Chewing Cardamom Before Bed — 6 Surprising Health Benefits Of Eating Elaichi At Night

Cardamom, or elaichi, is a treasured spice in Indian kitchens. It's not known just for its rich aroma and flavour, but also for its powerful health benefits. While it's commonly used in tea, desserts, and savoury dishes, chewing a pod of cardamom before bedtime is a age-old Ayurvedic remedy you might be overlooking. This tiny spice is packed with antioxidants, essential oils, and digestive enzymes that can help the body reset overnight. When taken at night, elaichi works as a natural cleanser, healer, and relaxant.

Here are 6 reasons to pop a pod of elaichi every night. Make this tiny spice a part of your nightly routine and lead a healthy life.

ALSO READ: These 5 Easy Ayurvedic Bedtime Habits Can Improve Your Sleep Quality Naturally

1. Aids Digestion

Cardamom stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. This helps your body digest food more efficiently, even while you're asleep. If you go to bed with bloating, gas, or acidity, chewing elaichi can offer relief. This can be helpful especially after a heavy or late-night dinner. It relaxes the stomach muscles and helps reduce the accumulation of gas. Its antispasmodic properties help relax the gastrointestinal tract and ease stomach cramps or discomfort. Consistent use can lead to better nutrient absorption and a healthier gut microbiome. This makes your nights more comfortable and less interrupted.

2. Naturally Freshens Your Breath

Bad breath in the morning is a common issue that many face. It is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth during sleep. The essential oils like cineole in cardamom, fights the bacteria in mouth. Chewing a pod before sleeping acts like a natural mouth freshener. Not only does it leave your breath fragrant with its aromatic scent, but it also promotes oral hygiene by reducing oral bacteria, soothing inflamed gums, and neutralising acids. Chewing a pod of elaichi is a simple, effective, and anciently trusted ritual that helps in maintaining moisture ad balancing pH of your mouth overnight.

3. Promotes Restful Sleep

If you are someone with a poor sleep quality, cardamon can help you with that. The calming and sedative properties of cardamom helps reduces anxiety and induces restful sleep. It's also known to help with restlessness. The magnesium and antioxidants present in elaichi also relax the nervous system and may support melatonin production, the hormone responsible for good sleep. Chewing cardamom at night can reduce stress levels, slow down the heart rate, and prepare the body for restful slumber. Making it a part of your night routine can help you wake up feeling refreshed and mentally balanced.

4. Helps Detoxify The Body

Elaichi has diuretic properties that promotes the removal of toxins through urine. Its antioxidant content supports liver function, which plays a crucial role in detoxifying the bloodstream. It also aids in flushing out harmful substances from the body while you are fast asleep. This detox effect may also lead to clearer skin, improved energy levels, and a stronger immune system. It gives you a natural detox boost naturally. In Ayurveda, cardamom is considered a 'tridoshic' spice, balancing all the three doshas. When it is consumed regularly, it helps cleanse the body of accumulated metabolic waste, environmental toxins, and digestive byproducts.

5. Supports Respiratory Health

Cardamom has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to support respiratory function. It has natural expectorant properties that help loosen mucus and clear nasal passages. It soothes inflamed airways and reduces coughing, allowing for a more peaceful sleep. The spice’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve symptoms of mild asthma, bronchitis, and seasonal allergies. Inhaling its aroma or chewing it before bed can ease chest tightness and promote lung clarity. This spice is also useful for people living in polluted areas or those prone to sinus infections.

6. May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Cardamom's impact on metabolism may also extend to blood sugar regulation. Some researches have suggested that regular consumption of cardamom could help stabilise blood glucose levels and improve insuli sensitivity. When chewed at night, cardamom's antioxidant-rich compounds may prevent overnight blood sugar spikes and support better glucose control throughout the sleep cycle. Although not a replacement for medical treatment, cardamom serves as a supportive dietary measure that may enhance the body’s ability to maintain optimal sugar levels naturally.