Other Names : Aframomum melegueta, Alligator Pepper, Ginny Grains, Ginny Papper, Graines, Greater Cardamom, Guinea Grains, Guinea Pepper, Guinea Seeds, Melegueta Pepper, Maniguette<br>Grains of paradise is an herblike perennially growing plant that is indigenous to the marshy habitations the length of the coast in West Africa. This species belongs to the ginger family - Zingiberaceae. Occasionally, the stems of grains of paradise may be small and they generally bear marks of fallen leaves and scars. On average, the leaves of this plant are 35 cm long and 15 cm broad, having an excellent arrangement of the vascular system. Grains of paradise flowers are attractive and fragrant. While the upper part of the flowers has a rich pinkish-orange hue, their lip is orange-colored. The fruits of this herbaceous plant enclose many, minuscule golden reddish-brown seeds.
==Special Precautions of Grains Of Paradise==
* Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding : In a clinical study published in Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences last 2009, researchers have reported that large doses of afromomum melegueta may pose a potential health risk on pregnant women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. On the other hand, there was no report of any adverse side effect for men – the typical user – plus, the doses were far higher than what you’ll get here!
* Arthritis : effective to alleviate pain as well as inflammation in rodents. Further studies are necessary; especially they need to be examined on humans, before using them to treat arthritis.
== References ==
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