Cardamom essential oil is extracted from the seed of the true cardamom plant, which is a leafy perennial plant in the ginger family. They are grown in sunny and humid environments and are native to India, and also cultivated in other places such as Laos, Sri Lanka and Guatemala.
The seeds are brown in color, and are contained in green pods which are the fruits of the plant.
Used topically, cardamom essential oil has a warming effect. It also is very aromatic, and has spicy and balsamic midtones and woody and floral undertones.
Cardamom tends to blend well with oriental bases blends. It goes together with the following essential oils:
- Bergamot
- Black pepper
- Cedarwood
- Clary sage
- Clove
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Ginger
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Orange
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Sweet orange
- Ylang ylang
Cardamom itself is popularly used as a spice in cooking as it promotes the appetite and is a stomachic, and work great in curries, soups, stews, pastries, pies and even drinks.
The Indians and Chinese also been using cardamom for over 3000 years in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine due to its health benefits, for ailments such as fever, lung digestive and urinary conditions.
Cardamom has a shelf life of about 4-5 years if stored well. It is generally safe to use with little to no toxicity, irritant and sensitizing effect.
Uses for Cardamom Essential Oil
Relieves nausea and aids digestion
Similar to ginger, cardamom is a digestive stimulant. Make a blend of 1 drop cardamom, 1 drop ginger, 1 drop black pepper, 3 drops sweet orange and mix it with a carrier oil and rub it around your abdomen in a clockwise direction. This helps to stimulate your digestive system, and also relieves you of nausea.
Relieves coughs, sinuses and congestions
Some folks are prone to having congestions and coughs. Excessive fluid can form in the breathing airways, and there are lots of natural remedies for this.
Cardamom essential oil can be used as a respiratory aid. Blend with sandalwood, cedarwood and lavender and diffuse it into the air to help with your congestion. This helps promote the secretion of saliva and mucus of your airways.
Soothing and calming of nervous system
We can’t help it but have times when we are mentally exhausted especially from overwork and deliberation. Cardamom is a wonderful way to ease our nervous system and lift the heavy feeling that we get.
Take some time and space to yourself to help you to restore your concentration.
Blend and equal amount of cardamom and palo santo, and add it to your room diffuser, to give you more focus when you are lacking it.
Antibacterial and antimicrobial
Studies have shown that spices inhibit the growth or bacteria [1]. Cardamom, together with clove and cinnamon have effective antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and they were extensively used in Ayurveda medicine.
Indian food tend to have more spices than other cuisines. There is actually a good reason for that. India is typically a hot and humid country. Food left out in the open are more prone to the growth and harboring of bacteria and other microbes. Spices such as clove, cardamom and cinnamon are typically used in Indian cuisine and part from giving exotic flavors to the dish, they assist to inhibit the growth or bacteria.
Benefits of Cardamom Essential Oil
Antiseptic and Antibacterial
Typically used in food as a sweet-spicy flavoring, cardamom has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which also helps to prevent the food from early spoilage.
You can also add a few drops of cardamom essential oil to your favorite hand lotion or cream for additional sanitizing benefits.
Aphrodisiac
Commonly used in aphrodisiac blends, together with neroli, sandalwood, ylang ylang, black pepper and more. Cardamom helps to stimulate the powers of attraction and increase desires between couples.
It can be diffused in the air or blended with your favorite carrier oil and applied on the neck, wrist and behind the ears.
Digestive Stimulant
Cardamom helps to ease flatulence and heartburn, and can aid with anorexia, cramps and indigestion. It works by helping to keep the stomach and rest of the digestive system functioning well and maintaining its proper functions.
Nervous Stimulant and Tonic
Cardamom helps to calm the worried mind and helps you improve your focus and concentration.
It helps to acknowledge your emotions and gives you confidence and a sense of spiritual elevation and happiness.
