Lesser Cardamom

(Lesser Cardamom)
Sanskrit: सूक्ष्मैला • Botanical: Elettaria cardamomum Maton

Sukshma Ela (Lesser Cardamom) is one of the most prized spices and is called the 'Queen of Spices.' The dried capsular fruit of Elettaria cardamomum is used. It is aromatic, pleasant in taste, and cooling. It is an excellent mouth freshener, digestive, and cardiac tonic. It relieves nausea, vomiting, and excessive thirst. It is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations and cooking. The seeds contain volatile oil rich in Cineol.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Volatile oil (2-8%), Cineol, Terpinene, Terpineol, Terpinyl acetate, Borneol, alpha-pinene
Also Known As
English: Lesser Cardamom, Cardamom, Cardamom Fruit
Sanskrit: सूक्ष्मैला, एला, त्रुटी, द्राविडी
Hindi: छोटी इलायची, इलायची

What is Lesser Cardamom (Sukshma Ela / छोटी इलायची)?

Sukshma Ela (Lesser Cardamom) is one of the most prized spices and is called the 'Queen of Spices.' The dried capsular fruit of Elettaria cardamomum is used. It is aromatic, pleasant in taste, and cooling. It is an excellent mouth freshener, digestive, and cardiac tonic. It relieves nausea, vomiting, and excessive thirst. It is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations and cooking. The seeds contain volatile oil rich in Cineol.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Mukhashodhaka (oral cleanser)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Dipana (appetizer)
  • Trishna-nigrahana (quenches thirst)
  • Chhardinigrahana (antiemetic)
  • Vatakaphaghna (pacifies Vata and Kapha)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.