Cardamom is primarily found in the southern part of India and also in Sri Lanka. It is an aromatic spice that has been used since ages as an important spice in food and as a natural remedy against many health conditions and diseases. The therapeutic and aromatic properties make it a popular ingredient for everyday consumption. Due to its detoxifying and antioxidant properties and aroma, cardamom is also added in tea. This spice is also been widely used in Ayurveda to heal various ailments. It is widely being used in ayurvedic and proprietary medicines to cure health issues like gastrointestinal problems, sore throat and in improving liver functions.
Cardamoms do not cause any side effects most of the times, and is being used as a home remedy for common day to day health problems like indigestion and nausea. While we all are aware of the immense health benefits of cardamom, it has some serious and lesser known side effects. Let’s explore them one by one.
1. Allergies
Excess of intake of Cardamom is seen to cause allergies in the body. If one consumes cardamom in large amounts for few months to years then they may have to face unexplained allergic reactions in the body.[1] Skin allergy is one of the most common outcomes of cardamom intake. The person may develop skin conditions like dermatitis or hives. Intolerance to cardamom also causes stiffness in the throat.
2. Gallstone Issues
Gallstones formation is associated with high cardamom intake. Cardamom is not completely soluble and hence the body fails to absorb it fully.[2] This results in sedimentation of the seeds that remain unabsorbed. These seeds accumulate in the gall bladder and forms gallstones. A person who has been diagnosed with stones in the gall bladder should strictly avoid the consumption of cardamoms, which may otherwise add to the pain and discomfort.
3. Drug Interactions
It is a lesser known fact that cardamom can cause reaction when you are on certain form of medication. It can cause harmful side effects when it is in contact with those medicines. The reaction might result in mild to severe health hazards and illness. In case you are on medications of certain drugs, abstain from ingesting cardamom in any form.[3] It can interfere with the medicinal values or cause reaction if you are taking medicines for health conditions like liver diseases, gallstones, IBS, depression, HIV, Anticoagulants, and many more. You should seek immediate medical assistance if you notice anything unusual.
4. Swollen Skin
If you know that you have cardamom intolerance or you are allergic to cardamoms, you should abstain from its ingestion. It may cause potential damage, swelling or inflammation to the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.[4] This may sometimes turn out painful or unpleasant. However, most of the times, the inflammation caused to the skin due to the consumption of cardamoms are mild and subside in a few hours. Although, skin sensation due to cardamom allergy may cause any time of the year, it is worst during the winters when the skin becomes vulnerable to various skin problems. It is best to limit the consumption of cardamom if you have intolerance towards certain it or any other food.
5. Difficulty In Respiration
Excessive intake of cardamoms may cause breathing problems, tightness and pain in the chest or mild to medium respiratory problems.[5] Seek medical intervention, if the issue persists. If you already have any diagnosed respiratory problem, consult your doctor prior to its intake.
