Badi Elaichi

Black cardamom is a spice obtained from the Zingiberaceae family, scientifically recognized as Amomum subulatum, and is the dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial plant. This tree prefers low-altitude wetlands, hillsides, and areas close to water streams; it is distributed in the eastern Himalayan regions of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeast India. Black cardamom is a valuable cash crop in these regions, known for its unique smoky flavor and aroma that enhances traditional cuisine.

In the past, black cardamom has been widely utilised in Ayurveda and Unani’s medical practices. This plant has been widely used to treat ailments such as coughs, lung congestion, digestive problems, and pain. As the application of this spice grows, contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological research has revealed many health values of the bioactive constituents of black cardamom. These compounds are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic agents.

Black cardamom has recently been characterised for several potential therapeutic uses apart from its conventional employment. The phytochemicals isolated from various plant parts have shown cardio-protective, antiulcer, and cholesterol-reducing properties. It is still the subject of study regarding its use in natural medicine, which makes it an active ingredient in most modern trends. 

It is a common spice used in cooking and a local disease remedy. The initial exploration of its application in the ethnomedicine system and modern technological enhancements underscores its changing importance across time and current practices.

Source of Badi Elaichi

The primary source of Badi Elaichi, or black cardamom, is the Eastern Himalayan region in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. It grows best in humid, wetland conditions and hilly areas near water sources. They are grown as cash crops in these areas because of their great use in food preparation and traditional medicine. In the past, it has been used in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine and has been part of the farming system of people living in the Himalayas.

Big Elaichi in English is known as black cardamom, but the name badi Elaichi is not just limited to that. Here are a few familiar names of Elaichi:

• Hindi: Badi Elaichi
• Bengali: Bara Elach
• Nepali: Alaichi
• English: Black Cardamom
• Scientific Name: Amomum subulatum

These alternative names reflect its widespread use and significance across different regions and cultures.

Black cardamom, formally called Badi Elaichi, is loaded with nutrition and has several health benefits. It has vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that have made it associated with so many health benefits. Here are some key health benefits of this remarkable spice:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Black cardamom has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for managing conditions like arthritis.

2. Antioxidant Effects

This spice is a rich source of antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress in the body. They help prevent the oxidation of cells by radicals that may lead to chronic diseases, enhancing the body’s health.

3. Digestive Health

Badi Elaichi has been used for ages to help improve digestion. It can also help alleviate some digestion-related illnesses, which include bloating, gas intake, and indigestion. The spice enhances the secretion of enzymes that aid digestion, hence better digestion of foods.

4. Respiratory Support

Black cardamom helps to strengthen the respiratory system. They have been used to reduce the symptoms of various respiratory illnesses, including asthma and bronchitis, due to their property as natural cough relievers. This removes mucus from the trachea and bronchi, thus improving breathing.

5. Blood Sugar Regulation

It has been found that Badi Elaichi may help control blood sugar levels. It has elements that may help enhance the ability of insulin and help regulate glucose. This makes it an excellent food to include in the diet plan for people with diabetes.

6. Pain Relief

Black cardamom has anti-inflammatory effects, which are suitable for treating pain. It could most benefit headaches, arthritis, and muscular aches and pains. It is practical to include it in meals as it will provide natural pain relief.

7. Heart Health

Eating Badi Elaichi is believed to be healthy for the heart. Its compounds can also decrease cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health.

Badi Elaichi is not only a delicious spice but also has a cure for many diseases and several health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory substances as well as antioxidants, and it should be recommended for use in the diet. While science has not yet fully discovered all the potential uses of Badi Elaichi in medicine, it is worth adding this spice to a daily diet.

8. Improves Oral Health

It is traditionally used for freshening breath and reducing gum inflammation.

As much as their consumption is encouraged, they should not be taken in large quantities as they cause digestive problems and affect specific drugs. It is essential to avoid taking long-term supplements of black cardamom without medical supervision. 

Black cardamom, also known as Badi elaichi, is mainly used to enhance food taste but is also suitable for our health. Here are several practical ways to use Badi Elaichi daily for enhanced health benefits:

It is used in most dishes and is a common ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian foods. It may be used with the seeds in their whole form or crushed into a fine powder. Here are some ideas:

1. Seasoning Other Dishes with Black Cardamom

• Step 1: Whole black cardamom pods should be used when preparing curries, stews, or rice dishes between one and two.
• Step 2: Let the pods steep while the dish is still cooking. This will give the food a smoky taste and improve the aroma.
• Step 3: The pods and rice are thrown into boiling water for spiced rice prepared in different forms. Let them cook together to add spices and cook the rice to make it rich in aromatic condiments.

2. In Improving Baked Products

• Step 1: First, collect pods of black cardamom and get rid of their seeds. Grind them to a fine powder.
• Step 2: Sprinkle the ground seeds over your cake or muffin batter. This gives the baked products a warm, earthy taste.
• Step 3: Boil or fry and savor, in cakes, muffins, cookies, or sweetbreads, the faintly exotic, fragrant flavour.

3. For Throat and Respiratory Issues:

• Step 1: Pour water and boil crushed black cardamom seeds to make a decoction.
• Step 2: Filter out the solids and drink as hot as possible to help with the sickness of the throat and lungs.
• Step 3: Consume three to four times daily to reduce cough and bronchial soreness.

4. Uses of Black Cardamom for Treatment of Oral Problems

• Step 1: These need to be ground finely in a grinder, preferably in a ‘black cardamom’ grinder if available.
• Step 2: The tasteless powder should be dissolved by adding warm water to obtain a mouthwash solution.
• Step 3: Use the following solution to rinse your mouth when you have a gum ache or an infection or just want fresh breath.

5. How to Make Conventional Mixtures using Black Cardamom

For Alui Mixture:

• Step 1: These black cardamom and cumin seeds should be taken proportionately.
• Step 2: Mash them well and make a fine powder.
• Step 3: Take this mixture in line with traditional medicine practices, for instance, to strengthen the effects of malaria treatment.

For Mustard Oil Mixture:

• Step 1: To a large extent, this traditional preparation involves toasting black cardamom leaves until they are blackened.
• Step 2: Immerse the charred leaves in this oil. In addition, pour hot mustard oil over all charred leaves.
• Step 3: Massage it on the chest or back for respiratory or chest ailments of various types – including coughs or colds.

6. How to Use Black Cardamom as an Antidote

• Step 1: For bites by snake or scorpion, you have to crush black cardamom seeds into fine powder.
• Step 2: Sprinkle this on the area to destroy toxins during an emergency. This works best when the powder is applied directly to the affected area to neutralise the toxins.
• Step 3: Consult your doctor again for further treatment as soon as possible.

Consuming Badi Elaichi is not a complicated affair and is healthy for your body. That is why having it in your kitchen is beneficial as a garnish with therapeutic qualities. Try this spice now to be a part of its excellent taste and health boosts, and you can add it to your daily foods.

• Badi Elaichi is a versatile spice with diverse culinary and medicinal uses.
• It may relieve conditions such as cough, loss of appetite, and joint pain.
• However, it is recommended to always use it in moderation to prevent toxicity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Badi Elaichi, or black cardamom, is a unique and aromatic spice that not only enhances the flavour of dishes but also offers notable health benefits. Known for its smoky taste and larger size, it holds an important place in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. Rich in antioxidants and medicinal properties, it supports digestive health, respiratory wellness, and overall vitality. Whether used in daily cooking or Ayurvedic remedies, Badi Elaichi proves to be both flavorful and functional, making it a valuable addition to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.