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].

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.

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.

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

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.

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