Cardamom, Samana Vayu and Mental Health

Cardamom is a distinctive flavor you may recognize from Indian cooking - particularly in sweet milky desserts. One of the reasons it is used in milky desserts (aside from its deliciousness) is because it is a digestive aid, and it reduces the mucous forming properties of dairy.

In ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is also used as a digestive aid in herbal formulas, teas, and in daily cooking of savory foods. It helps with indigestion, gas, and bloating. It supports the movement of peristalsis to help solve problems with either constipation or diarrhea. Cardamom has a pungent yet sweet taste that stimulates Agni (the digestive fire) and helps to regulate Samana Vayu - one of the subtle aspects of Vata involved with digestion.

Sama means balancing, and Samana Vayu is the balancing air. Located in the mid-section of the body, it not only assists with digestion but also with assimilating nutrients into our blood stream (and oxygen into our tissues). It has a stabilizing force in the body, and when it is working well with the other pranas, specifically Prana and Apana Vayu, we have an easier time finding overall balance. The more support we have in keeping Vata regulated, the more support our mind has, as well, which means there is a connection between samana vayu and mental health.

Digestive issues are often related to mental health concerns, as you may know from experience. Does your digestive system change based on your feelings or stress levels? Read the blog post “Gut Health and the Mind” for more information on that. But, keep in mind that Samana Vayu plays a role here, too, as it also helps us digest and assimilate our sensory impressions, thoughts and feelings. One of the best ways to regulate Samana Vayu is with good lifestyle routines – it likes regularity. Wake up at the same time each day, eat your meals at about the same time each day, and go to bed at the same time each night. That makes this balancing air very happy. You can also support Samana Vayu with foods and spices – and Cardamom is a great one to work with.

In The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad (1986) they share that cardamom has a sattvic quality "and it is particularly good for opening and soothing the flow of the pranas in the body" (p. 109). When working with our mental health we always strive to improve the sattvic quality of life, and we benefit from soothing ourselves (it’s a pretty rough world out there).  Experiment with some cardamom – even smelling the essential oil – and see how it affects you.