Cardamom Tea - A daily cup of health for mind and body!
Cardamom is very rightly known as the ‘Queen of Spices’. It not only adds great flavour and essence to the tea but also has a long list of health benefits. It is not surprising that cardamom tea is almost everyone’s favourite.
The spice has its origin in the evergreen forests of India. It also forms a part of a lot of ayurvedic medicines and treatments due to its health benefits. Cardamom seeds grow in a seed-pod and possess a strong, aromatic flavour.
The broad health benefits of cardamom tea are related to skin, detoxification, digestion, dental health, relief from depression etc. thus making it one of the most expensive spices in the world.
These health benefits are due to the presence of a high concentration of various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B and C, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc etc. in cardamom.
Cardamom health benefits:
- Cardamom is known for its antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Its tea is used to treat various skin conditions such as - eczema, acne, psoriasis, inflammation and irritation.
- It boosts blood circulation and thus aids in skin radiance and regrowth of new cells, making it a great anti-ageing spice.
- Its anti-microbial and antibacterial properties help in fighting scalp infections and strengthen weak hair strands, hence preventing breakage and hair fall.
- Cardamom, when used in tea, is an excellent drink for heart health. Potassium present in cardamom tea acts as a vasodilator which reduces the strain on the arteries and blood vessels. Thus, lowering the chances of a stroke or a heart attack.
- Cardamom prevents platelet aggregation that results in the formation of dangerous blood clots. It also improves overall blood circulation in the body and reduces the problems related to blood pressure.
- Cardamom is well known to provide relief from digestive ailments and reduce flatulence problems.
- The volatile essential oils in cardamom inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other harmful organisms, thus detoxifying the entire body system and boosting immunity.
- Cardamom tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that limit swelling and pain in mucous membranes, throat and mouth.
- Helps in fighting bad breath and mouth ulcers, thus promoting overall dental health.
- Cardamom tea is also helpful in providing relief from headache, treating nausea, preventing and relieving cold, cough and flu symptoms.
- Is used to treat urinary tract infections and diseases and infections such as cystitis, nephritis and gonorrhoea.
- Hiccups can be annoying for everyone. Taking a few pods of cardamom, boiling them in water and drinking this water slowly can get rid of hiccups.
How Do You Make Cardamom Tea?
To prepare a cup of cardamom tea, all you need are cardamom seeds, black tea leaves, honey/sugar and hot water. You may add more spices like cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns etc. to give an added flavour to the tea. Milk may be added, but the best benefits are reaped when prepared without milk.
If you have dried cardamom pods, do not remove the seeds from the pod until you are ready to brew the tea. It is because the seeds lose their flavour and potency very quickly. For convenience and freshness, you may also opt for Valley Spice cardamom chai masala
To brew the tea, open the pods and crush the seeds into a coarse powder to release the oils and the active components or use cardamom powder. In case you are using green cardamom, you can directly add it to boiling water.
Recipe for making Cardamom tea:
Ingredients:
- one tablespoon of crushed cardamom seeds or Valley Spice cardamom chai masala
- four cups of filtered water
- one cinnamon stick
- one tablespoon of honey or sugar (optional)
Method:
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