Get to Know Cardamom
Learn more about this traditional Ayurvedic spice used in more than 30 Yogi tea blends.
Quality Ingredients in Every Cup
Cardamom, a relative of the Ginger family, is a perennial plant that produces large pods which are commonly used as a culinary spice. Cardamom’s unique flavor profile – often described as a blend of spice, lemon and mint – adds complexity to baked goods, stews, curries and tea blends.
We source much of the Cardamom used in our teas from the Village of Santa Teresa de Omoa, a jungle village in Honduras which produces nearly 60% of the country’s total Cardamom crop. Nearly every citizen in this small village of 1,200 is involved in the Cardamom growing and harvesting process and over the years, we have developed a close relationship with its citizens through several projects designed to improve the overall quality of life in Santa Teresa.
With abundant afternoon rainfall, temperate forests and steep mountainsides offering natural drainage; this region’s climate and physical landscape are ideal Cardamom growing conditions.
Cardamom & Ayurveda
Our history is rooted in the holistic teachings of Ayurveda, an ancient philosophy that recommends a holistic approach to the body and mind.
Yogi Bhajan, the original founder of Yogi, shared his knowledge of Ayurveda with his yoga students, and after yoga practice, began serving them tea made from a traditional Ayurvedic spice blend of Cardamom Seed, Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, Ginger Root, and Black Pepper. When blended and brewed, this traditional blend of warming spices left you feeling vibrant and alive while supporting overall well-being.
In Ayurveda, Cardamom is considered tri-doshic, though typically more suited to those with a Vata or Kapha constitution given its warming energy.
In addition to its warming properties, Cardamom has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to support respiratory function, as well as to promote healthy digestion. As a natural source of carminatives – enzymes that reduce gas – Cardamom can help to ease indigestion from rich foods; while its alkaline properties can also help to soothe the stomach after consuming acidic food or drinks.
Cardamom & Yogi Teas
Carrying on the tradition that Yogi Bhajan established with his Original Yogi Tea recipe, we continue to use Cardamom in many Yogi tea blends today. In fact, Cardamom is one of the most widely used ingredients across the Yogi tea collection; featured in over 30 Yogi tea blends! We invite you to discover your perfect Yogi tea blend made with Cardamom by exploring the Cardamom section of our Ingredients page; or, try one of these suggested Yogi blends.
