Badi Elaichi
Badi Elaichi, also known as Black Cardamom is a spice crop cultivated in the central Himalayan and north-eastern region of India. It is a well-known spice that has been used in many Ayurvedic preparations from ancient times due to its great medicinal value.
Badi Elaichi is helpful in managing diabetes as it lowers the blood glucose levels due to its antioxidant properties. The antioxidants present in it also helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases by lowering cholesterol levels. Consuming Badi Elaichi powder twice a day is good for patients with heart disease.
As per Ayurveda, Badi Elaichi is used to provide relief from cough due to its Ushna (hot) properties. It helps to remove excess mucus from the respiratory passages and provides relief. Consuming ashes of burnt Badi Elaichi leaves along with mustard oil reduces the symptoms of cough and cold.
Badi Elaichi essential oil also helps in managing inflammatory conditions such as swellings, tissue injuries or rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties [10-12].
Badi Elaichi is helpful in managing diabetes as it lowers the blood glucose levels due to its antioxidant properties. The antioxidants present in it also helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases by lowering cholesterol levels. Consuming Badi Elaichi powder twice a day is good for patients with heart disease.
As per Ayurveda, Badi Elaichi is used to provide relief from cough due to its Ushna (hot) properties. It helps to remove excess mucus from the respiratory passages and provides relief. Consuming ashes of burnt Badi Elaichi leaves along with mustard oil reduces the symptoms of cough and cold.
Badi Elaichi essential oil also helps in managing inflammatory conditions such as swellings, tissue injuries or rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties [10-12].
What are the synonyms of Badi Elaichi?
Amomum subulatum, Baara aliach, Bhadraila, Greater or Nepal cardamom, Elaicho, Mothi Elichi, Bari elachi Dodda Yalakki, Nepdi Elakki, Valiya Elam, Perelam, Mothi Elayachi, Bada aleicha, Aleicha, Budi Eleichi, Periya Elam, Beraelam, Kattu Elam, Pedda Elakulu, Badi Elaichi, Heel Kalan, Bhadra[14].
What is the source of Badi Elaichi?
Plant Based
Benefits of Badi Elaichi
Joint Pain
Badi Elaichi or its oil helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Badi Elaichi essential oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips for using Badi Elaichi Essential oil
a. Take a few drops (or as per your requirement) of Badi Elaichi Essential oil.
b. Mix with Olive oil or mustard oil.
c. Massage the affected area with this mixture before sleeping at night to get relief from muscular and joint pain.
Badi Elaichi or its oil helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Badi Elaichi essential oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips for using Badi Elaichi Essential oil
a. Take a few drops (or as per your requirement) of Badi Elaichi Essential oil.
b. Mix with Olive oil or mustard oil.
c. Massage the affected area with this mixture before sleeping at night to get relief from muscular and joint pain.
Precautions when using Badi Elaichi
Breastfeeding
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Badi Elaichi during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Badi Elaichi during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Badi Elaichi during pregnancy. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Badi Elaichi during pregnancy.
How to use Badi Elaichi
1. Use as a massage oil
a. Take a few drops (or as per your requirement) of Badi Elaichi Essential oil.
b. Mix with Olive oil or mustard oil.
c. Massage the affected area with this mixture before sleeping at night to get relief from muscular and joint pain.
a. Take a few drops (or as per your requirement) of Badi Elaichi Essential oil.
b. Mix with Olive oil or mustard oil.
c. Massage the affected area with this mixture before sleeping at night to get relief from muscular and joint pain.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How does the Black Elaichi taste like?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Badi Elaichi pods are dried over an open fire that gives it a strong, smoky aroma. The taste and flavor of Badi Elaichi mostly comes from the tiny seeds inside the pod.
Q. Can we use Black Elaichi in place of Green or Choti Elaichi?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
No, Black Elaichi cannot be used in place of Green Elaichi as they differ entirely in taste. Green Elaichi has a sweet taste whereas Black Elaichi has an intense pungent taste.
Q. How can we add Badi Elaichi to our daily diet?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Badi Elaichi is mostly used in savory dishes. It is added as an ingredient to garam masala which is commonly used in the preparation of Indian dishes.
Q. What is the best way to store Badi Elaichi?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Badi Elaichi should be stored in an air-tight container in a cool and dry place to retain the aroma. Badi Elaichi can be preserved for over a year in dry conditions.
