Cardamom is a dried, unripe fruit of the perennial Elettaria cardamomum. It is enclosed in fruit pods that are tiny, brown, aromatic seeds that have pungent and sweet taste. It is usually used in cooking as well as in teas, tinctures and infusions. Having in it carminative and stimulant properties, it is also used for treating urinary problems.

A classic oriental spice of the ginger family, Cardamom is valued as a carminative culinary herb that relieves griping pains, intestinal cramps and flatulence. The seeds can be chewed to sweeten the breath. Cardamom is an essential ingredient of Chai, a spiced tea popular in India that is reputed for its warming and aphrodisiac properties. In Middle Eastern tradition too, it is associated with love potions and is frequently mentioned in the tales of the Arabian nights. In Greek mythology Medea and her daughters are said to have used it in their charms and potions. In Greece, Turkey and many parts of the Arab world it is added to coffee and baked into bread. It has also become a very important spice in Scandinavian cuisine where it is not only added to sweets, but meats as well.