Cardamom- Eletteria Cardamomum

[Louise]

Cardamom
The seeds and pods of cardamom have long been used as a culinary spice and a healing remedy in India, its native country. Cardamom is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The oil, which is steam distilled from the aromatic seed is now produced mainly in India, Europe and the US.


Key actions:
Relaxing, warming and restorative.
The oil is colourless to pale yellow and has a sweet-spicy, aromatic smell with a woody, almost floral, undertone.


Benefits
Digestive
Quells nausea and relieves indigestion, wind, colic and heartburn. Also headaches related to digestive disorders.

Mental health
Supports and calms the nervous system. Use as a room scent or spray to relive mental fatigue, anxiety and nervous strain.

Men's health
A supportive treatment for importance and loss of libido due to stress.

Teeth and gums
Antiseptic properties can help treat bad breath and gum infections.


Usage
See 'Safe Use of Essential Oils' article.

Bath, massage, diffusion, gargle or mouthwash.

Blends well with: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Rose, Clove, Frankincense, Orange and Ylang Ylang.


Safety:
Safe in dilution.

[Gymbunny]

Cardamom is not an oil I would consider, but the health benefits are fascinating. Do you think the oil really penetrates into our skin to affect the digestive system?

[Joolz]

How much cardamon would you have to consume to get any health benefits?

[Rene82]

How much cardamon would you have to consume to get any health benefits?

This is the essential oil, but I guess a couple of seed pods in your meal would probably give you some benefit, add a few to your rice

[Bumblebee]

I always add cardamom seeds to rice as it gives a slightly perfumed flavour but makes it taste delicious

[Freespirit]

I always add cardamom seeds to rice as it gives a slightly perfumed flavour but makes it taste delicious

Me too, they are always in fragrant rice dishes and Indian cuisine

[Dahlia]

I do the same. I also put a few split pods in my mug of tea and chew the seeds after. It really works as a breath freshner.

[Phoebe]

I do the same. I also put a few split pods in my mug of tea and chew the seeds after. It really works as a breath freshner.

I’ve heard about using cardamom pods in tea, is that the original Chai? Do you put it in any tea?

And a great tip as a breath freshener thank you.

[Dahlia]

Hi Phoebe, masala chai is made with other spices along with cardamom such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves. It's traditionally made in a saucepan because you have to simmer the spices in water before adding the loose tea. I use a regular black tea bag, I like Thompson's tea as its strong but not bitter.

[Shelley]

Oooh top tip thank you Dahlia, I’ll give that a try