Cardamom MNB

Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamomo

Botany

Cardamom is a perennial herb with lance-shaped leaves borne on long sheathing steams, up to 4 m high. It is native to tropical Asia and is now cultivated in Sri Lanka, India, Guatemala and El Salvador . Guatemala is the largest producer of cardamom in the world, followed by India.

The parts used are the dried ripe fruits with seeds. The small black seeds of cardamom are embedded in a thin papery outer shell or pod. They have a pleasant aroma and a characteristic, slightly pungent taste.

Numerous varieties of cardamom grow in the world and are cultivated in Madagascar, east and west Africa, Central Africa, China, Thailand and Indonesia. However, these have little or no importance as a source of essential oil.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Plant part benefits

The seeds in a plant are responsible for its ability to reproduce. Seeds are the beginning of life, inspired with all the potential of the plant. Oils extracted from seeds can be supportive of new growth! They can help us feel nourished and can support a sense of fresh potential. We can use seed oils to support the reproductive system and help us feel less stuck.

The seeds are enclosed in husks and should not be removed from the almost odourless hulls until prior to distillation.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Calming, soothing, sedative, emotionally uplifting

Antispasmodic; regulating and balancing action on the sympathetic nervous system; anti-inflammatory; effective on skin rashes and irritations.They are adaptogenic (helping the body adjust to, and deal with stress)

Some are good digestive aids (like Cardamom, Roman Chamomile, and Bergamot)

  • Oils high in 1,8 cineole can be very powerful aids in any respiratory illness.
  • Essential oils containing significant amounts of 1,8 cineole antiviral, antibacterial, and expectorant and mucolytic effects.
  • 1,8 cineole rich oils stimulate the glands of the respiratory system, and act as expectorants because they stimulate mucus-secreting cells and activate the cilia of the respiratory mucous membranes. 
  • Oils high in 1,8 cineole can also have a stimulating effect on the mental process, increasing blood flow to the brain when inhaled. 
  • Research has shown 1,8 cineole to decrease coughing, ease expectoration, and decrease shortness of breath. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on bronchial asthma.
  • 1,8 cineole rich oils are analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agents for muscular and respiratory systems
  • Terpenyl acetate  44.77% 
  • Linalyl acetate  1.16% Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, immunostimulant, sedative.
  • Geranyl acetate  1.05%  Analgesic, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive,Antispasmodic,antibacterial, antifungal (candida) choleretic.

1,8 cineole  30.18%  Airborne antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, antitussive,dopaminergic (releasing or involving dopamine as a neurotransmitter), expectorant,hypotensive, increases cerebral blood flow, mucolytic, skin penetration enhancer.

Cardamom

Actions commonly cited in aromatherapy

Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, general tonic, stimulant, stomachic.

Actions supported by clinical studies

antimicrobial , antispasmodic, digestive, hepatoprotective, stomachic.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Indigestion, intestinal cramp, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, gastric migraine, muscular cramps and strains, muscular spasm, bronchial congestion, exhaustion and mental fatigue.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Digestive

Cardamom belongs to the same family as Ginger (Zingiberaceae), and they are both warming and hot oils. Cardamom has been used for centuries as a digestive aid in India. I’ve used it on my clients in the suggested cream recipe to relieve gas, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. To help alleviate nausea, put a drop on a tissue and inhale, or make the suggested cream and apply to the abdomen. Also consider blending Cardamom with spicy oils (such as Black Pepper and Nutmeg), and with citrus oils (such as Sweet Orange) in massage blends and creams to reduce digestive discomfort. 

Mental fatigue 

Cardamom is wonderful for aiding mental concentration. It is a ‘cephalic.’ Try inhaling it to combat mental fatigue. It can also reduce anxiety. For this, try blending it with Jasmine, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, and Sandalwood. Diffusing Cardamom lifts the atmosphere while imparting a fresh, warm, sweet, spicy aroma.

Respiratory

Reduces damp, congested conditions in the respiratory and digestive systems. A fantastic oil to use while sick, it eases multiple symptoms of chest and head pain due to tightness and congestion. For congestion and breathing problems, Cardamom can be inhaled or used in a chest rub or massage oil, along with Lavender, Black Pepper, Ginger, Laurel, and Frankincense.

