Large cardamom is an important crop in both the culinary and economic sense. It generates Rs. 40-50 crore revenue for Sikkim annually. A single farmer can earn Rs. 25000 to 30000 from one hectare of large cardamom plantation.
The seeds contain 3% essential oil rich in cineole making it useful in kitchens as a flavoring agent and spice. In fact, it is also used as a flavoring agent in colas, biscuits, liquors, confectioneries, etc. Apart from food, the spice is also used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines as well as perfumes.
The medicinal properties of the pods range from the prevention of oral infections, curing of loss of appetite, bronchitis, colic, fatigue to stress. Black Cardamom seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and help in relieving muscle spasms, lung congestion, eyelid inflammation, digestive disorders, etc.