14 Best Benefits Of Black Cardamom For Skin, Hair, And Health

Cardamom is known as the “queen of spices”, and rightly so! While you must be familiar with the many uses and health benefits of green cardamom, are you aware of the black cardamom benefits as well? If not, let us introduce you to this other larger variety of cardamoms. While green cardamoms are small with thin easily peelable skin, black cardamom pods are usually larger in size with larger seeds and thicker wrinkly skin on the outside! While the smaller green cardamoms are subtle in their taste and flavor, the larger black cardamoms have a more distinct taste and aroma to it! They are mostly associated with culinary use, especially flavor rice preparations and other savory dishes, while green ones are commonly used for desserts! While both varieties of cardamom are popular in various cuisines, it is the black cardamom that finds usage in the health and beauty industry as well! The oil extracted from the black cardamoms is effective in aromatherapy and curing various other ailments as well! To get a detailed idea about the many black cardamom benefits, we have summed it all up for you! Read on to know more!

Know Your Ingredient: Black Cardamom

What Is It?
It is the seed grown from a plant in the ginger family, popular for its spicy taste and aroma.

What Are Its Benefits?
Improves gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, reduces chronic constipation, protects from heat strokes, helps manage respiratory disorders, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Who Can Consume It?
If used for flavoring food, it is safe for most people.

How Often?
You can consume up to 3 gms of black cardamom daily.

Caution
May cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypertension, increased heart rate, and interact with blood thinning and liver medications. Those with gallstones should avoid it.

Benefits Of Black Cardamom For Health

Many of us still don’t have any idea about how black cardamom helps us in maintaining our health. The spice has a number of medicinal benefits. Jordan Anthony, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “Black cardamom is a powerful anti-inflammatory that’s particularly helpful in fighting ulcers. It is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, reducing cancer risk, chronic pain, and other health issues.”

Here are some of the ways black cardamom may benefit our health.

1. Gastro-Intestinal Health

Black cardamom may have a positive impact on the gastrointestinal tract

(1). It can stimulate the gastric and intestinal glands to secret essential juices with the help of its stimulative properties. It also helps in regulating the procedure of juice secretion in order to keep the amount of stomach acids under control. As a result, the chances of developing gastric ulcers or other digestive disorders go down significantly. The spice is also helpful in curing heartburn and stomach cramps, which are the two most common symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Digestive properties of the substance are also very important to heal chronic constipation and improve appetite. In addition, being carminative in nature, black cardamom can give you relief from abdominal gas. It helps you get rid of indigestion as well as flatulence caused by it.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Black cardamom also influences cardiac health to a great extent (2). Controlling cardiac rhythm is one of its most important benefits, which eventually keeps your blood pressure under check. Your heart health remains stable with regular intake of black cardamom. It reduces the probability of a blood clot. This spice is also very effective in protecting you from heatstroke or sunstroke during scorching summer.

3. Respiratory Health

If you are suffering from serious respiratory troubles, black cardamom can be a great antidote for you. A number of respiratory disorders including asthma, whooping coughⁱ  A severe, highly contagious respiratory tract infection characterized by a cough that resembles a 'whoop' sound. , lung congestions, bronchitisⁱ  Inflammation of the bronchial lining (the tube that transports air to the lungs), causing cough, congestion and breathing difficulty. , pulmonary tuberculosisⁱ  A severe, potentially fatal bacterial lung infection characterized by severe coughing, chest pain, and breathlessness. , etc. may be treated with this spice (3), (4). It warms up your respiratory tract so that the air circulation through the lungs becomes easier. Moreover, black cardamom works as an expectorant and helps you stay away from cough, cold, sore throat etc. by normalizing the flow of mucous through the respiratory tract..

4. Oral Health

Several dental disorders, such as teeth infection, gum infection, etc. can be treated with black cardamom (5). Furthermore, its strong aroma can help in curing halitosis or bad breath.

Quick Tip

You may gargle with black cardamom-infused warm water to prevent bad breath and maintain oral hygiene.

5. Urinary Health

Being an effective diuretic, black cardamoms can facilitate urination and keep your renal system healthy.

Black cardamom inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause urinary infection (4).

6. Anti-Carcinogenic Properties

There are two antioxidants named 3’-Diindolylmethane (DIM) and Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) in black cardamom (6), which may help control breast, colon, prostate, and ovarian cancer. The anti-carcinogenic properties of the spice also raise the amount of glutathione (an antioxidant) in the body and prevent the generation and growth of cancerous cells.

7. Detoxification

Studies have revealed that black cardamom can make a positive impact on the detoxification process in the body (7). It may eliminate caffeine from the blood so that you can stay safe from the adverse effects of the alkaloid. It might also help you with your weight loss.

8. Anesthetic Properties

The essential oil extracted from black cardamom is highly anesthetic and sedative. It may curb acute pain like headaches and provide immediate relief. The essential oil prepared from the spice helps in fatigue and stress relief, which may ensure a stable and relaxed mental health.

