Cardamom: A Magical Herb To Relieve Flatulence

Flatulence, commonly referred to as farting, is a medical term used to describe the build-up of excess gas in the digestive system. On average, an adult person passes gas 10-18 times a day as part of the digestion process. However, the problem starts when the gas accumulates in your intestines, and you are unable to expel it. Excessive flatulence can be painful, discomforting, and distressing. Besides, anything causing constipation and diarrhoea may exacerbate the frequency of flatulence, gas, and bloating. So what should you do to relieve yourself from these symptoms? It is simple – try cardamom!

Cardamom, one of the key ingredients in every Indian kitchen, is known for its distinct taste and aroma. It’s a common spice traditionally used in many recipes to enhance the flavours – but it serves a much greater purpose than just tickling your taste buds. Cardamom or Elaichi is a natural antioxidant packed with anti-inflammatory, diuretic properties. Amongst its umpteen health benefits, cardamom is specifically known to aid digestion and problems related to your digestive health, including flatulence.

Why is Cardamom your best fit for flatulence?

Flatulence occurs due to poor digestion. Being a natural digestive and gastro-protective agent, cardamom helps ease indigestion and prevents gas formation in your system. Here is why this magic ingredient is your best remedy for flatulence –

• Cardamom has carminative properties, which means it can help relieve abdominal gas. Several studies have revealed that pods of elaichi are extremely beneficial for curing digestive symptoms, such as acidity, constipation, and abdominal cramps – all of which can be the reason for bloating and flatulence. It is also known to relieve heartburn and nausea.

• Cardamom can work wonders for your digestive health, as it increases the secretion of bile in the stomach, thereby enhancing the overall digestion process. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant compounds present in elaichi extracts also improve metabolism while preventing gastrointestinal problems, including flatulence, heartburn, diarrhoea and acid reflux.

• Due to its antispasmodic abilities, cardamom can help relieve stomach cramps and spasms, which may be common when excess gas builds up in your intestines and cannot pass due to an obstruction.

• Elaichi also helps your body get rid of toxins by inducing mild diuresis and strengthens your digestive system, thus reducing symptoms of digestive health issues, which may include the excess build-up of gas or flatulence.

How to include cardamom in your daily diet

You can add raw pods of cardamom to your diet or have them in the form of churna (powder) or herbal teas.

Cardamom pods

• Chew on 2-3 cardamom pods a day to improve digestion and relieve flatulence. It is also a great mouth freshener, which can help correct bad breath.

Cardamom churna

• Grind a handful of cardamom seeds to powder

• Mix the powder with a glass of milk and honey

• Gulp it down twice a day after eating light food

Cardamom tea

• Add 2-3 crushed elaichi pods or half a teaspoon of elaichi powder to your regular cup of tea

• Bring it to boil, and then strain and drink it

If that seems like a hassle to you, you can opt for readymade herbal teas, as they too come infused with the goodness and health benefits of cardamom. For instance – try Butterfly Ayurveda’s Cardamom Black Tea, which is available in convenient teabags packed in tastefully crafted cardboard pouches. This 100% natural herbal tea is a pure blend of cardamom seeds and exotic Assam black tea leaves, which not only relieves flatulence but is also helpful in age and skin-related disorders, like allergies. Take care of your digestive health with Cardamom Black Tea and prevent excess flatulence.