Cardamom is highly valued by Ayurvedia for its health benefits, sweet,

pleasing taste and rich aroma.  Cardamom is very calming to

the nervous system.  It improves digestion and stiumlates the metabolism, cleanses the kidneys and bladder, improves circulation to the lungs and considered good for asthma.  When added to milk, it neutralizes its mucus forming properties.  Cardamom can also be ground and added to coffee to neutralize the effects of caffeine.  It is balancing to all three doshas.

Cardamom isn't just healthy, it's tasty too!  It can be added to both sweet and savory dishes.  Use in pilafs, Indian curries, puddings, cookies, fruit smoothies.

For the most flavor grind them a bit in a mortar and pestle.  Cardamom is what makes Chai tea so yummy. 

2 ounces

Chai

3 cups water

1 cup organic milk

1 teaspoon black tea

Mix 3 cloves, 1/2 teaspoon whole cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon whole corriander, 1/4 tsp dried ginger root, 8 whole peppercorns, 1 star anice, 1 cinnamon stick in a mortar bowl.  Grind a few seconds with pestle till spices release their aroma. 

Boil the water with the spices for 2-3 minutes and add the milk and heat until hot but not boiling.  Sweeten with Agave or raw honey.