Native to the forests in Ceylon, these green pods are commonly used not only in Indian cooking, but also in Chai—also known as Indian tea. In order to get the full benefits of this spice, the outer shell needs to be broken to expose the tiny pods inside.
It can be used to counteract a number of digestive problems including, bloating, gas, heartburn and loss of appetite—it can even treat bad breath and is commonly used as an after-meal breath freshener.
In preliminary studies it has also been shown to have cancer fighting effects against non-melanoma skin cancer. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the fact that it can alleviate muscle spasms, cardamom is a saving grace for asthmatics. It is a great ingredient for respiratory problems.