Black Cardamom
(Amomum subulatum Roxb.)

Zingiberaceae (ginger family).

Benefits
The major benefits of using improved large Cardamom are:

Sensory quality
Black cardamom has a fresh and aromatic aroma. Camphor is easily discernible in its odour. By virtue of the traditional drying procedure over open flames, the spice also acquires a strong smoky flavor.

Main constituents
The seeds contain 3% of an essential oil, which is dominated by 1,8-cineol (more that 70%). Smaller and variable amounts of limonene, terpinene, terpineol, terpinyl acetate and sabinene have also been reported (Photochemistry, 9, 665, 1970)

Origin
Several species of the genus Amomum are distributed all over the mountainous area from the Himalayas to Southern China.
A. subulatum is native to the Eastern Himalayas; the main production regions are Nepal and Sikkim, a tiny Indian union state located between Nepal and Bhutan.

Etymology
For the botanical genus name Amomum and for cardamom, see cardamom. The botanical species name subulatum derives from Latin subula “awl”, referring probably to the awl-shaped and pointed leaves.

Main constituents
> Whole Spice
> Confectionary
> Biscuits and Chocolates
> Flavors
> Spices mix, Spice powder and Spice Seasonings
> Pan masala
> Fragrances
>Healing

Black cardamom is, in most books, described as an inferior substitute to green cardamom, but this is simply untrue. In the Middle-East and the Indian sub-continent, black cardamom has its special field of application, and although green and black cardamoms are frequently interchangeable, the black variety is felt superior for spicy and rustic dishes.

Black cardamom can be used in rather liberal amounts, up to a few capsules per person. The smoky fragrance of the pure spice is not discernible in the finished dish; black cardamom cannot dominate a dish, but enhances and intensifies the taste of other ingredients. The pods should be slightly crushed before usage, but not so much that the seeds are released.


Healing options
Medicinally, the seeds are credited with stimulant and astringent properties. It is used in gastrointestinal and genito-urinary complaints.

Medicinally the seeds are credited with stimulant, stomachic, alexipharmic and astringent properties and are prescribed in the the treatment of leucorrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, biliousness abdominal pains and rectal diseases. Very effective in female white disease. A decoction of seeds is used as a gargle in affections of the teeth and gum with melon seeds.  

Leucorrhoea:
The bark of the tree is useful in leucorrhoea. Its decoction should be used ass vaginal douche for treating this disorder. A Specific remedy for leucorrhoea. Effective in general weakness, paleness, blood deficiency, muscular and nervine weakness associated with leucorrhoea. A natural and effective source of calcium.

Urinary Infections:
Useful in urinary infections as demulcent. they are used in diuretic in case of gravel in kidneys followed by promotion to elimination of bile and are useful in congestion of liver.   Teeth Disorder: Chewing of fresh bark of this tree daily, helps strengthen loose teeth and arrest any bleeding from the gums. Dirty teeth can be cleaned effectively by brushing them with a powder of cardamom.
Tonsillitis:
A decoction of the bark, mixed with rock salt, should be used as a gargle in treating tonsillitis.