Elakkai refers to the aromatic dried seed pods of the cardamom plant, botanically known as Elettaria cardamomum. It is one of the most prized spices in the world, often called the “Queen of Spices.”
Elakkai is widely used in Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, as well as in South Indian, Middle Eastern, and global cuisines. It is valued for its sweet aroma, warming yet gentle nature, and digestive benefits.
Product Name: Elakkai
Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Part Used: Dried fruit pods (seeds inside)
Form: Whole pods / Seeds / Powder
Colour: Green to light green (premium), pale green to yellow (aged)
Taste: Sweet, mildly pungent
Aroma: Strong, sweet, refreshing
Nature: Mildly warming
Category: Spice / Medicinal seed pod
Shelf Life:
Whole pods: 2–3 years
Powder: 1–2 years (airtight storage)
⚠️ Based on traditional Siddha & household practices (not medical advice)
Used to relieve gas, bloating, indigestion
Chewed after meals for freshness
Naturally freshens breath
Used in traditional mouth fresheners
Used in remedies for cough, cold, throat irritation
Often combined with milk or herbal decoctions
Used in sweets, tea, coffee, curries, biryani
Enhances aroma and flavor
Elettaria cardamomum
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Tamil | ஏலக்காய் (Elakkai) |
| English | Green cardamom |
| Hindi | इलायची (Elaichi – green) |
| Sanskrit | एला (Ela) |
| Telugu | యాలకులు (Yalakulu) |
| Kannada | ಏಲಕ್ಕಿ (Elakki) |
| Malayalam | ഏലക്ക (Elakka) |
| Urdu | الائچی (Elaichi) |
| Arabic | هيل (Hail) |
Green cardamom
Small cardamom
Elakkai pods
True cardamom
? Note: Different from Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum), which is larger and smoky in aroma.
Whole pods: Chewed or added to tea
Powder: Used in sweets and medicines
Infusion: Added to milk or decoctions
Spice blends: Garam masala, chai masala
Elakkai = Green cardamom
Aromatic, sweet, gentle warming spice
Used for digestion, breath freshness & cooking
Common in Siddha, Ayurveda & cuisines
Known by many names across India and beyond
We accept returns within 7 days of delivery for damaged or incorrect products. Please contact us at info@thogai.in with your order number and photos.