My brother has issues with Type 2 diabetes and I mentioned to him that cardamom can be helpful in regulated hemoglobin A1C, elevated cholesterol, HTN. So what does he do? He goes out and purchases cardamom pods (insert eye roll here). I’m curious to know how to prepare cardamom pods at home. I have a dehydrator on hand. Can I use a Ninja to powder? Mortar and pestle? Is it best to take it as a tea? Thank you so much! Too many people in my life excited that I’m on a journey to become an herbalist. I keep trying to remind them I’m just in the baby stages.

Well it would be unusual to just use Cardamom, it would be best in a formula. A simple formula could be Cardamom (1 part), Ceylon Cinnamon (1 part), Coriander (1/2 part), Fenugreek (1 part), Holy Basil (1 part). This would be ground up to a powder (I do not know if a Ninja will work, it might, a mortar and pestle is tedious and not very effective). The Chai-like tea would be used at 1/2 tsp per 8 oz hot water, let steep 15 minutes, strain and drink, 4 oz three times per day. BUT your brother needs to carefully monitor his blood sugar levels, this could reduce his glucose level and alter his need for medication. This is imperative to keep track of, as it could possibly cause low blood sugar.

Thank you for this response! He does check his blood sugar several times daily.