Cardamom Essential Oil
Essential Oil News
What about Cardamom Essential Oil?
Latin Name:
Elettaria cardamomum
Cardamom essential oil is steam distilled from the seeds of the plant and it belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae.
Where does it grow indigenously?
Cardamom is native to Southern Asia, from Southern India to Sri Lanka. It is also grown in Vietnam, Thailand, Guatemala, Laos, Costa Rica, Tanzania and El Salvador.
The perennial bushy herb originally came into existence in the monsoon forests of the Western Ghats in southern India.
What has been the historical use?
Delightful, rich and complex cardamom dates back over 4,000 years, making it one of the world’s most ancient spices. Egyptians used it for wellness and ritualistic purposes, while Greeks and Romans applied it in healing ointments and captivating perfumes. Then and now, it is used to help soothe digestive discomfort.
Cardamom is commonly used to help reduce indigestion and nausea, and to soothe stomach discomfort and promote digestion. This digestive medicinal herb is used to flavor Indian, Arabic, and Scandinavian desserts. Plus it is also included in some Danish pastries to increase the aromatic sense of sweetness. It can be added in grape jelly, applesauce and fruit salad too. When added to coffee, it helps detoxify the caffeine in it.
Its distinct scent can lessen motion sickness while promoting a positive mood. Moreover, it is used in certain rituals and ceremonies as well. Interestingly, it has been a popular ingredient of old-time love potions too.
Cardamom seeds can be chewed as a mouth freshener after a meal.
Main Chemical Components:
Terpinyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalool
Cardamom has profound effects on the respiratory system due to its high 1,8-cineole content, which promotes clear breathing and respiratory health.
What are the benefits of this essential oil?
- Eases indigestion and maintains an optimal gastrointestinal balance
- Promotes clear breathing and respiratory health
- Calms stomach upset and uplifts mood
- Flavorful spice for cooking and baking
How do I use this essential oil?
Internally:
- When cooking with Cardamom essential oil, start with a very small drop—essential oils go a long way in flavoring food. A good rule of thumb is to substitute 1 drop of oil for 1–2 Tbsp. of dried spice or herb and 1 drop of oil for 1–2 tsp. of fresh spice. If you think the oil is strong or the recipe calls for less than the above quantities, start with a toothpick dip instead. Taste, and add more if needed.
- To support your digestive system or reduce stomach upsets, use 1-2 drops topically, aromatically, or internally. Cardamom can be combined with a digestive essential oil blend.
- If you are having trouble with stomach gas, add 1 drop to water, or 1-3 drops to a veggie capsule. You could also massage it over your lower abdomen.
- Cardamom can help eliminate bad breath. Place a tiny amount on your tongue.
Hearty Cardamom Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls
Ingredients:
Makes 12 rolls- we recommend doubling the recipe!
· 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
· 1 tablespoon brown sugar (dark or light is fine)
· 1/4 cup lukewarm water
· 3/4 cups milk
· 3/4 cups rolled oats, plus extra for sprinkling
· 1/4 cup roasted unsalted sunflower seeds, plus extra for sprinkling
· 1/2 cup Kerrygold Irish butter, cut into cubes (Besides being cruelty-free, the higher fat content in the Irish butter makes the rolls flakier, and counteracts the muddiness whole wheat flour can sometimes add)
· 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
· 2 teaspoons sea salt
· 1 tablespoon flax meal + 3 tablespoons water
· 1 cup whole wheat flour
· 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
· 1/4-1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
· 2-3 tablespoons melted butter for brushing tops of rolls
Directions:
1. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand until bubbly. If it doesn’t get bubbly, throw it out and get some new yeast.
2. Scald milk (we just put ours in the microwave) then add it to the butter in your mixing bowl. When butter has melted, add brown sugar, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, molasses, and salt. Blend thoroughly and cool to lukewarm.
3. Add flax + 3 tablespoons of water and mix well. Add two drops of Cardamom essential oil. Add the yeast and mix to incorporate it. Then mix in the wheat flour and 1 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour. Add what you need to of the remaining ½ cup of flour until the dough loses its sheen. Let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Leave the dough in its bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours. It can sit overnight as well. Don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t look like it has risen; it doesn’t rise a lot.
5. Turn out the chilled dough on a floured work surface and knead or fold and turn the dough slightly. Cut dough into 12 balls. Press each ball into a flat rectangle with your fingers, then roll up and tuck ends under. Place seam-side down in a well-buttered 9 inch round pan. (We used a pie dish.) Brush all over with melted butter and sprinkle with rolled oats and sunflower seeds. Let rise for about two hours in a warm place. Again, don’t be alarmed if they don’t rise a lot; they will rise the most while in the oven.
6. Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until rolls are nicely browned and sound hollow when you tap their tops. Remove from the pans and brush generously with remaining melted butter. Let cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve warm…with more Kerrygold Irish butter!
Topically: Apply topically with a carrier oil.
- Cardamom is excellent when used in bath water, and will leave you feeling refreshed and stimulated. (2-4 drops in Epsom Salts dissolved in water)
- Because it is extremely gentle, it can be used in cases where Ginger and Peppermint may be too strong for children or very sensitive individuals.
Massage Blend for sore muscles
4 drops Cardamom
4 drops Lavender
4 drops Wild Orange
6 drops Ginger
2 tablespoons carrier oil
Dealing with the Past Blend
3 drops Cardamom
3 drops Frankincense
2 drops Patchouli
2 drops Ylang Ylang
Add to a 5 ml roller bottle and fill with carrier oil. Apply to temples, back of neck, wrists.
