Cardamom comes from the seeds of several different plants that belong to the same family as ginger. It has a distinctive flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. People may use cardamom seeds and pods in curries, desserts, and meat dishes, as well as in beverages, such as coffee and chai tea.
People may purchase cardamom as:
- whole seed pods with the seeds inside
- pre-ground cardamom spice powder, which manufacturers produce from seeds
- an essential oil
- an herbal supplement, usually in the form of a capsule
Researchers have conducted several small studies on cardamom, the findings of which suggest that it has some health benefits. Although these studies are promising, large and controlled human studies are necessary before healthcare professionals can recommend cardamom to treat medical problems.
