Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): Uses, Evidence and Safety

Safety first: food amounts versus supplements

Cardamom is a spice used in food in many parts of the world. [1] A consumer reference based on the Natural Medicines database says it is likely safe for most people by mouth, but advises people with gallstones not to take more than food amounts, because the seed can trigger gallstone colic (spasmodic pain). [1] It also says there is not enough reliable information about medicinal amounts in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and advises staying with food amounts. [1] We could not find an EU herbal monograph or NIH fact sheet for cardamom that we could read, so these cautions come from a single consumer reference and should be confirmed with a pharmacist or doctor. For pain that comes and goes in the upper right belly, see digestive symptoms: red flags and when to get help.

Overview

Green cardamom is Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, a plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae); GBIF lists this as the accepted name. [2] The seeds are used in food and in herbal products. [1] It is a different plant from ginger (see ginger), though both are in the same family. Cardamom tea is a drink product; see herbal tea for digestion and bloating.

Traditional use (not proof of benefit)

The consumer reference lists uses people have tried cardamom for: digestion problems including heartburn, intestinal spasms, IBS and gas, as well as colds, cough and urinary problems. [1] It says more evidence is needed to rate its effectiveness for those uses. [1] The sources we read do not describe which regions or peoples hold cardamom traditions, so we do not name any here. For spices in Ayurveda see Ayurvedic spices and digestive teas.

What research shows

Proper evidence not found in the sources we read for cardamom treating indigestion, heartburn or IBS (we searched PubMed for human trials and reviews, a consumer reference page and EU herbal documents). Most human research is small trials of cardamom powder or extract on blood fats and similar markers. These are lab-test changes, not proof of fewer heart attacks or better health.

Results of the trials above should be read as preliminary, because each review pooled few and small studies. [3][4]

Forms and why the form matters

Food use (whole pods, ground seed) is not the same as supplements or extracts, and the trial reviews above mostly look at supplements. [4] No preparation advice is given here.

Safety in more detail

• General: likely safe for most people by mouth, with side effects not well known. [1]
• Gallstones: food amounts only per the consumer reference. [1]
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: food amounts only; medicinal amounts not enough information. [1] See pregnancy and breastfeeding safety.
• Medicines, liver and kidney, bleeding and surgery, children, allergy: not described in the sources we read. That is not proof of safety; tell the pharmacist and surgical team about any supplement (how interactions work; supplements before surgery).
• Quality: adulteration is not discussed in the sources we read. See quality testing and certifications.

Official statements

No EU herbal monograph or NIH fact sheet for cardamom was found in the sources we could read. Proper evidence not found on regulator positions beyond the above.

Related pages

• Ginger
• Black pepper
• Caraway
• Herbal tea for digestion and bloating