Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for the relief of digestive complaints such as gas and bloating. In these systems, cardamom seeds and pods are commonly prescribed as carminatives—agents that help reduce flatulence and soothe intestinal discomfort. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys consistently mention cardamom as a remedy for indigestion, abdominal distension, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The typical use involves chewing the seeds, preparing them in teas, or including them in digestive formulations.

While there is substantial traditional support, scientific validation for cardamom’s effectiveness in treating gas and bloating is limited. A few in vitro and animal studies suggest that cardamom extracts may have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract, which could theoretically aid digestion and reduce bloating. However, robust human clinical trials specifically addressing cardamom’s effect on gas and bloating are lacking. Thus, the rating reflects strong traditional but limited scientific support.

In summary, cardamom’s use for gas and bloating is primarily justified by traditional practices, with some preliminary pharmacological studies offering potential mechanistic support, but without strong clinical evidence in humans to date.

More about cardamom
More about Gas and Bloating

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Products containing cardamom

Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM
Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM