Cardamom: What the Research Shows

Cardamom is prized for its aroma and traditional use as a digestive — and trials link it to modest blood-pressure and metabolic effects. Here’s the evidence.

By PGP Iyer · May 28, 2026 · 1 min read

1 min left

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), the “queen of spices,” is a fragrant pod long used in chai and after-meal digestives across South Asia and the Middle East.

Blood pressure and metabolic markers

A systematic review and meta-analysis reported that green cardamom supplementation was associated with reductions in blood pressure and some inflammatory markers, and a separate meta-analysis found favorable effects on cardiovascular metabolic biomarkers. Effects are modest and the trials are relatively small.

Digestion

Cardamom is traditionally used as a carminative — to ease bloating and aid digestion — which is part of why it features in post-meal teas and chai blends.

In a cup

Tea-amounts of cardamom are aromatic, warming, and well tolerated. The evidence above comes from supplement-level doses, so a flavored cup is best seen as a pleasant ritual rather than a measured therapy.

Frequently asked questions

Does cardamom lower blood pressure?

Meta-analyses link green cardamom supplementation to modest reductions in blood pressure and improvements in some cardiovascular metabolic markers. Trials are relatively small; effects are supportive, not a treatment.

Is cardamom good for digestion?

Cardamom is traditionally used as a digestive (carminative) to ease bloating, which is why it appears in chai and after-meal teas.