When you think of Cardamom, what springs to mind? For me it’s finding a stray pod in my curry… a sudden whoosh of freshness that never fails to surprise! Cardamom is an oil that leaves an impression and to be honest is a bit of a conundrum. As a member of the Zingiberaceae family it is related to Ginger however given its spicy origins, Cardamom is surprisingly mild and can be used safely with children and those who are elderly or frail. It is both spicy and fresh, stimulating yet mild, supremely useful but not especially well known. If you haven’t yet incorporated it into your aromatherapy experience then it is definitely one to try.
The Cardamom plant is a perennial herb with a reed-like appearance which can grow up to 3m in height. It has small, yellowish-pink flowers which grow relatively low to the ground, later forming bright green pods. The essential oil is produced from the whole pods including the seeds which are gathered just before they are fully ripe to make sure that the precious essential oil is not lost as the pods are dried. Native to Southern India and Sri Lanka, the majority of the commercial crop is produced in Guatemala by smallholders which in many cases are women-led enterprises.
As might be suggested by its culinary use Cardamom has carminative and anti-spasmodic properties that are of particular benefit to the digestive system. It blends well with other digestive oils such as Ginger, Black Pepper and Peppermint for a soothing abdominal massage (this can also be helpful during menstruation) however it can be used alone or with milder oils for sensitive people who may find these assertive oils too stimulating. Ingrid Martin describes Cardamom as particularly effective against nausea and loss of appetite where it gently stimulates the digestive system. Its mild nature is particularly suited to the hospice environment where it has been used for many years to provide comfort and ease.
Cardamom’s effects on smooth muscle are also beneficial for the respiratory system, where it can help to soothe irritation following illness. It also has a relatively high content of 1,8 cineol which promotes free and easy breathing. It blends well with other cineol-rich oils such as Eucalyptus, Niaouli and Myrtle to dispel congestion but can also be blended more subtly with Atlas Cedar, Frankincense, Fragonia, Lemon or Anise for gentle respiratory support. The seeds are often chewed to freshen the breath and the oil is similarly effective when used as a mouthwash.
Cardamom is also said to have aphrodisiac effects however Gabriel Mojay describes these as a more subtle “appetite for life”. In this respect Cardamom is ideal for people who feel weighed down or deprived of opportunity.
Interestingly the price of Cardamom has dropped substantially in the last 10 years. In 2013 a bottle of this oil would have cost almost twice what is does now (in today’s prices). Once considered a precious oil to be used sparingly this oil is now much more accessible for general use whilst still retaining its valuable properties. Click to try Cardamom Essential Oil.
