Cardamom
Also known as: Elettaria cardamomum, Green Cardamom, True Cardamom, Cardamom Essential Oil
Effective Dosage
1,500 mg/day (3g/day in some trials); No universally established dose
What the Science Says
Cardamom is a spice derived from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, long used in traditional medicine. Clinical trials suggest it may reduce markers of inflammation (like TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP), improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with fatty liver disease, and help ease nausea when inhaled as an aromatherapy oil after surgery. Most human studies used 1.5–3 grams per day for 3–4 months, or essential oil inhalation for acute nausea relief.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat or cure any disease. Won't replace prescription medications for PCOS, fatty liver, or metabolic syndrome. No human evidence it fights cancer directly. Brain and cognitive benefits are only from animal studies — don't count on it for memory or focus. Not a weight loss supplement on its own.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Cardamom has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may support digestive health and improve gastrointestinal function. Additionally, some studies suggest it may help in managing blood sugar levels and reducing cholesterol.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: 1-3 g daily
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic studies were provided. Aromatherapy (inhalation) and oral capsule forms were both used in trials, but absorption data is not available from the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most studies are small (under 100 participants) and conducted in specific patient populations — results may not apply to healthy adults
- Several promising findings come from animal or lab studies only, not humans
- The compound honey syrup study (cystic fibrosis) combined cardamom with multiple other ingredients — cardamom's individual contribution is unclear
- High-dose essential oil (2000 mg/kg in rats) caused toxicity and one animal death — concentrated cardamom oil should not be consumed in large amounts
- Many trials were conducted in Iran with Iranian clinical registries — independent replication in diverse populations is lacking
Products Containing Cardamom
See how Cardamom is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06