Green Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
Also known as: Elaichi · Choti Elaichi · Elakkai · Yelakki · Queen of Spices
The 'Queen of Spices' — GI tagged 2011. Kerala grows 60% of global cardamom in shade forests at 800–1,500m, with clinically proven bronchodilator 1,8-cineole.
1,8-Cineole
~45% of essential oil (bronchodilator)
GI Tag
2011
India's global share
60% of world production
Iron
13.97 mg/100g
About
What is Green Cardamom?
Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is indigenous to the Western Ghats of Kerala and Karnataka — the only place in the world where it grows naturally. India grows 60% of the world's cardamom, primarily from Idukki district at 800–1,500m. The key clinical compound, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), is a proven bronchodilator used in pharmaceutical respiratory drugs. A 2009 clinical trial found that 3g cardamom powder daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced blood pressure in stage 1 hypertensives. The 2011 GI tag covers Kerala Malabar Cardamom, protecting the high-altitude shade-grown landrace. Cardamom's aromatic complexity (1,8-cineole, alpha-terpinyl acetate, linalool, limonene) is among the most intricate of any spice.
Key Compound
1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol)
Dominant volatile compound (up to 45% of essential oil). Clinically validated bronchodilator — same compound in cineole-based pharmaceutical respiratory drugs. Also improves working memory in RCT studies, reduces anxiety via GABA-A modulation, and has strong antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.
Nutritional Profile
What’s inside?
Health Applications
Why it matters
Respiratory health
1,8-Cineole is a clinically proven bronchodilator — opens airways in asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD via phosphodiesterase inhibition and smooth muscle relaxation.
Blood pressure
Clinical trial (2009): 3g cardamom powder/day for 12 weeks significantly reduced blood pressure in stage 1 hypertensives via diuretic effect and antioxidant reduction of endothelial oxidative stress.
Oral health
Chewing cardamom pods inhibits Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and oral pathogens via 1,8-cineole and linalool — the reason cardamom has been a traditional breath freshener across South Asia.
Ancient Wisdom
In Ayurveda
Dosha Effect
Tridosha balancing — particularly Kapha and Vata
Guna (Quality)
Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous), Ushna (warm)
Best Season
Year-round
Classical Note
Ela (cardamom) is used in Ayurveda for Shwasa (respiratory disorders), Kasa (cough), and as Mukhashuddhikara (mouth purifier). Present in Eladi Churna, Eladi Ghrita, Eladi Vati. Its central role in Masala Chai provides both flavour and medicine — the digestive and respiratory benefits are inseparable from the cultural ritual.
Origin Story
From the field
Idukki District, Kerala · Western Ghats, Kerala & Karnataka
Cardamom cultivation in Idukki is a permanent forest-floor crop grown under the canopy of Western Ghats' shola forests at 800–1,500m. The plantation system requires no till and no clearing — cardamom plants live 10–15 years. SPICES BOARD maintains a germplasm of 55 cardamom varieties at Pampadumpara Research Station. The harvest season (August–December) employs thousands of seasonal workers who hand-pick green pods — mechanical harvesting is impossible in the steep, forested terrain. Kerala cardamom cooperatives export primarily to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Europe.
There are 23 ingredients in the Field Guide.