Analgesic: One of the main components, 1,8 cineole, is noted for its antinociceptive actions (Liapi et al. 2008). This probably works in synergy with other components to contribute to Cardamom’s reputed analgesic action. 

Anti-inflammatory: 1,8 cineole is a good anti-inflammatory agent with an excellent peripheral analgesic effect (Santos and Rao 2000). This contributes to Cardamom’s potential as an anti-inflammatory oil.

Cephalic: This is attributed to 1,8 cineole, which imparts alertness and improves cognitive functioning (Moss and Oliver 2012).

Decongestant and expectorant: An important use of Cardamom in folk medicine was the alleviation of respiratory congestion. Because of the presence of 1,8 cineole, Cardamom is used in Aromatherapy massage blends and creams for its expectorant and decongestant actions.

Digestive aid: Cardamom has been used for millennia as a digestive aid. Traditional uses include the alleviation of nausea (antiemetic), abdominal cramping (antispasmodic), and gas (carminative).

Rubefacient: 1,8 cineole has mild irritant qualities. This can be harnessed in counterirritant topical applications to impart warming sensations and pain relief.

Warming: See rubefacient.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Digestive System

Cardamom is recommended for the treatment of digestive complaints such as colic, cramps, dyspepsia and flatulence. 

Schnaubelt explains that cardamom oil contains the acetylcholine antagonist borneol, which is important in disrupting the pathways that trigger nausea and vomiting. He explains that it also prevents the formation of intestinal gas, reduces pain, and that it has a relaxing effect on a spasmodic colon and can help alleviate painful diarrhea.

Nervous System

Cardamom oil has been described as cephalic and a gentle tonic of the nervous system. It is also  recommended for nervous exhaustion  and depression.

Respiratory System

Cardamom  oil is recommended for catarrhal conditions of the respiratory system such as chronic bronchitis.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
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xxx book

gives us wisdom when we are overburdened with responsibilities. She suggests that we use it to give us strength and encouragement whenever we need to offer our friendship to a person in need. It is ideal when we are burdened by worries and responsibilities that test our  endurance. 

ardamom oil helps us to accept life  as it is while encouraging and enthusiasm for it.  They also recommend using it to help teach others with a grounded, clear heart centered  perspective

cardamom oil helps to restore our ‘appetite for life’. Worwood states that cardamom gives us wisdom when we are overburdened with responsibilities, and when we need to tap into our generosity of spirit to allow our hearts to be open and expansive in order to be gracious in our dealings with others

cardamom personality is strong, forthright, motivating and enthusiastic; they instill inspiration in others and tend to make good leaders. 

cardamom personality types often wear an air of detachment most of the time, and that nothing seems to worry them. She explains that they are good in leadership roles, provided that they can learn to delegate. They are often good teachers. While  they are not creative, they have the stamina to carry ideas forward. As a result, they can achieve much  more than a creative personality type.

ove responsibility and control. They love to be in charge. They are good at making objective decisions. They love challenges and know how to get things done. They have an opinion for everything and are rarely at a loss for words.

They are good at seeing what is illogical, inconsistent and impractical. They are willing to make sacrifices in order to honour their commitments. They tend to be workaholics and drive themselves  and others very hard. They like to be involved in community service organisations and volunteer activities. They enjoy spending time with their friends and family.

Woorwood recommends cardamom whenever we need clarity, motivation, focus, courage and confidence. She explains that cardamom oil gives us wisdom when we are overburdened with responsibilities. She suggests that we use it to give us strength and encouragement whenever we need to offer our friendship to a person in need. It is ideal when we are burdened by worries and responsibilities that test our  endurance. 

Keim Loughran & Bull state that cardamom oil helps us to accept life  as it is while encouraging and enthusiasm for it.  They also recommend using it to help teach others with a grounded, clear heart centered  perspective. 

Mojay states that cardamom oil helps to restore our ‘appetite for life’. Worwood states that cardamom gives us wisdom when we are overburdened with responsibilities, and when we need to tap into our generosity of spirit to allow our hearts to be open and expansive in order to be gracious in our dealings with others.

Cardamom oil is a Qi tonic. It has a warming quality, which makes it an excellent choice as a digestive stimulant and as a remedy for mucolytic damp catarrhal conditions of the respiratory and digestive system. 

