Cold & cough5 min
Elaichi Powder and Honey Spoon for Night Cough
A pinch of freshly ground cardamom stirred into a teaspoon of honey, taken at bedtime for a cough that disturbs sleep.
Using elaichi sensibly at home
Green elaichi (cardamom) is sweet, fragrant and considered gentle on digestion. A pod or two goes into chai, kheer and after-meal mouth fresheners.
Honey before bed has good evidence for reducing night-time cough in children over one and adults. Cardamom adds flavour and a traditional soothing touch.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp honey
- A pinch of freshly ground cardamom seeds
How to prepare
- Stir the cardamom into honey.
How to use
- Take slowly at bedtime for a few nights.
- Do not drink water right after; let it coat the throat.
Helpful habits
- Crush pods just before use to keep the aroma.
Precautions
- No honey for babies under one year. Brush teeth after for children.
- Safe in food amounts; very large amounts may trigger gallstone pain in people with gallstones.
- If you take regular medicines or have a long-term condition, check with your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
How much for a child?
- Half a teaspoon for children aged one to five.
Can I use it during the day?
- Yes, up to three times a day.
Pods or seeds?
- Crushed whole pods are fine for tea; seeds alone for powders.
