Herb guide › Alligator Pepper (Grains of Paradise)
Alligator Pepper (Grains of Paradise)
Aframomum melegueta is a tropical ginger-family plant with lance-shaped leaves and reddish pods containing small reddish-brown seeds. The seeds have a pungent, peppery, spicy, ginger-like flavor with warm, citrusy notes and produce a lightly golden infusion.
Traditionally used for
Indigestion, Bloating, Gas, Sluggish digestion
Potential benefits
Stimulant, antimicrobial, metabolism support, digestive aid, carminative, antioxidant
Ingredients
Alligator Pepper Seed (Grains of Paradise)
Origin
Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia
How it is traditionally prepared
¼–½ tsp lightly crushed seeds per 8–12 oz water, steep 5–10 minutes, 1 cup occasionally
Cautions and who should avoid it
May irritate the stomach; medicinal-dose safety data are limited; avoid concentrated preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding; caution with gastrointestinal conditions and medications
Get tea recommendations for how you feel, and keep a journal of what works for you.