Madagascar Cardamom

Other Names : Aframomum angustifolium, Guinea Grains, Longoza Plant, Mlelgueta Pepper, Maniguette Fine
Madagascar cardamom is a herbaceous perennial plant producing dense stands of leafy stems 1.5 - 4 metres tall from a tuberous rootstock. The fruits and seeds are gathered from the wild for local use as a food and condiment. The plant is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit and seeds.

Health Benefits and uses of Madagascar Cardamom are

• The fruits are eaten raw. The seeds are surrounded by masses of an agreeable, white, sweet-acid pulp inside 3 membranes. The sweet, sugary pulp is frequently eaten as a snack - it is particularly liked by children. The fruit is a round to oval, tough, orange-red-black berry 7 - 9cm long including the calyx beak. The seeds are crushed and used as a spice like pepper. They are also used in the Near East as an admixture to coffee
• The crushed seeds are boiled with the roots of Piper capensis and drunk as an aphrodisiac.
• In Congo, the seeds are chewed to fight intestinal worms.
• In Nigeria, stems are used to make ties that tie sorghum. The whole plant is rich in aromatic components and it is mainly the leaves that are distilled to give the essential oil.
• In Madagascar, these aromatic leaves are used in traditional medicine in decoction to fight the cough.
• The seeds are crushed and applied to the skin to treat dermatoses and infections with Pytirisais versicolor.
• Recently, research has shown that the seed extracts of Aframomum angustifolium are rich in labdane diterpenes and their efficacy on skin problems. In addition, an extract of these seeds has proved an anti-age effect in cosmetics.
• Moreover, its interesting content of beta-caryophyllene suggests a good anti-inflammatory activity, while its richness in terpenic esters explains its powerful balancing effects on the nervous system.
• Rich in pinene, this oil will also be a good choice for cleansing the air and toning the body.
• An excellent synergy to revitalize the body and the morale in times of stress!