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| - Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating black cardamom once every week can prevent coughing for life. Our investigation reveals that this claim is false.
The Claim
A viral Facebook post suggests that eating black cardamom (badi elaichi) weekly has the ability to prevent coughs for the rest of one’s life. The video encourages people to adopt this habit as a natural remedy.
Fact Check
Does black cardamom have medicinal properties that could help with coughs?
No, we found no evidence of black cardamom helping with coughing. Black cardamom does have certain medicinal properties, but there is no scientific evidence to support that it can permanently prevent coughing.
Black cardamom is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These attributes may help in relieving mild respiratory issues, but only temporarily. In traditional medicine, it is sometimes used to soothe symptoms like sore throats or minor congestion. However, this is quite different from a lifelong prevention of coughs. To claim that consuming black cardamom weekly can entirely prevent coughing for life is an overstatement without any scientific backing.
Coughing can result from various causes, including allergies, infections, and irritants. In some cases, it may indicate serious conditions like a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) or heart failure. Simply eating black cardamom cannot address these underlying issues.
We reached out to Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, for her expert insights on black cardamom as a cough cure. She says, “Even though black cardamom has a wonderful flavour, it isn’t a magic cure for a cough. You can add it to warm ginger drinks or herbal teas with tulsi and turmeric for some soothing relief, but it won’t address the root cause of a chronic cough. For persistent or recurring symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Let’s rely on science for our health and well-being.”
People also suggest castor and almond oil for cough and phlegm. But, even this lacks scientific backing.
Can eating black cardamom every week offer long-term respiratory benefits?
Not really. Regular consumption of black cardamom may offer some benefits for digestion, diabetes and immunity. Some animal studies suggest that black cardamom has lipid-lowering properties and may help with alcoholic fatty liver. Another lab study reportedly shows its anticancer activity. However, there is no evidence to suggest it provides lifelong respiratory protection.
The essential oils present in black cardamom, such as cineole, can have a soothing effect on the respiratory system. This is likely to ease mild symptoms of coughs or congestion in the short term. Yet, this effect is temporary and does not imply a preventive solution for all types of coughs. Chronic coughs, or those caused by more severe underlying conditions, cannot be prevented by simply eating a spice.
We connected with Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, for his take on black cardamom for respiratory benefits. He says, “People have used black cardamom in traditional remedies, but there’s no scientific proof that eating it every week can prevent coughs or protect against respiratory issues for life. Many different things can cause a cough, so finding out the root cause is important. For proper care and lasting relief, it’s best to see a healthcare professional rather than rely on home remedies.”
Social media posts also claim that onions can help cure cough and allergies. However, this doesn’t have strong scientific evidence.
What are some known uses of black cardamom in traditional medicine?
Traditional systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine have long valued black cardamom for its healing properties. People use it to help in digestion, ease stomach discomfort, and support oral health. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antibacterial effects. People also add it to teas and broths for flavour.
Historically, it has helped treat throat issues, lung congestion, and even conditions like tuberculosis. However, the scientific evidence is still not conclusive. Furthermore, there’s no evidence that it can prevent respiratory problems or offer lifelong protection against coughs.
Are there risks in relying only on black cardamom for respiratory health?
Yes, relying on black cardamom alone for respiratory health might lead to neglecting proper treatment and diagnosis of serious conditions.
Although generally safe when used in moderation, black cardamom should not serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Persistent coughs could be a sign of underlying conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or even more severe illnesses. Depending on unproven remedies could delay necessary medical intervention, leading to complications.
For instance, if a cough persists for more than a few weeks, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional rather than relying on home remedies.
THIP Media Take
The claim that eating black cardamom once every week can prevent coughing for life is false. Black cardamom may provide some temporary relief for mild throat and respiratory issues, but it cannot offer a lifelong solution to prevent all types of coughs. Consulting a doctor is essential when dealing with persistent coughs to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment and care.
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