Cardamom is a spice mostly used in foods. However, several eastern cultures also use cardamom in teas. Cardamom has an extremely strong scent that typically overwhelms other spices. This strong scent comes from the oils present in the spice's seeds. The purported health benefits of cardamom come from these oils which include terpinine, borneol, eucalyptol, camphor and limonene. Cardamom tea is typically made by crushing the seeds and boiling them in water to release the oils.
Digestive Aid
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According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," herbalists have used cardamom as a digestive aid for centuries. Further, the University of Maryland Medical Center lists cardamom as a possibly herbal remedy for treating worms in your intestines. You should, however, consult a doctor before using cardamom as an herbal treatment for intestinal worms. Additional uses of cardamom as a digestive aid include the treatment flatulence, heartburn, stomachache, indigestion and cramps.
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Detoxification
Toxicity in your body can occur as a result of what you consume and also as a result of the environment you live in. Detoxifying your body regularly can remove some of these toxins. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," cardamom tea can help your body get rid of wastes. These wastes can inhibit the proper function of your body. By eliminating these wastes, cardamom tea can benefit your circulatory and digestive systems in addition to your kidneys and liver.
Congestion Relief
According to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments," use of camphor in cold rubs and ointments can help to relieve symptoms of a congested chest and sinuses. Cardamom contains camphor oil; making a hot cup of cardamom tea will release the camphor oil and help to relieve congestion.
Other Benefits
According to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments," cardamom has a couple additional benefits. The aromatic property of cardamom can also help to alleviate the symptoms of halitosis, not only in your mouth but also in your stomach where bad breath can emanate. Women can also use cardamom as a mild pain reliever to lesson the symptoms associated with premenstrual symptom.