Cardamom Oil

April 20, 2006

Cardamom Oil

Native to Sri Lanka and southern India and cultivated today in Asia and Guatemala, the cardamom plant grows in abundance in forests at 5,000 feet above sea level. One of the oldest spices in the world, cardamom is valued for its aroma, pungent taste and healing properties. The seeds and dried, ripe fruits (pods) of cardamom are hand-picked just before they open in the fall and are steam-distilled to yield a powerful essential oil. Research conducted in the 1960s indicated that this oil has a strong antispasmodic action, confirming its use-both past and present – as a soothing remedy for bloating, indigestion, stomachache and gas. Additionally, the oil is valuable in treating physical exhaustion and most muscle spasms, including menstrual camps. When cardamom oil is used in a bath, massage or vaporizer, the overall scent is pleasing – warm and spicy. (This may account for its oil’s popularity as an aphrodisiac.) While cardamom tends to overpower other scents, it will blend well with clover, lemon, rosemary, patchouli, ylang-ylang and jasmine.

For Stress

Aromatherapists recommend the following essential oils to counter fatigue and alleviate mental stress. Place these oils in your diffuser for a refreshing and mood-lightening experience:

5 drops cardamom oil

2 drops rosemary oil

2 drops peppermint oil

Therapeutic Effect

The most important medicinal constituent in cardamom is its essential oil, which contains borneol, camphor, carvone, eucalyptol and terpinene. This essential oil has been used throughout history – in particular in ancient Indian (Ayurvedic) tradition – to treat asthjma, digestive upset, anorexia and kidney stones. Cardamom oil is used today to relieve cramps and coughs, alleviate tension, stimulate digestion and pamper the soul.

For menstrual cramps

Withits antispasmodic action, cardamom can help minimize menstrual pain by relieving cramps. To make an effective cramp-relief bath blend, mix 2 drops each of cardamom oil, clary-sage oil and rose otto oil with 1 drops of ylang-ylang oil. Disperse the oils in a tub filled with warm water and soak for 20-30 minutes.

For Romance

Certain essential oils have a long-standing reputation for increasing sexual desire. Both cardamom and sandalwood essential oils are among those that can help create a spirit of romance. They also have the added benefit of stimulating blood flow. Mix 2 drops of cardamom essential oil with 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil. (Note: Adding 2 drops of orange essential oil will help dispel any tension.) For a romantic setting, diffuse this blend, add music and enjoy time with your loved one!

Extra Tip

You can recognize cardamom oil by its pale yellow, almost colorless, hue and thin consistency.

Applications

External Uses

To quicky alleviate a headache that’s caused by tension or stress, apply 2 drops of cardamom oil and 1 drop of lavender oil to a handkerchief, fold it in half to prevent direct skin contact and inhale deeply once or twice.

Aromatherapy can be successful in helping to combat cellulite, especially when using oils that improve circulation. To make a massage blend that does just that, add 5 drops of cardamom oil, 5 drops juniper oil and 1 drop of cinnamon-leaf oil to ½ cup of grapeseed oil, and mix well. Massage areas of cellulite with the mixture by using gentle, upward stroking motions.

To ease premenstrual tension and help alleviate cramping, make a massage-oil blend using 1 drop each of cardamom oil and roman-chamomile oil mixed in 2 tsp. of a carrier oil. Gently rub the entire lower abdomen with the oil blend; then cover with a hot-water bottle for relief.

Take Care

If you are pregnant or if you have high blood pressure, avoid using cardamom oil in any form. When using the oil externally, always dilute it first with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil, as it can irritate the skin. If such an irritation does occur, bathe the area with cold water. NOTE: Do not use cardamom oil, or any essential oil, internally as it may damage the delicate lining of the digestive tract.

(Source Complete Guide to Natural Healing)

Magickal Properties and Uses

love, lust, sexual energy

Astrological: Taurus (ruled by Venus)

Element: Water

Planet: Venus

Venus Oil (Planetary)

3 drops Ylang-Ylang

2 drops Geranium

1 drop Cardamom

1 drop Chamomile

Wear to attract love and friendships, to promote beauty,, and for other Venusian influences.