Queen of spices: The health benefits of cardamom
Chai without cardamom in it? Impossible!
Cardamom, called the Queen of Spices often takes centre stage in my cooking as well as chai-making. It's a spice that's been beloved through centuries in households across the world.
Digestive issues? Chew on a cardamom. Breath issues? Here, take a cardamom!
Found tucked inside small green pods, cardamom brings a sweet yet slightly citrusy flavour that lifts the entire chai drinking experience.
But beyond taste, cardamom offers an incredible range of health benefits that make it a powerful addition to your daily routine.
Here are many reasons why this humble spice holds such an esteemed place in kitchens, apothecaries, and teapots across the world.
A natural digestive aid
For centuries, cardamom has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine to soothe digestive discomfort. It helps stimulate digestive enzymes, which can ease bloating, indigestion, and nausea.
When blended into masala chai, cardamom works in harmony with other spices like ginger and cloves to create a warming, balanced brew that supports healthy digestion. No wonder so many cultures reach for a spiced tea after a heavy meal. it’s both delicious and restorative.
Rich in antioxidants
Every sip of cardamom-spiced chai is infused with antioxidants, compounds that protect your body against harmful free radicals. Cardamom is particularly rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are known to support cellular health and fight inflammation.
In modern life, where stress and environmental toxins are part of our daily reality, adding antioxidant-rich foods and drinks to your diet is a simple yet powerful way to care for your long-term health.
Supports oral health
Did you know cardamom has natural antibacterial properties that support oral hygiene?
Chewing on cardamom pods is a traditional practice in India and the Middle East to freshen breath and promote gum health.
When brewed into chai, cardamom’s aromatic oils help combat bacteria in the mouth, making your daily chai ritual a delicious way to support a healthy smile.
A gentle mood lifter
The delicate aroma of cardamom is shown to act as a natural mood enhancer. In traditional Ayurvedic practice, cardamom is believed to balance the doshas and promote emotional well-being.
Inhaling the steam from a freshly poured cup of chai can feel grounding and uplifting all at once. For many of my customers and me!, that first sip of chai is a moment of calm that helps reset the day.
Cardamom is a big part of that magic.
Supports heart health
Cardamom has been linked to heart health benefits, including supporting healthy blood pressure levels. Some studies suggest its diuretic effect can help reduce water retention, while its antioxidant compounds may improve blood circulation.
Paired with the warmth of black tea, ginger, and cinnamon in chai, cardamom becomes part of a spice symphony that delights your palate and also nurtures your body from within.
Anti-inflammatory benefits
Many of the spices I use at The Chai Room such as turmeric, ginger, and cardamom are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues, from joint pain to heart disease, and incorporating natural anti-inflammatory foods is a simple step towards better health.
By choosing a daily chai infused with cardamom, you’re supporting your body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance.
A boost for respiratory health
Cardamom’s warming qualities extend to the respiratory system as well. Traditionally, it has been used to ease coughs, colds, and congestion. Its natural oils can help soothe the airways and make breathing easier, particularly when combined with steam from a hot cup of chai.
That’s why many of my blends feel especially comforting during winter or seasonal transitions. A fragrant cup of chai becomes a hug in a cup, supporting your immune system when you need it most.
Cardamom is a wellness ally, a flavour enhancer, and a reminder of the deep connection between food, ritual, and health.
Every time you enjoy a chai from The Chai Room, you’re indulging in a sensory experience and nourishing your body with a spice that has stood the test of time in the kitchens of mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers!
At The Chai Room, I source cardamom with the same care I bring to every ingredient, ensuring that each blend captures the richness of tradition while celebrating the art of chai in a modern world.
So the next time you cradle a warm cup of chai, take a moment to appreciate the cardamom within.
Its delicate fragrance, uplifting taste, and healthful properties are part of what makes chai such a nourishing drink.
Cardamom in chai tea blends
You'll always find cardamom woven into my signature blends. Each cup reminds that wellness and indulgence can go hand in hand.
Ready to bring the queen of spices into your own ritual? Explore my range of hand-blended artisan chai and discover the health benefits of cardamom for yourself.