CHAP. IX.Of Cardamom Seed Water.
TheSeed from whence this Water takes its Name, is called by BotanistsCardamomum Minus, or the lesser Cardamom; to distinguish it from theCardamomum Majus, or Grains of Paradise.
The lesser Cardamom is a small short Fruit, or membranaceous Capsule, of a trigonal Form, about a third of an Inch long, and swelling out thick about the Middle; beginning small and narrow from the Stalk, and terminating in a small, but obtuse Point at the End. It is striated all over very deeply with longitudinal Furrows, and consists of a thin but very tough Membrane, of a fibrous Texture, and palebrown Colour, with a faint Cast of red. When the Fruit is thoroughly ripe, this Membrane opens at the three Edges all the way, and shews that it is internally divided by three thin Membranes into three Cells, in each of which is an Arrangement of Seeds, separately lodged in two Series. The Seeds are of an irregular angular Figure, rough, and of a dusky brown Colour on the Surface, with a Mixture of yellowish and reddish, and of white Colour within. They have not much Smell, unless first bruised, when they are much like Camphire under the Nose. They are of an acrid, aromatic and fiery hot Taste. They should be chosen sound, close shut on all Sides, and full of Seeds, of a good Smell, and of an acrid aromatic Taste.
Take of the lesser Cardamom Seeds husked two Pounds and a Half, of clean Proof Spirit ten Gallons and a Half, and of Water one Gallon; draw off ten Gallons by a gentle Heat. You may either dulcify it or not with fine Sugar at pleasure.
This Water is Carminative, assists Digestion, and good to strengthen the Head and Stomach.