Digestive Support Blend
3 drops Cardamom
2 drops Coriander
2 drops Fennel
2 drops Bergamot
20 drops of carrier oil in a roller bottle and to apply to abdomen as needed.
Focus and Clarity Blend
8 drops Cardamom
4 drops Ginger
2 drops Black Pepper
2 drops Fennel
20 drops carrier oil in a roller bottle and apply to throat and back of neck.
Positive Mood Blend
1 drop Cardamom
3 drops Vetiver
3 drops Geranium
20 drops of carrier oil; apply to temples, back of neck or soles of feet
Reduce Stress & Support Breathing Blend
2 drops Cardamom
3 drops, Lemongrass
2 drops, Rosemary
Mix into carrier oil and apply to chest.
Aromatically: add a couple of drops to a diffuser or breathe in the aroma from the bottle.
- Diffuse Cardamom by itself to create a warm friendly environment; also wakes people up.
- Cardamom essential oil can be used to uplift your mood, much the same way as citrus blends can do. Try diffusing it throughout your room, or massage 1-2 drops over your chest area.
- Put 1 drop of Cardamom in a large cup of hot water to inhale the fragrance and to drink as it cools excellent for digestion and depression.
Spiced Chai Diffuser Blend
3 drops Cardamom
2 drops Cassia
2 drops Clove
1 drop Ginger
Heavenly Scent Diffuser Blend
3 drops Cardamom
4 drops Lime
Clear Breathing Diffuser Blend
3 drops cardamom
1 drop cinnamon bark
1 drop orange
1 drop clove
Blends Well With:
Rose, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood , Cinnamon, Clove Bud, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Lemongrass, Frankincense, Wild Orange, Patchouli, Geranium, Sandalwood, Clove, Vetiver, and Ylang Ylang.
Emotional Benefits:
Cardamom is the oil of objectivity.
“Cardamom helps people regain their objectivity, mental sobriety and self-control. It assists individuals who frequently fee frustrated or angry with other people. Cardamom is especially help for for times when one’s anger goes to their head causing them to become “hot headed”. In such situations, the individual becomes inebriated with anger, losing control and rational function. Cardamom helps bring balance and objectivity during moments of extreme anger and frustration.
Cardamom is especially beneficial for individuals with a long history of anger or aggression, which often becomes directed outward. It is helpful for those who hyper-focus on their problems, especially their frustrations. Cardamom assists individuals to break down or “digest” these intense emotions of frustration and anger by directing energy to the solar plexus, the center of responsibility. In this way, Cardamom helps individuals let go of emotional distortions which cause them to objectify other people and see them as inconveniences.
Cardamom demands that individuals stop blaming others. It asks them to take personal ownership and responsibility for their feelings. As they do, they will feel more at peace, calm and in control of themselves.”
From “Emotions and Essential Oils” Fourth Edition.
Caution:
There are no known toxic effects, but consuming an excessive amount of Cardamom essential oil can result in an overdose, resulting in loose bowels and irritation. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are advised not to ingest cardamom oil.
Other Links:
On PubMed.gov*, there are 35 published clinical studies about the use of cardamom essential oil.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=cardamom+oil
AromaticScience has these studies about the uses of Cardamom Essential Oil:
http://www.aromaticscience.com/category/cardamom/
* PubMed comprises over 25 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLiNE, life science journals, and online books. PubMed citations and abstracts include the fields of biomedicine and health, covering portions of the life sciences, behavioral sciences, chemical sciences, and bioengineering. PubMed also provides access to additional relevant web sites and links to the other NCBI molecular biology resources.
Flower of the Cardamom Plant
Cardamom plants in India
Cardamom Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls
Cardamom flowers
An Important Message about Quality!
Many companies sell this essential oil under the generic name Frankincense and offer their oils at a significantly lower price than companies that offer genuine pure essential Frankincense. The companies with inexpensive bottles of Frankincense essential oil even label them "pure", but some of those oils have been shown to be diluted with inferior oils and even with turpentine!
Because of a lack of industry standards and a lack of regulation for terms such as "natural" or "pure", much of what you find at the drug store is NOT a therapeutic grade essential oil and may lack real quality or even contain contaminants or adulterants (way more common than you'd think).
A LOT goes into creating a high quality essential oil.
A good brand should follow these guidelines:
· Proper plant varieties
· Each plant grown indigenously for the healthiest plant
· Grown without chemical pesticides, herbicides, etc.
· Harvested with precise timing to ensure peak properties
· Extracted with proper temp and pressure to preserve oil molecules
· Third-party testing of every batch
· Stand behind the internal use of their oils
The largest organ in your body is your skin.
Anything applied to your skin is absorbed into your body.
Anything inhaled, is also absorbed into your body.
If a bottle of essential oil states “external use only”, do you really want that impacting the cells of your body through absorption?
About me...
Hi! My name is Pamela Swamy and I was first introduced to essential oils in August of 2013.
As a registered nurse, I was initially highly skeptical of essential oils but over time have personally experienced amazing responses from using them. Essential oils can be used for so much more than their fragrance and there are many online resources where you can find more information. Some of that information I will be sharing here.
It is important to note that before using any essential oils, you want to know for sure they are safe and pure enough to be taken internally. There are NO regulatory standards and the labels don't always state what is actually inside the bottles.
If you want more help in knowing how to determine if oils you want to try are safe and pure, please contact me by email or phone.
Email: agelessoils.pamelaswamy@gmail.com
Website: AgelessOils.PamelaSwamy.net
Location: Chicago area
Phone: 847.475.4170