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| - Last Updated on November 17, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A viral post claims that cardamom can cure hair fall and insomnia. We did the fact check to term this claim as false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “Before going to bed at night, chew two cardamoms well and drink a glass of lukewarm water. This cures the problem of hair fall and insomnia. Cardamom nourishes the hair.”
Fact Check
Does cardamom prevent hair loss?
No, cardamom alone is not proven to prevent hair loss. While cardamom is known for its rich antioxidant content, which supports general health, there is still no conclusive scientific evidence linking its consumption to reduced hair fall.
However, a 2022 study shows that Alpinetin (AP), found in cardamom, boosts hair growth by keeping hair follicles active longer and stimulating certain stem cells through Wnt signalling (a process that helps cells grow and develop). Researchers found that AP worked better than standard treatments in mice and was safe for human and mouse skin cells. Scientists still need to confirm these results in people.
Hair health depends on a variety of factors such as genetics, overall nutrition, and lifestyle. While antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which may contribute to hair damage, simply chewing cardamom won’t provide sufficient nutrients to directly impact hair loss prevention. For healthier hair, a diet rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and other vitamins is more beneficial.
We reached out to Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his opinion on cardamom for hair fall. He says, “While cardamom has some health benefits due to its antioxidant properties, there is no scientific evidence to support its role in preventing hair loss. For effective hair care, it’s important to focus on a balanced diet, proper hair hygiene, and medical treatments backed by research.”
Apart from this, we have also seen claims like, cardamom water can cure fever. However, this lacks scientific backing.
Can cardamom improve sleep quality?
Not really. No definitive evidence supports the idea that cardamom can directly enhance sleep quality or treat insomnia. Although cardamom has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential calming properties, research confirming its efficacy for sleep is lacking. A 2024 study on mice found that cardamom oil reduced anxiety in sleep-deprived mice. It increased calming brain chemicals like GABA (which helps relax the brain) and serotonin, and boosted antioxidants. However, since this study was on mice, we need more research on humans to confirm these effects.
Its pleasant aroma and soothing flavour might contribute to a sense of relaxation, but there’s actually no scientific evidence for its effect on sleep. Drinking warm water, on the other hand, may have a calming effect as part of a bedtime routine. However, for consistent sleep improvements, evidence-based practices like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing caffeine intake, and practising relaxation techniques are more effective.
We interviewed Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, for his perspective on cardamom for insomnia. He says, “Cardamom might make you feel relaxed with its soothing aroma and taste, but there’s no solid evidence that it can improve sleep or treat insomnia. While some studies on mice suggest it could reduce anxiety and help calm the brain, we need more research on humans to know for sure. For better sleep, it’s best to stick to proven habits like a regular sleep schedule, cutting down on caffeine, and practising relaxation techniques.”
Does cardamom provide essential nutrients for hair and sleep health?
Cardamom contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but it is not a significant source of the essential nutrients needed for strong hair or quality sleep. For example, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins are crucial for these purposes, and cardamom is not a major source, especially since we consume such small quantities of the spice.
What are the benefits of cardamom?
Cardamom is a spice with antioxidant and diuretic properties (animal study) that may help lower blood pressure and support overall health. Animal and lab studies show it could reduce tumour growth, fight inflammation, and help in digestion, but human research is limited. Cardamom may also improve breath freshness, prevent cavities (animal study), and help with certain bacterial infections, though most findings are from lab tests.
Some studies suggest cardamom might improve breathing, lower blood sugar (animal study), and reduce anxiety, but these effects need more research in humans. Still, including it in your diet can be a safe and healthy choice. However, do not rely on it to cure hair loss or insomnia. Hair loss and insomnia can be related, so it’s important to consult an expert to determine the root cause of your health issues and find an effective solution.
Despite the benefits, some social media posts claim that cardamom is bad for fertility, but this isn’t true.
THIP Media Take
Cardamom is a flavourful spice with some health benefits, thanks to its antioxidants. However, the claim that cardamom can cure hair fall and insomnia is false, because there is conclusive no evidence. A balanced diet and proven practices are more effective for maintaining hair health and sleep quality.
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