ELA (CARDAMOM)

Description

Elettaria cardamomum is a pungent, aromatic, herbaceous, perennial plant, growing to about 2–4 m (6 ft 7 in – 13 ft 1 in) in height. The leaves are alternate in two ranks, linear-lanceolate, 40–60 cm (16–24 in)
long, with a long pointed tip. The flowers are white to lilac or pale violet, produced in a loose spike 30– 60 cm (12–24 in) long. The fruit is a three-sided yellow-green pod 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) long, containing several (15-20) black and brown seeds.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:
The main chemical constituents are pinene, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-oil, a-terpineol, a-terpineol
acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, methyl eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, phellandrene, limonene, 1, 8- cineole, terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalol and trans-nerolidol.
Properties:
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Ela. The plant contains phytoconstituents like volatile oil, cineole, terpinyl acetate, terpineol, borneol, terpinene, camphene, cymene, geraneol, starchetc. These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory property of Ela.

Benefits:
1.The plant contains phytoconstituents like volatile oil, cineole, terpinyl acetate, terpineol, borneol, terpinene, camphene, cymene, geraneol, starchetc. 2.These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory property of Ela. It can be effectively used for treating allergic conditions.

1. Productive Cough- Cardamom useful in managing cough and cold. This is due to its expectorant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to loosen the mucus and expel it from the respiratory tract.
   Sore throat-Cardamom might be useful in managing sore throat due to its antimicrobial and inflammatory properties
2. Heart burn- Heartburn occurs due to hyperacidity caused by impaired digestion. Cardamom has good gastroprotective properties. It improves digestion, lowers the secretion of gastric acid and prevents heartburn.
3. Appetite stimulant- In Ayurveda, loss of appetite can be associated with Agnimandya (weak digestion). Loss of appetite is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. This leads to incomplete digestion of food followed by insufficient secretion of gastric juice. This results in loss of appetite. Cardamom improves appetite and increases the secretion of gastric juice in the stomach. This is because of its pleasant smell and Deepan (appetizer) property.
4. Hypertension-Cardamom might be useful in managing high blood pressure due to its antioxidant property. It inhibits lipid peroxidation of the cardiac membrane and protects the cardiac cells. Cardamom has fibrinolytic and antiplatelet properties that prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Cardamom also has diuretic property that can help relieve hypertension

IS ELA SAFE?
The use of Ela is safe when eaten in typical amounts found in foods

CONTRADICTION:
Ela outbreaks can cause digestive disorders in people suffering from dumping syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Gallstones: People with gallstones and colic should avoid cardamom. Ela is only recommended in case of flatulent colic or flatulence.