Episode 232: The Medicinal Spice You Probably Underuse: Cardamom for Digestion, Mood, and More with Missy Rohs

---

---

Episode Summary

Most of us think of cardamom as a baking spice—but what if it's actually one of the most delightful herbal medicines in your apothecary?

Many of us know cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) as the spice that makes chai, pastries, and coffee taste extraordinary. But as Missy Rohs shares in this episode, cardamom is so much more than a delicious ingredient. Together, we explore its gifts as a digestive remedy, aromatic medicine, antimicrobial herb, and even what Unani Tibb medicine calls an exhilarant—an herb that gently lifts the spirit and helps us become more open to joy. As Missy beautifully puts it, cardamom "lets the sunshine in."

Along the way, we swap favorite ways to work with cardamom—from coffee and bitters to savory dishes, tinctures, and even medicinal-strength infusions. We also take a delightful detour into saffron (because it’s hard to stay focused on just one of the many amazing herbs out there!), another treasured spice that pairs beautifully with cardamom and offers its own dose of wonder. 

Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card for Missy’s Delightful Persian Love Cake—a stunning celebration of cardamom, saffron, rose, and pistachios that’s sure to become a favorite. You’ll find your copy in the section below.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Five herbal preparations for working with cardamom—and why using it in culinary preparations can be just as medicinal!

► A simple trick for getting even more aroma and flavor from your cardamom

► An unexpected savory pairing with cardamom that might just inspire your next meal

► Tips for growing and harvesting your own saffron (hint: there’s a reason it’s so expensive to buy at the store!)

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Missy Rohs has run the Arctos School of Herbal Studies in Portland, Oregon for two decades. Her classes focus on sustainability, accessibility, and land connection, with special attention to community care. In Missy's plant medicine practice, pragmatism is queen. Common weeds, native plants, kitchen remedies, and ephemeral fungi are all part of her repertoire.

Cardamom may already live in your spice cabinet—but after this conversation with Missy, you may find yourself reaching for it much more often!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Missy:

• Website | ArctosSchool.org
• Instagram | @arctosschool
• Facebook | Arctos School

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Missy Rohs + Missy’s plant path
• [10:17] Joyfully working with cardamom in the kitchen
• [19:24] Working with cardamom as a tincture or cold infusion
• [22:03] Medicinal benefits of cardamom
• [26:52] Delightful Persian Love Cake recipe
• [30:54] A brief interlude about saffron
• [35:18] Using cardamom in savory dishes
• [36:22] Missy’s herbal offerings (and a surprise guest!)
• [43:10] The part of herbalism that turned out to be harder than Missy expected
• [47:54] Student spotlight
• [48:51] Herbal tidbit
• [50:23] Outtakes

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 0:36 - Intro to Missy Rohs + Missy’s plant path
• 09:59 - Joyfully working with cardamom in the kitchen
• 19:19 - Working with cardamom as a tincture or cold infusion
• 22:05 - Medicinal benefits of cardamom
• 27:04 - Delightful Persian Love Cake recipe
• 31:13 - A brief interlude about saffron
• 35:46 - Using cardamom in savory dishes
• 36:57 - Missy’s herbal offerings (and a surprise guest!)
• 43:52 - The part of herbalism that turned out to be harder than Missy expected
• 48:44 - Student spotlight
• 49:41 - Herbal tidbit
• 51:12 - Outtakes

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


Are You Ready for More Herbal Inspiration?

The best way to get started is by joining my herbal community and weekly newsletter where I share my best herbal tips and insights.

When you join you’ll also get access to The Herbal Jumpstart Course which helps you figure out the best herbs for you.

Sign up below!

Yes!

Sign me up for weekly herbal tips, recipes, and insights. 

Name:

Email:

We respect your email privacy