Cardamom

Part used: seed

Traditional use: Traditionally taken for indigestion and digestive complaints.

How to prepare (traditional): Infusion of the crushed seeds; described as a pleasant drink. Seeds are best crushed with a mortar and pestle just before use.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For indigestion, the book suggests drinking about 3/4 cup (150 ml) after meals.

Part used: seed

Traditional use: Traditionally massaged onto the abdomen for digestive pain.

How to prepare (traditional): Essential oil diluted in carrier oil and rubbed into the abdomen.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For digestive pain, the book suggests diluting 10 drops with 4 tsp carrier oil.

Part used: seed

Traditional use: Traditionally used to improve appetite.

How to prepare (traditional): Tincture, combined with gentian tincture to improve appetite.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For poor appetite, the book suggests combining 5 drops cardamom with 15 drops gentian tincture, taken three times a day.