Spices and kitchen herbs · seed

Cardamom (Iliki (also hiliki))

In the kitchen

In Kenyan kitchens iliki is a core spice in chai, pilau, biryani and mahamri, added whole (crushed pods) or ground; the small green pods are sold loose in most markets and dukas. On keto it flavours bulletproof-style coffee, chai made with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and spice rubs for meat without adding sugar.

Traditionally used for

Traditionally used to ease indigestion, bloating and gas, to settle nausea, and chewed to freshen the breath. Also commonly taken in warm spiced drinks as a folk remedy for coughs and colds.

On keto

Used in normal spice amounts it adds essentially no carbs and pairs well with fats like ghee, coconut milk and cream, making it a free way to add flavour on keto.

Good to know. Generally safe as a food spice. Concentrated or supplemental doses are a different matter: cardamom may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so watch for additive effects if you take diabetes or blood-pressure medication, and it may add to the effect of blood thinners. People with gallstones should be cautious, as it can trigger gallbladder (biliary) colic. Allergy is possible, and medicinal-strength doses are not well studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so keep to culinary amounts.

Sources

General information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before changing how you eat, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or taking medication.