Cardamom benefits for females a lot. Cardamom works wonder in relieving period pain and other menstruation-related troubles too, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties. A study published in 2015 found that cinnamon was effective in relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea, or painful period cramps.
Cardamom Benefits for Females
Enhances Complexion
Cardamom for skin can naturally give you a flawless complexion to flaunt. With no added chemicals, the cardamom seed essential oil helps your skin rid of blemishes, dark spots, and acne marks.
Look for an organic cardamom-based skin care product or its essential oil. Or just add a little cardamom powder to the honey and let the face mask sit for 20-25 minutes, and wash off. As black cardamom is a potent detoxifier, you can simply chew on it to have a clear complexion and fresher breath.
Anti-Aging Properties
One of the lesser-known yet amazing benefits of cardamom is its anti-aging properties. The pods are rich in phytochemicals. They combat the signs of aging and leave your skin youthful and beaming. Get yourself a cardamom-containing anti-aging cream or face pack. Or read on to try some DIY cardamom face packs.
Increases Blood Circulation
Being a good source of vitamin C, cardamom increases blood circulation within the body, particularly in the lungs. Thus, it helps in treating cough, cold, and asthma. Phytonutrients in the pods also help in increasing circulation and, in turn, improve skin health.
Nourished Lips
The oft-ignored lips are an essential part of skincare. Cardamom doesn’t only promise flawless skin but soft, hydrated, and luscious lips. You can add cardamom essential oil to your lip balms for a beneficial effect. Or you can choose to go organic with a cardamom-based all-natural lip balm.
Cures Skin Allergies
Black cardamom particularly has potent antibacterial properties. Applying a paste of crushed/powdered black cardamom seeds with honey to the allergies on the skin provides immediate relief.
Unique Fragrance
Cardamom leaves your skin feeling fresh with a refreshing fragrance. Thanks to its one-of-a-kind sweet-spicy scent. Cardamom oil is even added to soaps, perfumes, body sprays, body washes, skincare products, and other cosmetics.
Soothes Skin
Being antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, cardamom for skin soothes irritated, allergic areas of skin. Its revitalizing fragrance is a therapeutic treatment for your olfactory senses. Facial soaps and body products containing cardamom essential oil make your skincare routine all the more relaxing.
Nourishes Your Scalp
The antioxidant properties of cardamom, especially the black type, nourish your scalp and improve its health. The spice also nourishes the hair follicles and enhances hair strength. You can wash your hair with cardamom water (mix the powder with water and use it before shampoo) to achieve the desired results. The antibacterial properties of the spice even treat scalp infections, if any.
Improves Hair Health
Improved scalp health most often means stronger and better-looking hair. The spice strengthens your hair roots and offers shine and luster to your hair. A simple spice can transform your health, provided you take it on a regular basis.
Cardamom Side Effects for Females
Diarrhea
Excessive consumption of cardamom can lead to diarrhea and dehydration. According to the book “Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Every Day and Exotic Spices to Boost Health and Beat Disease,” consuming large amounts of cardamom may produce flatulence-inducing effects. Take 2 grams of cardamom in capsule form every day to get its benefits without having to worry about side effects.
Nausea
The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that nausea is one of the possible side effects of consuming high amounts of cardamom. Nausea usually occurs when an individual consumes more than 1 gram per day of the spice. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions if you are taking cardamom as a supplement so you do not exceed this amount.
Dizziness
According to the NIH, too much cardamom can also cause dizziness. Cardamom is a spice that may have an impact on your health and well-being, with potential benefits such as boosting your digestion. But these benefits come with side effects when consumed in high doses. The caffeine in cardamom may also become problematic if you eat too much of the spice and are sensitive to caffeine. Possible side effects of consuming large amounts of cardamom include headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and vomiting.
Menstrual Cramps
Cardamom is used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including stomach spasms. However, the same properties in cardamom that help relieve one type of stomach spasm can worsen another type. If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps, cardamom may increase the intensity of your cramps. Increase the amount of water you drink during your period to avoid dehydration and lessen the severity of your menstrual cramps.
Dehydration
Drinking enough water is crucial to maintaining good overall health and avoiding dehydration. If consumed in large quantities, cardamom can have a mild diuretic effect, causing you to urinate more frequently than usual. Cardamom dehydration can happen if you don’t drink more water while eating cardamom-flavored foods or taking cardamom supplements, so make sure you drink more water.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid cardamom because it might stimulate the uterus, causing miscarriages or premature labor. Cardamom supplements also increase stomach acid levels and heartburn, which some pregnant women already experience without adding herbs that make these symptoms worse.
Blood Thinning
Cardamom may increase the risk of bleeding in people who take anticoagulant medications because it appears to have blood-thinning properties, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Examples of anticoagulants include warfarin, clopidogrel, and aspirin. If you take one of these medications, do not use cardamom without first consulting your doctor.
Diabetes
Cardamom may increase insulin levels and lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. According to an article published in “Food Chemistry” in April 2007, “hypoglycemia” can cause hypoglycemia in some people. If you have diabetes and take medication that lowers blood sugar levels, don’t use cardamom without first consulting your doctor, as it could cause a dangerous drop in your blood sugar level.
Surgery
Cardamom might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Cardamom might slow down the central nervous system. There is concern that it might cause general anesthesia to work less well. Stop using cardamom at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
