HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CARDAMOM/149INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:- Dyspeptic complaints
Unproven Uses: Caraway is used for gastrointestinal cramps,
4fc> flatulence and feelings of fullness, as well as nervous
cardiac-gastric complaints.
In folk medicine, Caraway is used to improve lactation in
nursing mothers, as an emmenagogue and to settle the
stomach. The essential oil is used as constituent in mouth-
washes and bath additives.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
OVERDOSAGE
An intake of larger dosages of the volatile oil (see for
example in caraway liquor) for extended periods can lead to
kidney and liver damage.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Preparations from the essential oil
4f are for internal use. The comminuted fresh drug is used for
infusions and other galenic preparations.
How Supplied: Powder, capsules, film tablets, coated tablets,
drops and tea.
Preparation: An infusion i.s prepared by pressing l to 2
teaspoonfuls of seeds before using and pouring 150 ml of hot
water over it, draining after 10 to 15 minutes.Daily Dosage: The average single dose of oil is 2 to 3 drops
on sugar; caraway, 1 to 5 gm. The average daily dose of oil
is 3 to 6 drops; caraway, 1.5 to 6 gm.
Storage: Protect from light and moisture in glass or metal
containers.
LITERATURE
Debelmas AM, Rochat J, (1967) Plant Med Phytother 1:23.
Harries N et al., (1978) J Clin Pharm 2:171.
Hopf H, Kandler O, (1977) Phytochemistry 16:1715.
Koedam A, Scheffer JJC, Barheim Svendsen A, Z Lebensm
g Unters Forsch 168:106-111. 1979.
Salveson A et al., Sci Pharm 46(2):93-100. 1978.
Further information in:
Chan, EH et al. (Eds). Advances in Chinese Medicinal
Materials Research, World Scientific Pub. Co. Singapore 1985.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979. "
Schulz R, Hansel R, Rationale Phytotherapie, Springer Verlag
Heidelberg 1996.
Simon JE, Chadwick AF, Craker LE (Eds.), Herbs. An Indexed
Bibliography 1971-80. Archon Books, USA 1984.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
mbH Stuttgart 1997.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the oil extracted
from the seeds and fruit plus seeds harvested shortly after
ripening.Flower and Fruit: The flowering shoots grow on the stem
very close to the ground. The panicle branches can grow up
to 8 cm. The flowers are alternate and covered by sheath-like
bracts before opening. The calyx is slightly wider above,
finely striped, obtusely 3-tipped and does not droop. The
corolla is greenish white. The lobes are rounded, somewhat
curly, white with a yellowish border with blue veins and
lines in the center. The only fertile stamen is set into the edge
of the petals. The sterile stamens are arranged beside the
styles on the receptacle. The pollen is globular and prickly.
The ovary is inferior, oblong, obovate with 3 valves, each
with 12 horizontal ovules. The fruit is 6 to 18 mm long, 6 to
10 mm thick, short-stemmed, ovate or elliptical to oblong.
The seeds are light brown, gray or dark red brownish. They
are very roughly wrinkled, 4 to 5 mm long, irregular edged
and the whole seed is surrounded by an almost colorless seed
coat. Mysore and Malabar cardamoms are usually blanched
pale and have a smooth surface. They are sold commercially
less often than the Green Aleppy or Ceylon varieties.Leaves, Stem and Root: Elettaria cardamomum is a perennial
with a thick, tuberous rhizome and numerous long roots.
There are up to 30 erect, glabrous, green stems that are 2 to 3
m high. The leaves are in 2 rows with a leaf membrane at the
end of a soft-haired sheath. The leaf surface is lanceolate,
clearly acuminate and up to 60 cm long. The leaves are
entire-margined, downy above, silky-haired beneath and