'A WARM HUG IN A MUG' - CARDAMON TEA SWEET AND AROMATIC WITH A HEAP OF BENEFITS

                                                                           

Cardamon seeds, little seeds of goodness in a cup, sweet, pungent, and aromatic in flavour. These seeds create a wonderful tisane whilst harbouring a plethora of health benefits.  Orinating out of India, it soon spread through out the Greek and Roman civiliasations through the various trade routes;  It was used as a pefume, toothpaste, and for digestive alilments. There are two main types of cardamom:  

• True or green cardamom(bleached) and is distributed from India to Malaysia.
• Black Cardamom, also known as brown, or Nepal cardamom.

Black Cardamom source goodfood.com        

Green Cardamom seeds - own pictures         

There are  two types of cardamon, both forms of cardamon are used as flavorings and cooking spices in both food and drink, and as a medicine. The green cardomom is used as a spice, infusion and in medicine; it is also smoked!

Cardamom has an  intensely aromatic flavour and leaves a pleasant taste on your pallette: in medieval times it was chewed as a 'breath freshener' and the oil would be used in the 'pomander' that people used to smell whilst walking the medieval streets!!!!..... Black cardamom has a strong, unique taste which is  distinctly more smokey, though  not bitter, aroma, with a coolness some consider similar to mint.

Are there health benefits drinking cardamom tea?- yes quite a few, as its was an ingredient long used by  the monks for treating digestive problems; cramps, heartburn, nausea and IBS . Can also reduce flatulance!

1. An Abundance of Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Cardamom is  rich in vitamins like Vitamin A, B, C, and riboflavin  all ingredients essential for your body. It is also a reservoir of minerals and  other essential nutrients that are good for you.

         2. Headache? great natural painkiller

When you have that headsplitting headache, chew a few cardamom seeds or have cardamom tea, to help relieve the pain. Obviously if its a migraine something stronger will probably called for. 

        3. Reduces Risk of Hypertension and Heart ailments

 If you suffer from blood pressure problems then Cardamom tea can aid the blood circulation to your lungs and decrease the  risk of hypertension.  Where your heart is concerned it’s an excellent drink for the prevention and control of pulmonary and heart diseases.(stylecrazewomenshealth)

     4.  Benefits for your hair, skin and nails - drinking this tea can boost your skin tone, making it look 'youthful and healthy'- this is because of the amount of vitamins and minerals giving your blood a boost.  It can strengthen weak hair, because of the anti-oxidative properties inherent in its seeds. And lastly but not least, with all the anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties your hair can derive from this tea, it can help to  protect your scalp from different  type of infections

NOTE OF CAUTION

Again this spice needs to be taken responsibily - overuse of it can have some side effects ie regular chewing of the seeds can lead to side effects. If used for prolonged times and in large quantities, cardamom might lead to some unexplained allergic reactions; skin rashes, hives can be an allergic reaction to chewing the seeds direct, breathing difficulties - seek medical attention immediately.  

Again check with a medical practitioner if you are taking prescription medicines before you start chewing cardamom seeds or drinking tea as they can have a impact on some medications.

Please dont be put off by this note of caution, taken sensibly and in moderation, Cardamom tea gives you many benefits.

On a good note if you are pregant then cardomom tea is great for nausea ...a blessing in a cup!

TO MAKE:

           1.5 litres/ 6 cups water

           3  cardamom pod

           3 tsp black tea leaves ( use a teabag if you dont have loose leaves)

            250ml/1 cup milk 

           honey to taste 

                                                                             

Boil the water in a saucepan over the stove.

                                                                           

Remove from heat and add the tea leaves, cardamom pods and milk. 

                                                                           

Add in honey or choice of sweetner. 

Return to the heat until it boils again and remove immediately- leave to let the flavours all infuse together for 5 minutes.

Pour into your mug and enjoy:)

                                                                      

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note:- I am not a health practitioner or advisor, I just write about my own experiences and what has worked for me over the years and from reading lots of health blogs, magazines, articles etc.  I would always advice anyone embarking on new herbs/spices to seek medical advice or advice from a health store  if taking medication and if they are not sure.