Cardamom oil strengthens  Spleen Qi, the main organ responsible for transforming food and drinks into Qi and Blood. Cardamom oil is recommended whenever there is a  Spleen Qi deficiency. Typical symptoms associated with Spleen Qi deficiency include feelings of lethargy, poor appetite and loose stool.

According to the principles of the Five Elements, cardamom is indicated for problems associated with the Earth Element. The external pathogenic factor that weakens the Earth Element is damp. Excess damp leads to lethargy, indigestion, abdominal distention and worry. Cardamom’s warming property helps to expel dampness. The spirit associated with the Earth Element is the Yi, which is associated with our intellect and ability to think clearly.

Cardamom oil is ideal for individuals with poor concentration, overthinking and burdened by  worries.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Refreshing, invigorating

Balances energy

Invites mental clarity

Balance for those who worry excessively

Uplifting, energizing, mentally grounding. 

Assists relaxation yet  when feeling worried or stressed while providing focus and motivation. 

Assists concentration and motivation yet mentally rel

When feeling worried or tense, Cardamom oil helps with motivation, concentration and relaxation.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
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The cardamom personality is strong, forthright, motivating and enthusiastic; they instill inspiration in others and tend to make good leaders. 

Worwood states that cardamom personality types often wear an air of detachment most of the time, and that nothing seems to worry them. She explains that they are good in leadership roles, provided that they can learn to delegate. They are often good teachers. While  they are not creative, they have the stamina to carry ideas forward. As a result, they can achieve much  more than a creative personality type. 

According to Myers-Briggs personality types, the cardamom personality is likely to be an ESTJ. ESTJs love responsibility and control. They love to be in charge. They are good at making objective decisions. They love challenges and know how to get things done. They have an opinion for everything and are rarely at a loss for words. ESTJs like to spend their free time in ways that are productive. They are good at seeing what is illogical, inconsistent and impractical. They are willing to make sacrifices in order to honour their commitments. They tend to be workaholics and drive themselves  and others very hard. They like to be involved in community service organisations and volunteer activities. They enjoy spending time with their friends and family.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.

For mental fatigue and dispelling worrying thoughts, consider blending cardamom oil with essential oils such as bergamot, black pepper, ginger, frankincense, lemon, sweet orange or rosemary.

To alleviate nausea and vomiting, consider blending cardamom oil with essential oils such as ginger, peppermint or spearmint. 

To alleviate mucus congestion of the respiratory system, consider blending cardamom oil with essential oils such as aniseed, peppermint eucalyptus, 1,8 cineole-rich eucalyptus, Atlas cedarwood, sweet fennel, fragonia, frankincense, ginger, lemon, myrtle, niaouli, pine or thyme.

In perfumery, cardamom oil imparts a warm sweet spicy note which complements floral bases. Cardamom oil blends well with bergamot, frankincense, ylang ylang and labdanum. 

Arctander states  that coriander seed oil is an excellent modifier for cardamom oil in perfumery, and that this combination imparts warmth in oriental style and chypre perfumes.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.

4 drops Cardamom

6 drops Roman Chamomile

3 drops Ginger

1 drop Peppermint

Blend in 1 oz (28 gm) cream or carrier. Massage into abdomen as needed.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

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xxxx book

Cardamom is reputed to be one of the oldest spices known. Hemphill states that the Greek word kardamomum was used to describe the superior grade, and the ancient Semitic word amomum is a term used to describe ‘very spicy’. In the first century AD it had become one of the most popular oriental spices in the Roman cuisine. 

Cardamom is valued as one of the most expensive spices in the world after saffron and vanilla due to its unique flavour and aroma. It was one of the most important spices traded between ancient civilisations throughout western Asia (Middle East) to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda for over 3,000 years. It was brought to Europe by the Greeks in the fourth century BC. 

Greeks physicians used cardamom for the treatment of coughs, abdominal pain, spasms and sciatica. In the Greco-Arab (Unami) system of traditional medicine, cardamom is considered a powerful stimulant, carminative, stomachic and diuretic. 

Cardamom is a well known remedy to treat impotence and improve low sexual response.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Hazards: Essential oils high in 1,6 cineole can cause CNS and breathing problems in young children.

Contraindications:  Do not apply to or near the face of infants or children.

Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.

5 years

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