Common Name: Grains of Paradise

General Information

Grains of paradise is a herbaceous perennial herb producing tufted stems 1 - 4 metres tall from a rhizomatous rootstock[, ].
The plant has been grown as a condiment and medicinal herb for over two thousand years, being known in ancient Rome[]. It is often cultivated in west Africa and India; and, via the slave-trade, it is also often grown in the Guyanas of S. America[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western and central tropical Africa.

Habitat

Shady sites in damp soil in forests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 21 - 28°c, but can tolerate 10 - 34°c[]. Plants prefer a minimum temperature no lower than about 15°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,500 - 1,900mm, but tolerates 1,000 - 2,400mm[].
Prefers a well-drained soil in partial shade[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[].

Edible Uses

Seed - used as a flavouring[, ]. A cardamom flavour[]. The aromatic, pungent seeds are used as a flavouring in a wide variety of foods and drinks, including breads, wines, cordials, ice cream, candy and soft drinks[]. The active ingredient is paradol, which is related to gingerol, as found in ginger[].

Fruit - raw[]. The fruit pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten, or chewed as a stimulant[, ].

Medicinal

The root is a pungent, stimulant that benefits the digestion and relieves spasms[]. A decoction is taken internally in the treatment of a range of disorders including painful menstruation, excessive lactation, post-partum haemorrhage and infertility[]. The roots can be harvested throughout the year and used fresh or dried for later use[].

Although used mainly as a condiment, the seeds also have a stimulant action on the digestive system, strengthening and warming the stomach[]. They are used to alleviate indigestion, flatulence and bloating and help to relieve abdominal discomfort due to colic or griping[]. The seeds can help to reduce or prevent vomiting and to bring relief from nausea[]. They have also been used as an aphrodisiac[]. The seed is used to treat head colds, influenza, slight abdominal pains, constipation, menstrual pains and rheumatism[]. Combined with Zingiber officinale, they are used to treat colds and fever[]. Crushed in citron juice, they are employed for treating glandular problems[].
The pulverised seeds are used in an enema for treating constipation pains, and are mixed with mustard oil in an ointment for easing arthritis pains[]. The seeds are pulverised with the seeds of Piper nigrum and then mixed with coconut oil to make an ointment that is used to treat general swellings and pains[].

A decoction of the whole plant is used to treat menstrual pain[]. It is macerated with Justicia secunda in a decoction that is used as a laxative and a general medicine[].

The expressed leaf juice is used to treat scrofula[].

The seed contains the volatile oil paradol, which has antispasmodic, carminative and pectoral qualities[].
The seed contains 0.3 - 0.5% of an essential oil; a pungent principle called paradol (which is related to gingerol as found in ginger); and tannins[].
The plant contains the alkaloid piperine, essential oils and resins[].

Other Uses

The seed oil is used as a flavouring agent in perfumery[]. This report almost certainly refers to the essential oil in the seed[].

Propagation

Seed -
Division of rhizomes as new growth begins[].

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