Few spices match cardamom for adding aroma and flavour to cooking, sweet or savoury. But it is valued for more than the kitchen: a number of health benefits are commonly attributed to it. Chewing a small cardamom pod before going to bed, in particular, is said to do the body good.
Ayurveda also credits cardamom with a range of benefits, from easing digestive trouble to getting rid of bad breath. These are the benefits said to come from eating cardamom before bed.
Helps ease digestive trouble
Many people feel heavy, bloated or uncomfortable after dinner. Some natural compounds in cardamom are thought to soothe digestion. Chewing a pod after a meal changes the taste in the mouth and may also ease some of that discomfort.
Helps calm the mind
The scent of cardamom can feel refreshing. Ayurveda regards it as good for calming body and mind. Chewing a pod before bed may bring a little relaxation from its aroma and taste.
Freshens the breath
Cardamom is often called a natural mouth freshener; its own fragrance masks bad breath. If the smell of food lingers after dinner, chew a pod for a fresher feeling. It is no replacement for keeping teeth and gums clean, however.
How to take it
Before going to sleep, peel a small cardamom pod and chew the seeds inside. There is no need to eat a lot. People allergic to cardamom should avoid it.
Remember: cardamom is a familiar spice that can be eaten in moderation as part of food. It is not a cure for any illness. Anyone with long-running sleep or digestive problems should find the real cause and get treatment.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report