In the annals of culinary cardamom or elaichi is called the "queen of spices". Cardamom is one of the most valued spices in the world and placed second only to black pepper, which is considered the "king of spices", according to Hakeem Hashmi, the highly reputed unani physician. The dried fruits of the cardamom constitute the drug. Cardamom has a pleasant aroma with a characteristic, light pungent taste. It gives a warm feeling in the mouth. The seeds of cardamom produce the warm sensation. In the fourth century B.C the Greek physician Theophrastus and some centuries later Dioscoredes mentioned the medicinal value of cardamom in their writings. At 1st century AD South Indian kingdoms of Chera, Chola, Pandias traded cardamom and pepper westwards to Rome, Greece and some Arabian countries. Cardamom originated from southern India. It grows abundantly in the moist rich forests of Kerala and southern Karnatkd some western parts of Tamilnadu. Cardamom cultivation is still limited to a few countries, like India, Srilanka & Guatemala. The seeds of cardamom contain a volatile oil. The aroma and the medicinal properties of cardamom are due to its volatile oil. In order to relieve flatulence and increasing digestion activities, cardamom tinctures are used in medicines.

for indigestion, ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander, is a very useful remedy. For headache caused by indigestion, a tea made from cardamom is valuable.

the aromatic flavor in cardamom is a very good mouth freshener. A few seeds of cardamom chewed for a brief period will remove bad breath or foul smell.

gargling with an infusion made of cardamom and cinnamon effectively cures sore throat, pharyngitis, relaxes uvula or the fleshy conical portion at the back of the tongue, and hoarseness during the infective stage of influenza. Its daily gargle protects one from the flu.

tea leaves and powdered seeds of cardamom are boiled in water can be used as a remedy in the treatment of depression. It gives a very pleasing aroma to the tea and effectively in curing depression.

powdered seeds of cardamom mixed with a table spoon of banana leaf and amla juice taken thrice a day, will be an excellent remedy and diuretic for the treatment of gonorrhoea, cystitis, nephritis, burning micturation or urination and scanty urination.

make an infusion by boiling a couple of crushed or pounded whole cardamoms in a cup of water with 5 or 6 leaves of mint is useful in relieving hiccups. Cardamoms are widely used as masticatory and also included in pan -supari an Indian aphrodisiac of betel leaves. Cardamom is used for flavouring curries especially in Asian countries, cakes, and bread and for other culinary purpose like flavouring coffee or confectionery.
The oil of cardamom is used for pharmaceutical purpose, perfumery, flavouring liqueurs and bitters, in the preparation of tinctures and as a stimulant.