Cardamom's Story
One of the most direct and straightforward personalities, Cardamom will never mince words or sugarcoat. He is as honest as it gets. However, that doesn’t mean he always speaks to drive daggers into your heart- he can speak the absolute truth and at the same time make sure you don’t get hurt. Cardamom is the best at delivering bad news: despite his truthful, direct way, he does care about you, and is strong enough to support you through whatever hurt you may feel.
People are jealous that Cardamom can eat whatever his heart desires and never get sick or nauseous, and you will always find people flocking near him during buffets to learn the tricks of the trade. Cardamom, however, encourages balance in one’s life and one’s tummy. He firmly believes in a balance between the yin and the yang, and this shines through in how he speaks, carry himself, and also in the balance between the warmth and freshness of his personality.
Aroma
Fresh, warm, spicy, sweet and camphoraceous
Clinical Applications
Digestive: A warming oil with strong anti-emetic, antispasmodic, and carminative actions, Cardamom has been used traditionally for several years to alleviate nausea, relieve abdominal cramping and reduce gas. Direct inhalation or topical application over the abdomen is very effective for alleviating nausea. Massage oils and creams containing a blend of Cardamom with a spicy oil such as Black Pepper can help soothe digestive distress.
Mental fatigue: Cardamom’s cephalic properties are due to its 1,8 cineole component which boosts alertness and cognitive functioning (Moss and Oliver 2012). Inhaling the aroma of Cardamom either directly or through diffusion can help combat mental fatigue, alleviate anxiety, and improve focus and concentration. It blends well with Frankincense, Rose, Jasmine, and Sandalwood.
Respiratory: The 1,8 cineole component of Cardamom has decongestant and expectorant properties, which work together to reduce congestion in the respiratory system. This also eases congestion-related symptoms such as head and chest pain. Cardamom can be used two ways for this purpose – direction inhalation or as a topical application in a massage oil or chest rub combined with Black Pepper, Lavender, Frankincense and Ginger.
Musculoskeletal: Cardamom is noted for its pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
Safety & Dilution
Cardamom should always be used in low dilutions for skin applications as it is very strong (dilution ca be done in any carrier like coconut, olive oil, lotion etc).
See here DILUTION GUIDELINES according to age or ailment.
Discontinue in case of any skin irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears and sensitive areas.
Keep out of reach of children. Cardamom should not be used for children younger than 5 years of age. It should be used with caution on children between 5 and 10 years of age. This is because of the risk of CNS and breathing issues trigged by the 1,8 cineole content of the oil. If pregnant, nursing or under medical care please consult physician. Do not use internally, unless directed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician.
Use with caution around pets. When diffusing in the room make sure the door is open so that the animal can leave in case of discomfort.
Shelf Life & Storage
Shelf life: 5 years
We recommend storing oils in a cool, dark and dry area away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap closed tightly to avoid oxygen exposure. Oils that are past expiry date should not be used for therapeutic purpose but they can still be used for cleaning.
More Information
Latin Name: Elletaria cardamomum
Botanical Family: Zingiberaceae
Main chemical constituents: terpinyl acetate, 1,8 cineole, linalool.
Country: India
Extraction Method: Steam-distilled
Plant part used: Seeds
Culture: Organic
Aromatic note: Middle
Test Report
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