Common name: Cardamom
Latin name: Elettaria cardamomum
January is a great time to talk about Cardamom essential oil! The winter can be damp. Cardamom is known to reduce damp, congested conditions in the respiratory and digestive systems.
When suffering from cold or flu, try using Cardamom essential oil to reduce chest and head pain.
5 drops of Cardamom
5 drops of Opopanax (Commiphora guidotti)
Add to to a blank inhaler.
I’ve found that this simple inhaler blend can open up the breath, reduce congestion, and relieve a headache.
Cardamom can also help alleviate nausea. I like to add 2 drops of Cardamom to a small handful of jojoba oil and apply it to my lower back and belly. It’s warm and soothing.
Cardamom belongs to the same family as Ginger (Zingiberaceae), and they’re both warming oils that assist digestion.
Cardamom
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Chemical Families: Esters, Oxides
Plant Part: The oil is extracted from the seeds
Botanical Family: Zingerberaceae
Aroma: Spicy, Sweet, Warm and Radiant
Andrea Butje
Owner/Instructor at Aromahead Institute
Aromahead Institute, owned by Andrea Butje, is a premier resource for online aromatherapy classes. Andrea offers her inspired approach to online aromatherapy certification through essential oil videos and original education materials. Check out her book, Essential Living: Aromatherapy Recipes for Health and Home, on Amazon!
Latest posts by Andrea Butje (see all)
- How to Make Baby Powder - May 22, 2013
- Featured Aromahead Graduate: KC Rossi - May 17, 2013
- Simply Elegant Body Cream - May 6, 2013
Related Posts:
Traveling? Protect and prevent with essential oils.
Essential Oil Industry Standards: Aromatics International Supports GC/MS Testing
Essential Oil Profiles: Grapefruit!
Get our blog posts delivered to your inbox!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
love cardamom! Thanks for the recipe Andrea!
Does using an inhaler distribute the oils better to your sinuses? I’m trying to figure out how it’s different from inhaling oils from a bottle….
love it!
I love cardamom as an essential oil and also a new appreciation for the herb !
I had the wonderful opportunity to walk amongst Cardamom while in India. What an experience to see the plant in all cycles; sprouts, full grown, flowers and finally to harvest. Ahh! the beautiful smell of FRESH Cardamom.
Thank you for the interesting tip that Cardamom may help with headaches. Are there other essential oils that will do the same?
Andrea,
Thank you for the massage idea, I’m looking forward to trying it! What do you know re: internal safety for cardamom oil? I use the pods/seeds in digestive blends and in cocoa, spiced truffles, etc., but hadn’t thought to use the oil until now. Any contras you know of? Thanks and blessings!