Q. Do you need to remove Cardamom pods after cooking?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
You can either remove the pods of Cardamom after cooking or eat it along with the dish. If you wish to use the whole pod then lightly crush the whole pod and add it to the mixture being made.
Q. Is black Cardamom hot or cold?
AYURVEDIC VIEW
According to Ayurveda, black Cardamom has Ushan (hot) property. It is a warm spice that helps to improve digestion and also gives relief to congestion.
Q. What are the nutritional facts of black Cardamom?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Black Cardamom is a nutritional spice used in many households. It shows antioxidant and antibacterial properties which aid overall health. It is rich in copper, iron and fundamental nutrients like riboflavin, nutrient C, and niacin. Along with these, it also contains manganese and zinc, both important for human health.
Q. Do you need to remove Cardamom pods after cooking?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
You can either remove the pods of Cardamom after cooking or eat it along with the dish. If you wish to use the whole pod then lightly crush the whole pod and add it to the mixture being made.
References
- Verma S, Rajeevan V, Bordia A, et.al.Greater cardamom (amomum subulatum roxb) a cardio-Adaptogen against physical stress.Journal of herbal medicine and toxicology.2010;4(2).55-58.
- Vavaiya RB, Patel A, Manek RA.Anti-Diabetic Activity of Amomum Subulatum Roxb. Fruit Constituents.IJPI.2012;2(5):50-63.
- Hussain SA, Hameed A, Fu J, et.al.Comparative in vitro analysis of anti-diabetic activity of IndoPak black cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) and Chinese black cardamom (Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire).Prog Nutr.2018(3):403-414.
- Parmar MY, Shah PA, Thakkar VT, et.al.Hepatoprotective Activity of Amomum Subulatum (Roxb.) Seeds against Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage in Rats.Adv Bioeng Biomed Sci Res.2019:2(2):1-6
- Puttanna GS, Nayak S, Ravi M, et.al.Nephroprotective acitvity of Amomum subulatum seeds against cypermethrin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. J Phytopharmaco.2016;5(4):145-149.
- Jafri MA, Farah, Javed K, et.al.Evaluation of the gastric antiulcerogenic effect of large cardamom (fruits of Amomum subulatum Roxb).J Ethnopharmacol.2001;75(2-3):89-94.
- Bairwa GL, Jasuja ND, Joshi SC.Lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects of Amomum subulatum seeds (Family Zingiberaceae) in cholesterol fed rabbits.Arch Phytopathology Plant Protect.2011;44(14):1425-1431.
- Aneja KR, Joshi R.Antimicrobial Activity of Amomum subulatum and Elettaria cardamomum Against Dental Caries Causing Microorganisms.Ethnobot Leaflets.2009;13:840-49.
- Ravichandran G, Bharadwaj VS, Kolhapure SA.Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of "Anti-Wrinkle cream" in the treatment of facial skin wrinkles: A prospective, open, phase III clinical trial.The Antiseptic.2005;102(2):65-70.
- Agnihotri, Supriya et.al.Chemical composition, antimicrobial and topical anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil of Amomum subulatum fruits.Acta Pol Pharm.2012;69(6):1177-1181.
- Bisht V, Negi JS, Bhandari AK, et.al. Amomum subulatum Roxb: Traditional, Biochemical and Biological activities - An overview.Afr J Agric Res.2011;6(24):5386-5390.
- Verma S, Jain V, Singh D.Effect of Greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) on blood lipids, fibrinolysis and total antioxidant status in patients with ischemic heart disease.Asian Pac J Trop Med.2012;2.739-743.
- Kumar A, Goyal R, Kumar S, Sharma C, Singh R, Shuaib M, et al. Estrogenic and anti-Alzheimer’s studies of Zingiber officinalis as well as Amomum subulatum Roxb.: the success story of dry techniques. Med Chem Res. 2015;24(3):1089–97
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
- Bhaswant M, Poudyal H, Mathai ML, et al. Green and Black Cardamom in a Diet-Induced Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients. 2015 Sep; 7(9): 7691–7707.
- Rani B, Saraswat R, Prasad M, et al. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum):
A Spice of Prominent Healthcare. J. Biol. Chem. Research. Volume 35 (1) 2018 Pages No. 194-199.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.
Author Details
MBA, MBBS
M.Pharm, B.Pharm
BAMS
Last updated 29 Mar 2025 | 12:59 PM (IST)
Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
How to use
FAQs
References