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CARDAMON
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(Elattaria cardomomum)
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Other Names
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Bastard Cardamon, Cardamon Seeds, Malabar Cadamom.
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Description
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Cardamon is a perennial plant native to the jungles of India and Sri
Lanka. It
belongs to the Ginger family. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall, producing small yellowish flowers followed by
the three part capsule fruit which contains as many as 18 seeds.
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Classification
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Taste
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Pungent
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Warm
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Humor
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Fire
é Water
ê Air
é
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Uses/Applications
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Use Cardamom to treat flatulent dyspepsia, relieve gripe, and to stimulate
appetite and saliva flow. Use for nervous tension, and indigestion.
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Seeds
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Chew seeds to relieve flatulence and indigestion or to sweeten one's
breath.
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Combinations
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Constituents
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Up to 4% Volatile Oil.
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Action
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Carminative, Sialagogue, Orexigenic, Aromatic,
Stimulant.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Seeds.
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Collection
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Cardamon is collected commercially. The timing is critical to
quality and yield. The value of the crop is determined by size, color, plumpness, and
smoothness.
Store in a cool dry place to prevent the oil in the seeds from
evaporating. Pods will retain their aroma for about a year. Powdered Cardamom will only
last about 3 months.
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Preparation
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Decoction
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Use 2 Tsp. rootstock to 1 cup boiling water. Take 1 cup per day a mouthful
at a time. If
treatment is to increase appetite, take a half hour before meals.
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp. freshly crushed
seeds. Infuse 15 minutes.
Take three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Cardamom is not normally cultivated as it is very hard to
grow. It requires abundant rainfall and an average temperature of
22o C.
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History
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Ayurvedic writings from the 4th Century BC discuss the therapeutic uses of
Cardamom. The
Vikings, who discovered it on a trip to India, enjoyed Cardamom in festive
cakes.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans used it as medicine, food, and in
perfumes. Cleopatra placed the crushed seeds throughout the rooms in her palace
because of the wonderful aroma.
Indian cooks use it to season meats and
vegetables. It was first imported to Europe in 1214.
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Additional Information
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1. Cardamom is considered the Queen of spices, with Black Pepper being the
King.
2. The lemony-eucalyptus flavor of Cardomon is said to have a cooling effect
on the body, accounting for its extensive use in hot regions.
3. Recent studies done at the University of California have shown that
Cardamom may prevent cavities.
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Cautions
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None
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Venus
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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Erzulie
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Powers:
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Love, Lust
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Magickal Uses:
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For a quick lust potion, grind seeds and add to warm
wine. Add to love sachets and incense to attract
love.
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