If you frequently indulge in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, you are likely already familiar with the aroma of cardamom essential oil. Cardamom (also known as the queen of spices in many cultures) essential oil is often described as having an intense and intoxicating scent: sweet yet spicy with woody and fruity undertones.
An aphrodisiac, a mood-enhancer, a therapeutic oil, and a staple in perfume, there are multiple facades to cardamom essential oil. Let’s explore this intriguing essential oil further including what the oil is made of, how it is extracted, its many benefits, and more.
What is Cardamom Essential Oil Made Of?
Cardamom essential oil is extracted from the seeds of the cardamom plant (scientifically known as Elettaria cardamomum) — a close relative of ginger and turmeric — which can grow up to as tall as four meters.
Native to the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia, cardamom is now also cultivated in other countries like Guatemala, Malaysia, and Tanzania. In fact, the largest producer and exporter of cardamom is currently Guatemala. Another interesting tidbit to note is that Cardamom is the world’s third-most expensive spice, outdone only by vanilla and saffron.
As for cardamom fruits, they are mostly somewhere between pale green and a darker yellow as well as oval in shape. Inside each fruit are the seeds — which cardamom essential oil is extracted from.
How is Cardamom Essential Oil Extracted?
The seeds of cardamom fruits must first be harvested by hand and then undergo an extensive drying process of over three months. This is to ensure the optimization and maximization of the chemical constituents of the seeds.
The dried seeds are then steam-distilled. This is where the seeds are subjected to hot steam that converts the natural oil in them into vapor. The vapor is then condensed into liquid cardamom essential oil.
Benefits of Cardamom Essential Oil
1. Relieves cold and flu symptoms
Cardamom essential oil is one of the best remedies for cold and flu. Its antimicrobial properties help to combat the viruses that cause these illnesses. Besides that, the warmth of the oil helps to ease congestion in the nasal passages and lungs. Plus, its soothing and antispasmodic properties provide some relief against nasty coughs.
To use cardamom essential oil to fight symptoms of flu and cold, blend a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil and massage gently onto your chest and abdomen. If you are looking for relief to coughs and congestion, on the other hand, add a few drops of the cardamom essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe in the steam deeply for approximately five to 10 minutes.
2. Boosts Oral Health
Cardamom essential oil can help to protect against cavities, bad breaths, tooth decay, and gum diseases because of its antibacterial properties. In fact, cardamom has long been used to improve oral health. In certain cultures, people even eat cardamom pods to freshen breaths after a meal.
A study in 2009 makes it official by showing that the oil successfully eliminates oral bacteria that cause oral yeast infections — making it an effective treatment for tooth decay.
For healthy pearly whites, you can add a couple of drops of cardamom essential oil to your toothpaste or mouthwash. Alternatively, you can replace your commercial mouthwash with the oil. Simply add two drops of the essential oil to some warm water and swish in your mouth for approximately 30 seconds to one minute.
3. Promotes healthy digestion
Cardamom essential oil is famously stomachic — which means that it assists in regulating the digestive system for overall digestive health. The way the oil goes about it is by regulating and maintaining proper levels of stomach acids, gastric juices, and bile.
In addition, cardamom essential oil’s carminative (a substance that helps to relieve flatulence) properties also have a hand in reducing nausea, bloating, indigestion, and gas.
For cardamom essential oil to work its magic, add a drop of the oil to a full glass of water to go with your meal. Alternatively, you can also diffuse the oil or use the oil (together with a carrier oil) as you would a perfume: dab it on your wrists and behind your ears.
4. Has antimicrobial properties and can treat infections
Cardamom essential oil’s antiseptic and antimicrobial properties mean that it is perfect for disinfecting cuts, scrapes, and wounds when used topically. Thoroughly clean the affected area, then mix the cardamom essential oil with a carrier oil, and, lastly, apply to the wound before bandaging it.
Apart from that, cardamom essential oil can also fight infections. Scientists have shown that the oil is potentially effective against a variety of bacteria strains that cause fungal infections, stomach problems, and food poisoning. This includes Candida (a yeast that causes fungal infections), Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
5. Aids in achieving healthy skin
If your skincare routine could do with a little bit of jazzing up, do give cardamom essential oil a try. The oil’s natural antiseptic properties effectively cleanse and disinfect the skin to obliterate acne and reduce breakouts.
Besides that, cardamom essential oil also improves skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging (such as wrinkles and fine lines). What is the result of integrating the essential oil with your skincare? Well, rejuvenated supple skin that glows in good health.
To get your glow on, simply add a few drops of the oil to your cleanser. Or, as another option, mix a couple of drops of cardamom essential oil with warm water and wipe it gently across your face with a cotton pad.
6. Maintains healthy hair and scalp
As cardamom essential oil has high concentrations of linalool and limonene (chemicals found in plants), it can help to relieve inflammation and dryness of the scalp. What this means in practical terms is that they diminish dandruff and prevent itchy scalp.
Additionally, the oil can help to restore the shine and enhance the color of your hair, too. Just mix a few drops of cardamom essential oil with your shampoo to effortlessly keep your tresses healthy.
Mixing Cardamom Essential Oil with Other Essential Oil
Cardamom essential oil blends extremely well with citrus oils including bergamot, orange, tangerine, and lemon. Apart from that, its woody yet fruity scent pairs well with floral oils, too. For example, it does well with rose as well as ylang-ylang essential oils.
If you want something a little unique and spicy, partnering cardamom essential oil up with black pepper oil is the way to go.
Other Good-to-Know Information
While cardamom essential oil is generally safe to use, always test the oil on a small patch of skin before applying the oil to large areas of skin.
Be extra careful if you are ingesting the oil. Make sure to thoroughly dilute the oil first. Alternatively, check with a medical professional before you use the oil. This is because a high concentration of cardamom essential oil could result in stomach problems.
On a happier note, if you store it properly, cardamom essential oil can (impressively) last up to five years.
Is Cardamom Essential Oil Right for You?
Alluring, familiar, and potent, cardamom essential oil is certainly no lavender or ylang-ylang — nor is it looking to be. However, its versatility and efficacy make it the ideal choice for just about everyone.
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