Botanical Name: Elattaria cardamomum
Family: Zingiberaceae
Other Common Names: Cardamom, Ailum, Ilachi, Malabar Cardamums, et al.

Historical & Culinary
The use of Cardamon was known tothe ancients and, in fact, there are constant references to Cardamom Seeds in The Arabian Nights. At one time it was believed that drinking coffee robbed men of their virility. The practice of grinding Cardamom pods (which are reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities) in witht the coffee was said to counteract this effect. One legend states that hot wine flavoried with ground Cardamom could revive a dead man, who would then immediately go out looking for women. (I don't think I want to run into this guy on a dark night.)
These fragrant seeds have been used in religious ceremonies in India as both an offering to the gods and as a means by which one may commune with the divine. They are widely used in Indian, Arabic, Aftrican and Scandinavian cooking. It is one ingredient used in making curry sauces and is used as well in meat, vegetable and dessert dishes, especially to spice up an apple pie.

Medicinal
Parts used: Seeds
Energy & Taste: Spicy, warm
Constituents: Terpenes, terpineol, cineol, fixed oil, salt of potassium, starch, nitrogenous mucilage, ligneous fiber, and acrid resin and ash.
Systems affected: Stomach, digestion.
Properties: Carminative, sialagogue, orexigenic, stimulant, aromatic.

As with many herbs which are popular for culinary purposes, this herb is quite useful for combating indigestion and flatulence. It relieves griping pains and stimulates the appetitie and the flow of saliva, thus aiding in digestion.

Chewing on the seeds or using a few drops of the essential oil will also sweeten the breath.

Magickal
Element: Water
Planet: Venus
Diety: Erzulie
Powers: Lust, Love

Uses: The ground seeds added to warmed wine are said to make a quick lust potion. An aromatic apple pie in which these seeds have been baked is said to strengthen love. Add to any love sachets and incense.