Eladwaya (Elettaria Cardomomum)
Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
Ela, commonly known as Cardomom is one of the commonly cultivated herbs in South Indian states. It is used as ingredient for food preparation as well as a highly potent medicine. The name itself means that the plant is a stimulant. Ela is of two varieties. They are Elatteria Cardomomum and Ammomum subulatum.
Dr. Gupta’s IAFA have been studying on readily available herbs for the purpose of alleviating allergic condition. Our experts studied on Ela and proven the plant’s therapeutic activities like Aromatic , Stimulant , Antipyretic, Carminative, Expectorant, Stomachic, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Antiinflammatory actions etc. Ela can be used in various diseases like Dysuria, cataract, cough, asthma, anorexia, digestive disorders etc. Broad spectrum antibacterial action is shown by methanolic extract of dried fruits of Ela. When administered orally, it has shown cough relieving action. Alcoholic fruit extract of this plant is bronchodialating and can be used in asthma. Nowadays Ela is also used for treating allergic conditions.
Action of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomumin Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Ela. The plant contains phytoconstituents like volatile oil, cineole, terpinyl acetate, terpineol, borneol, terpinene, camphene, cymene, geraneol, starchetc. These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory property of Ela. It can be effectively used for treating allergic conditions.
Vernacular names and Classification
Botanical Name | Eletteria Cardomomum |
Family | Scitaminae |
Native Names | |
Sanskrit Name | Ela, Dravidi, Bahula |
Hindi Name | Elachi |
English Name | Cardomom |
Malayalam Name | Elakka |
Kannada Name | Elakki |
Marathi Name | Elachi |
Ayurveda reference of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum

Morphology of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
- Plant with woody root stock, branching
- Stems are clothed below with spongy sheaths
- Leaves are subsessile
- Inflorescence is panicle
- Fruits are capsule
- Seeds are small and black
Geographical distribution of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
Ela is found growing mostly in SouthIndian states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Phytoconstituents of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
The plant contains phytoconstituents like volatile oil, cineole, terpinyl acetate, terpineol, borneol, terpinene, camphene, cymene, geraneol, starch .
Parts used of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
- Fruits
- Seeds
Dosage of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
- Powder(churna)- 1-3 g
Medicinal Properties of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
- Kasa hara – relieves cough
- Dipana – carminative
- Arsoghna – relieves piles
- Swasahara – relieves asthma
- Pacana – digestant
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
- Chardinigrahana – relieves vomiting
- Rucikara – useful in anorexia
- Hridya – useful in heart diseases

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Eladwaya – Elettaria Cardomomum
From ancient times itself Ayurveda is widely used in India. Ela , a commonly seen and easily available herb. Due to its high medicinal value it is used in treating many diseases like,
- In Cough (Kasa) – Powdered Ela is mixed with juice of Adhatoda vasica leaves and taken to cure cough.
- In Anorexia (Aruci) – Tablets prepared from powdered Ela, Cinnamomum camphora and sugar candy promote taste.
- In Asthma (Swasa) – 1-3 g powder of Ela fruits is mixed with juice of Adhatoda vasica leaves and taken to cure asthma.
- In Heart diseases (Hridroga) – Decoction made of Cardomom taken is useful in heart diseases.
- In Hiccough (Hikka) – Powdered Cardomom is mixed with juice of Adhatoda vasica leaves and taken to cure hikka.
- As a carminative (Deepana) – Cardomom is powdered and taken before food. It can act as a carminative.
- In Vomiting (Chardi) – Powdered Cardomom is taken to check vomiting.
- As Digestant (Pacana) -Cardomom powdered and taken after food.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurveda Allergy Specialist