Cardamom Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum

Native to Sri Lanka and Southern India, Cardamom is reed-like perennial herb that grows to a height of three meters with small yellow flowers with violet tips and small yellow fruits that contain the reddish-brown seeds used to make essential oil. Known as 'grains of paradise' in the Middle East, these seeds serve as the basis for an array of traditional culinary Indian and European dishes.

This Cardamom essential oil is sourced from the seeds of plants organically cultivated in Guatemala and distilled using carbon dioxide (instead of water). This distillation process works better in relation with this herb to preserve its warm, spicy nature. Other processes can render the oil 'flat' and ruin its complexity.This essential oil is deep yellow, rich and of medium viscosity.

It has a rich and complex aroma: warm and moderately spicy, it has hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange oil and camphor upfront, followed by menthol, and a slight herbaceous undertone.

Cardamom has been used for over 3,000 years in Chinese and traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medical practices and was adopted by Greek physicians in the 4th century BC, including Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine.

The essential oil has traditionally been used as a tonic to the digestive, pulmonary and urinary systems and to reduce fevers.

It has also been used for centuries as a component of many sensual aphrodisiac blends.

Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aperitif, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Cephalic, Digestive, Diuretic, Sialogogue, Stimulant, Stomachic. (See Definitions.)

Cardamom oil is extensively noted for its antiseptic properties, and may stimulate phagocytic action of the immune system.

Psychological:

• Promotes calm clarity
• Uplifting
• Hones focus
• Dissipates over thinking and states of worry
• Calms nervous exhaustion
• Can be used in treatment of anorexia

Digestive System:

• Effective aid for flatulence and dyspepsia
• Relieves spasms associated with colitis and irritable bowel syndrome
• Quells indigestion
• Powerful digestive stimulant
• Relieves nausea (can be especially useful for morning sickness)

Cardamom Oil is extracted from the seed of the plant, which is also used extensively in Indian and Asian dishes, therefore, adding a few drops while cooking can add wonderful flavor, although given the potency of the oil, one or two drops should suffice.

The warming properties of the oil also make it useful in massage formulas. The aroma is uplifting, invigorating and refreshing. Due to its known support of the nervous system, it could be useful in blends specifically addressing sciatica.

Cardamom essential oil is a non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant if used correctly and in proper dosage. If ingesting the oil, consultation with a homeopathic physician is recommended.