Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, for maintaining oral hygiene and supporting gum health. Traditionally, cardamom pods and seeds have been chewed after meals in South Asian cultures, partly to freshen breath and also believed to promote oral cleanliness. The aromatic oils in cardamom, such as cineole, possess antimicrobial properties that may help inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease and bad breath, according to traditional wisdom.

However, scientific studies specifically evaluating cardamom’s effect on gum health are limited. Some in vitro research suggests cardamom extracts can inhibit the growth of common oral pathogens, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Thus, while the tradition of using cardamom for gum support is well documented and there is some preliminary scientific rationale, there is insufficient clinical evidence to definitively validate its efficacy for this body system. The evidence rating reflects this gap between traditional use and direct scientific support.

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