The seeds of Elettaria Cardamomum. The Malabar or officinal Cardamom. Nat. Ord. Zingiber-aceae. Linn. Syst. Monandiia Monogynia. Hab. Malabar, Southern India, and Cochin.

Med. Prop. and Action. Cardamoms are aromatic and carminative, without acridity. They are seldom given alone, but are an excellent adjunct to other remedies. Their activity depends upon a volatile oil The best form for internal use is the Compound Tincture. The seeds of Elettaria Major, and other species of Cardamoms, have similar medicinal properties.

Qffic. Prep. 1. Pulvis Aromaticus (see Cinnamomum).

2. Tinctura Cardamomi Composite

(Cardamoms bruised oz. 1/4; Caraway bruised oz. 1/4; Raisins oz. ij.; Cinnamon bruised oz ss.; Powdered Cochineal grs. lx.; Proof Spirit Oj. Prepared by maceration and percolation). Dose, fl. drm. ss. - fl. drs. ij.

Dose of powdered seeds, gr. v. - gr. xx.

746. Therapeutic Uses

In the flatulent Colic of Children, in Dyspeptic Affections of old persons, in the low stages of Fever, and in Atonic states generally, Cardamoms in the form of compound Tincture (ut supra) prove highly serviceable.