example: A 2009 study published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics found that 3g/day of cardamom over 12 weeks significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive subjects.
Improves oral health and fights bad breath
Its antibacterial properties can inhibit the growth of oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.
Often used traditionally as a natural mouth freshener, cardamom’s essential oil helps maintain oral hygiene and gum health.
Studies confirm its potential in reducing plaque formation and freshening breath.
Mental Clarity & Stress relief
Cardamom’s aroma is believed to have mild anxiolytic and mood-lifting effects.
Though clinical trials are lacking, it is commonly used in aromatherapy and Ayurvedic formulations for emotional balance.
Actions (Karma) of Elaichi in Ayurveda
- Mutakrichahara – Releives urine retention acts as diuretics
- Arshahara – Useful in piles
- Shwasahara – Useful in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders
- Kasahar– Useful in cough and cold
- Kaphahara – Clears phlegm and congestion
- Kshayahara – useful in chronic respiratory disorders, tuberclosis
- Hrudya: act as cardiac tonic, congenial for heart
- Rochana : Relieves Anorexia, improves taste
- Deepana: Improves digestion strength
- Vatahara: Useful in treating disorders of Vata dosha imbalance such as neuralgia, paralysis.
What are the side effects of Elaichi
Like any other Ayurvedic herb cardamom (Elaichi) is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to cardamom they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Cardamom.
Avoid consuming Elaichi during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Elaichi in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using Elaichi. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use Elaichi continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store Elaichi in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Elaichi
Cardoman for cold & cough
For this you will need following ingredients:
- Elaichi powder – 1 tsp
- Saindhav salt – 1 pinch
- Honey– 1 teaspoon
- Ghee – 1/2 teaspoon
How to Use:
Mix all the ingredients and make a paste. Lick this paste 2 to 3 times daily
It helps to clear the mucus there by relieving congestion in nose and chest.
In Urine infection
You need following ingredients:
- Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
- Honey– 1 tsp
How to Use:
Mix both elaichi powder and honey together, take this mixture 2 times a day
This helps to relieve obstruction of urine and allows natural flow of urine.
Elaichi remedy for pain relief
To make the you need following ingredients:
- Elaichi pods – 5 pcs
- Hing ( Aseofidita) – one pinch
- Saindhav lavan( salt) – 1/4 teaspoon
- Castrol oil – 1 teaspoon
How to use:
Make a decoction from the first three ingredients by mixing all three in 2 cups of water and boil till 1 cup is remaining. Now add 1 teaspoon of castrol oil in it and drink this decoction 2 times daily.
This decoction helps to relieve stiffness and pain by improving the blood circulation and calms the Vata dosha.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does cardamon take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly elaichi powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Elaichi
Cardamom is the main ingredients in following medicines
Sitopaladi churna: It is a famous ayurvedic medicine which is used to treat cold, cough and asthma.
Eladi churna: This is mainly used in respiratory and digestive problems. Very effective in treating cold, cough, fever and vomiting.
Eladi Tailam : This is an ayurvedic oil which is used for external application on wounds. This oil helps in healing of wound in diabetic people and also relieves itching on skin.
Conclusion
Though tiny in size, Elaichi (Green Cardamom) carries centuries of wisdom in every pod. Revered in Ayurvedic texts as a deepana-pachana (digestive enhancer), śvāsahara (respiratory aid), and hṛdya (heart-soothing aromatic), it seamlessly blends medicinal use with culinary delight.
Its sweet-pungent taste and warm potency make it ideal for balancing Kapha and Pitta, supporting Agni (digestive fire), easing coughs, relieving bloating, and even refreshing the mind. Classical formulations like Sitopaladi Churna and Eladi Churna showcase its broad therapeutic scope, while modern research adds layers of support by confirming antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cardiometabolic potential.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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