Cardamom Pods Cardamom  ~  Elettaria cardamomum   History: Cardamom has been used since the time of the Babylonians and probably grew in the gardens of Nebuchadnezzar (c. 600 BCE)  It has been used by ancient peoples of the Middle East and Asia for thousand of years.  The Greeks and Romans utilized cardamom’s volatile oil in perfume making and also as a digestive aid.  In India, the many curative properties of cardamom are well-known and documented in Ayurvedic medcine texts dating back to 4 BCE. Medicinal uses: Action - carminative, stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic, digestive aid. It has been used to treat teeth and gum infections, pulmonary congestions, and digestive disorders.  In China, it is use as a remedy for Celiac Disease in children. According to Robert Svoboda, cardamom can, “remedy indigestion, abdominal distention, piles, urinary complaints, weakness of the heart and body, cough, asthma, and consumption.” (Svoboda, 1992; 141) Culinary uses: A common ingredient in many Indian dishes from curries to rice puddings.  In Scandinavian countries, it is used often in baking.  In the Middle East, it is added to coffees to lessen acidity. For recipes using cardamom and other exotic spices, please visit my blog:www.kareniscooking.com