9. Antiseptic and Antibacterial Properties

It has been seen that black cardamom may destroy microbes of almost 14 different species. Hence, the intake black cardamom boosts immunity and provides you protection against bacterial or viral infections (4).

Trivia

In Chinese traditional medicine, black cardamom is used for treating dysentery and other stomach disorders.

Benefits Of Black Cardamom For Skin

Black cardamom benefits skin health as well. You can take great care of your skin by using it both externally and internally. To know how this small spice can enhance your look, go through the following section:

10. Black cardamom is one of the herbal remedies that are full of the antioxidants, vitamin C and the essential mineral potassium (8). Hence, regular consumption of the spice can keep your internal system free from toxic materials, thereby improving blood circulation throughout the skin surface and keeping it healthy. So, if you want to get a firm, toned, and youthful look, start consuming black cardamom regularly.

11. Black cardamom may keep aging at bay. It may also help you get a fairer skin complexion.

12. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, black cardamom may be one of the best natural remedies for ‘contact dermatitis’ or skin allergy.

Benefits Of Black Cardamom For Hair

Whether you use black cardamom in cooking or use the cardamom oil topically, you can benefit your hair in both ways. Know more about the benefits of black cardamom for hair:

13. Black cardamom possess antioxidant properties (9). This property of black cardamom may help in providing nourishment to your scalp and hair strands. As a result, you get strong, thick, and shiny tresses.

14. Black cardamom is antiseptic and antibacterial by nature (4), its consumption is also good for preventing irritation and infection on the scalp.

Black cardamom offers an array of benefits. Know how it can be compared with green cardamom in the section below.

Black Cardamom Vs. Green Cardamom

Green cardamon is quite expensive compared to the black one, which is more readily available. You may choose any of them as per your needs and taste.

With so many benefits to offer, you must be wondering how to add black cardamom to your diet. The following section can help!

Tips To Add Black Cardamom To Your Diet

Here are some easy ways to add black cardamom to your daily diet:

• Add a pod to simmering soups, broths, or stews.
• Add it before cooking rice, quinoa, or barley for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use it in marinades for meats like lamb and chicken.
• Use it in savory dishes like biryani and vegetable stews.
• Infuse it in teas and other hot drinks like cider.
• Add it to your spice mixes.

Adding black cardamom to your diet is super easy. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before doing so. Learn more in the next section.

Precautions For Black Cardamom Use

As with any ingredient, black cardamom can also cause some side effects, although it is considered mostly safe to consume. You should always consult a doctor before using it, especially if you are on any medication. Apart from this, you should also keep the following precautions in mind:

• Anecdotal evidence suggests that excessive black cardamom use may lead to stomach discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and increased blood pressure.
• The spice may also interact with blood thinning, hypertension, diabetes, and liver medications.
• Some individuals may have allergic reactions to spices, including black cardamom. If you experience symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately.
• Since the effect of black cardamom in pregnancy is not well studied, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using it.
• You should always purchase black cardamom from reputable sources, as unreputable sellers may sell contaminated or adulterated varieties. These may pose health risks.

Infographic: How Black Cardamom Can Improve Your Skin, Hair & Health

While the green cardamom is quite popular for the unique flavor it lends to various sweets and savories, many are unaware of the therapeutic benefits of the black cardamom. Rich in antioxidants and essential minerals, adding this spice to your daily diet can bring about miraculous changes in your skin, hair and overall health and wellness. Check out the infographic below for more details.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is black cardamom tea good for you?

Yes, black cardamom tea benefits your health in multiple ways. It may improve cardiovascular health, digestion, and appetite if included in the diet.

Can I chew black cardamom?

Yes, black cardamom is safe to chew. It helps manage bad breath and bleeding gums and promotes oral health.

Is cardamom good for males?

Yes, cardamom is good for males. Consumption of cardamom increases sexual drive in men.

Does cardamom heat the body or cool it down?

Cardamom exhibits body cooling effects despite being a spice.

Is cardamom good for eyesight?

Yes, cardamom may improve eyesight when taken with honey.

Does cardamom increase estrogen?

No, cardamom cannot increase estrogen levels.

Illustration: Best Benefits And Uses Of Black Cardamom For Skin Hair And Health

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the top 10 facts about black cardamom, one of the world’s most expensive spices. Check out this video to know about its amazing benefits for your health.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr Archana BatraPG Diploma, CDE

     

Dr Archana Batra is a dietitian, physiotherapist, and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 13 years of experience in nutrition and diet counseling. She specializes in weight management diets and diets related to metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, etc.

Read full bio of Dr Archana Batra

• 
  Jordan AnthonyMS RDN Jordan Anthony is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 6 years of experience. She was a public relations professional before she went back to the University of Southern California to get a Master's degree in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity. She is currently serving as the Senior Director of Nutrition at Ahara Corporation in Los Angeles, USA.
  
  Jordan Anthony is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 6 years of experience. She was a public relations professional before she went back to the University of Southern California to get a Master's degree in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity. She is currently serving as the Senior Director of Nutrition at Ahara Corporation in Los Angeles, USA.

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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