11 Kitchen Spices That Work Better Than Your Medicine Cabinet

11. Cardamom — Anti-inflammatory and digestive tonic

Cardamom is aromatic and widely used in sweet and savory dishes, from chai to biryanis. Traditionally, it supports digestion and freshens breath, and modern interest highlights its mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. A simple cardamom tea after a heavy meal can soothe the stomach and aid digestion while offering a pleasant aroma that feels like a gentle reset. Cardamom is generally gentle and well-tolerated in culinary amounts; concentrated extracts should be used with care and under advice for therapeutic purposes. People with known spice allergies should avoid it, and anyone on complex medication regimens should check with a clinician before taking concentrated botanical supplements. For everyday life, using a pod or two in hot tea or rice dishes is an easy, flavorful way to enjoy cardamom’s traditional benefits.