Badi Elaichi

A clustering ginger with stems growing up to 5ft tall. Leaves are found on the upper portion of the stem. This is an evergreen plant with the old stems dying down after a few years. The rhizomes are a dull red in color. Flower buds appear in spring from the base of the rhizome. The peduncle is short and the buds encased in tight red bracts. Flowers appear from spring through mid summer. Individual flowers stay open for three days and more and new ones open successively. An inflorescence stays in flower for over a month.

• The cardamon pods are used as a spice, in a similar manner to the green Indian cardamom pods, but have a different flavor.
• Black Cardamom is one of the main ingredients in the making of North Indian style Garam Masala, few other masalas (spice mixes) and Pan Masala.
• badi elaichi is used mostly in savory dishes like curries and biryani and rarely used in sweet dishes.
• It cures stones of the kidney and gall bladder and is also used to treat stomach ailments and dental problems.
• It is also chewed as a mouth freshener.
• It aids digestion and is a stimulant. It has a calming effect on the digestive tract and is used as a remedy for gastritis and dyspepsia.
• It is also used to treat respiratory problems like asthma. Cardamom has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce muscle spasms.