Benefits of Cardamom Essential Oil
A couple of years ago I went to see my accountant. Not my favorite activity by far but a necessity for me being self-employed. I must say I’m always amazed by his energy and focus and was thinking that perhaps he’s just one of those rare people who had boundless mental and physical acuity. While we were deciphering my expenses he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a baggie of seeds and told me his mother had him chew on them to freshen his breath. He showed them to me and shared them with me. They were cardamom seeds.
Cardamom is referred to as the “Queen of Spice”. The botanical name for Cardamom is Elettaria Cardamomum. From the ginger family of plants known as Zingiberaceae, cardamom has traditionally been used as a digestive aid and as a flavoring in cooking, specifically in Indian cooking.
The essential oil of cardamom is steam distilled from the seeds. The resulting oil has a warm, soft, woody, rich and sweet aroma which pairs well with spice oils, citrus oils and wood oils.
Cardamom is a native to Kerala and the forests of the Western Ghats of Southwestern India which is a mountain range in India and one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world. (1) The first references to Cardamom can be found in the ancient Ayurvedic texts known as the Sumeria. Today you can find it being cultivated in Guatemala, Tanzania and Malaysia.
Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world, surpassed only by vanilla and saffron. This is due to the labor-intensive need for hand picking the seed pods. Cardamom comes in a small, greenish pod and has a strong, unique, spicy-sweet flavor. You will get the best flavor by breaking open the pods and grinding the tiny black seeds inside. You can use a spice grinder or a mortar & pestle. A little goes a long way as it is a very concentrated spice.
You will find cardamom as an ingredient in masala and some curry dishes. A strong cardamom-based coffee called “gahwa” is served daily In some Middle Eastern cultures and is offered to guests as a way of demonstrating hospitality. It also makes a delicious tea. (2)
Cardamom Seeds
The main constituents of Cardamom are 1,8-cineole, A-pinene, citronellol, linalool, limonene, B-pinene, A-terpinyl acetate, geraniol, sabinene, lineally acetate, myrcene, methyl eugenol and nerol.
Cardamom, being from the Zingiberaceae family of spices, which includes turmeric and ginger offers incredible health-promoting properties.
Cardamom offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has the ability to reduce inflammation and offer relief from pain. A 1996 study showed that when green cardamom oil was given to rats they showed a marked decrease in pain due to swollen paws. This result was similar to the aspirin group it was compared to. (3)
Cardamom essential oil has the ability to ward off infections by preventing the spread of germs. It prevents the growth of bacteria as well and is a beneficial addition to your preventative strategy during cold and flu season in particular. Cardamom has antiseptic properties that can prevent and destroy microbes making it useful for skin infections and illnesses. A 2017 study on Cardamom, Cumin, and Dill Weed Essential Oils were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Results showed essential oils of cardamom and dill displayed the greatest antimicrobial and antibacterial activity. (4)
If you do find yourself with a bout of cold and flu symptoms, diffusing cardamom can be helpful for easing uncomfortable symptoms with it’s the ability to relieve nasal congestion. Due to expectorant properties, it enables your body to expel mucus from your respiratory system.
For an overall feeling of vigor and wellbeing cardamom helps to calm the nerves while at the same time enhancing and balancing energy stores. Cardamom essential oil improves concentration, enhances mental cognition and accuracy, brings feelings of mental clarity and focus and is beneficial for clearing confusion. It stimulates your body and strengthens your nervous system offering an overall feeling of wellbeing. (5)
Cardamom may help to ease occasional bouts of indigestion and nausea making it helpful for maintaining overall gastrointestinal health, aiding in the digestion of food and relieving flatulence. It is also an effective antispasmodic helping to ease menstrual cramps and spasms. (6)
A 30-day study in 2015 was done on wistaria male albino rats to determine the protective effects of cardamom. It was found that rats that were given cardamom showed significant protection of the myocardium. Also noted were cardio-protective effects by free radical scavenging & antioxidant properties of the herb. (7)
Cardamom has diuretic properties making it a good choice for increasing the flow and excretion of urine. A 2008 study found that the diuretic and sedative effects may offer added value for use in hypertension and epilepsy. (8) Having good urine flow is also important to keep your kidneys healthy and flushed of toxins. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fresh, clean water as well.
Being a warming spice, essential oil of cardamom helps promote healthy blood circulation and proper oxygenation to your body. Couple that with the ability to ignite dormant passion and increase intimacy in relationships, you can see why it is widely praised as a powerful aphrodisiac.
Cardamom promotes mouth hygiene by eliminating germs causing bad breath. Seeds can be chewed on for freshening your breath. Using a couple of drops of cardamom essential oil in your homemade mouth rinse gives you a clean, fresh and germ-free mouth environment. While there have been few studies in this area, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of cardamom give us reason to take a closer look. After all, these seeds have been used for centuries for freshening and cleaning the breath. It stands to reason that they create a healthier mouth environment on all counts.
I tried this delightful diffuser blend by MomOffTrack and it is a lovely way to set the mood for this holiday season.
Cardamom essential oil is generally considered safe and non-sensitizing. It is, however a very strong and spicy oil so I recommend diluting it with a carrier oil for use on your skin. If you are pregnant or nursing avoid essential oils as a general rule. Please don’t use essential oils on children under the age of 5.
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The use of essential oils is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical-free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that essential oils can trigger side effects and skin irritations.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider.
Cardamom Essential Oil
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