Cardamom is an herbaceous plant from the Zingiberaceae family, just like ginger and turmeric. Its essential oil, renowned for its pleasantly camphorous and spicy smell, is very popular when diffused, alone or mixed with other essential oils. It is also used to purify the breath and for its digestive properties, in cases of gastric reflux or bloating for example. Latin name: Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Distilled part: seeds
This article was updated on 13/04/2023Precautions for use
Vigilance! Cardamom essential oil is only authorized for adults and children over 3 years old. All routes of administration are authorized. Please note, however, that when applied to the skin, it can be irritating for some more sensitive people, so it is necessary to dilute it to 20% in a vegetable oil. People with epilepsy and asthma should seek medical advice before using this essential oil. Finally, it contains few allergenic components.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
Be sure to seek medical advice before use for people with asthma and epilepsy (epileptogenic in high doses).
Skin application
Cardamom essential oil is irritating to the skin, it is therefore recommended to dilute it to 20% in a vegetable oil before any skin application (20% essential oil and 80% vegetable oil).
Contraindications
Cardamom essential oil should not be used for a prolonged period of time.
Avoid taking this essential oil simultaneously with medications.
Allergenic components
Cardamom essential oil contains some allergenic biochemical components:
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linalool (≤ 8%);
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limonene (≤ 4%);
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geraniol (≤ 2%);
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geranial + neral (≤ 2%).
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (dilute a drop of essential oil in a little vegetable oil and apply it to the crook of the elbow. Wait at least 24 hours to check that it is there is no reaction).
Properties of Cardamom essential oil
Cardamom essential oil is highly concentrated in 1.8 cineole, terpenyl acetate and linalool. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
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digestive tonic +++ :
cardamom essential oil stimulates digestion, promotes the expulsion of intestinal gas and stimulates the appetite.
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antispasmodic, neurotropic +++ (terpenyl acetate):
this molecule acts at the level of the nervous system and intervenes in the processes of triggering spasms: it competes with the molecules responsible for the contraction of smooth or striated muscles. It therefore helps to eliminate or calm muscle spasms and the pain associated with them.
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expectorant, anticatarrhal ++ (1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
eucalyptol stimulates the glands of the respiratory mucous membranes, it helps to thin secretions and promotes their expulsion from the respiratory tract.
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antiseptic, antihelminthic ++ (1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
1,8-cineole has an anti-infectious action. Cardamom essential oil is especially effective against intestinal parasites (helminths).
In case of' Aerophagia, bloating, flatulence
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for ages 6+. Orally, 1 drop of Cardamom in a teaspoon of olive oil or honey, 3 times a day.
From 3 years. Through the skin, 1 drop of Cardamom diluted in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massaged on the abdomen 3 times a day.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Orally, at the time of symptoms, mix in a teaspoon of olive oil:
- 1 drops of Cardamom essential oil
- 1 drop of Wild Mint essential oil
- 1 drops of Caraway or Coriander essential oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils.
Against the Bronchitis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For ages 3+. Through the skin, dilute 1 drop of Cardamom essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massage onto the thorax or upper back.
Cardamom or Eucalyptus Globulus?
Cardamom essential oil is effective against bronchitis thanks to its expectorant and antispasmodic properties, but theeucalyptus globulus essential oil is more suitable. Cutaneously: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the thorax 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.
Against the Spasmodic colitis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For ages 3+. Through the skin, dilute 1 drop of Cardamom in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the lower back twice a day.
Cardamom or Coriander Seeds?
Against spasmodic colitis, Cardamom can be used but we recommend it instead.coriander seeds essential oil. Cutaneously: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the stomach after a meal. Orally: 1 to 2 drops on a neutral support twice a day for 5 to 7 days
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. 2 drops of this mixture on a neutral tablet, 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks:
- 1 mL of Rosemary verbenone essential oil
- 1 mL of Cardamom essential oil
- 1 mL of Coriander essential oil
- 1 mL of Chinese Cinnamon essential oil
- 1 mL of Tarragon essential oil
Source: Zahalka, JP (2015). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions Dauphin.
In case of Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for ages 6+. Orally, 2 drops of Cardamom HE on a neutral tablet under the tongue after each meal, 3 times a day for 5 days.
From 3 years. Through the skin, 1 drop of Cardamom in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply on the stomach after a meal.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. 1 drop of the following mixture on 1 neutral tablet with each meal:
- 1 mL of Juniper essential oil
- 1 mL of Cardamom essential oil
- 1 mL of Peppermint essential oil
- 1 mL of Mandarin essential oil
- 1 mL of Tarragon essential oil
Source: Zahalka, JP (2015). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions Dauphin.
Other famous applications of Cardamom
Cardamom essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its antiviral, immunostimulating, antibacterial and expectorant properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Cardamom for the following different problems.
Fever
Effective cardamom, but... It is better to use theeucalyptus radiata essential oil against fever: 10 drops in 100g of salt in a foot bath.
Nausea, Vomiting, Motion sickness
Effective cardamom, but... it is better to use thepeppermint essential oil : orally, 1 pure drop under the tongue. When inhaling, breathe directly from the bottle as soon as necessary.
Intestinal worms
Effective cardamom, but... it is better to use thecinnamon essential oil. Orally, 1 drop on a support to let melt in the mouth, 4 times a day until improvement.
How to recognize a good Cardamom essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton
- Botanical family: Zingiberaceae
- Part used: seeds
- Country of origin: Guatemala.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.919 to 0.940
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1,460 to 1,468
- Rotary power at 20°C: 22 to 41
- Flash point: 59
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: clear mobile liquid
- Color: colorless to pale yellow
- Odor: spicy, cineolated, rising.
Biochemical characteristics
- terpenyl acetate: 32 to 45%
- 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): 23 to 35%
- linalyl acetate: 4 to 9%
- linalool: 3 to 7%
- limonene: 2 to 7%
- sabinene: 2 to 5%
- α-pinene: 1 to 2%
- α-terpineol: ≤ 7%
- terpinen-4-ol: 0.8 to 3%
- trans-nerolidol: 0.5 to 2%
- β-myrcene: ≤ 2.5%
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Bibliography
Publication: AL-ZUHAIR, H. (1996). PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF CARDAMOM OIL IN ANIMALS. Pharmacological Research, 34(1-2), 79-82. doi: 10.1006/phrs.1996.0067
Publication: Jamal, A., Javed, K., Aslam, M., & Jafri, M. (2006). Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats. Journal Of Ethnopharmacology, 103(2), 149-153. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.016
Publication: Masoumi-Ardakani, Y., Mandegary, A., Esmaeilpour, K., Najafipour, H., Sharififar, F., Pakravanan, M., & Ghazvini, H. (2016). Chemical Composition, Anticonvulsant Activity, and Toxicity of Essential Oil and Methanolic Extract of Elettaria cardamomum. Planta Medica, 82(17), 1482-1486. doi:10.1055/s-0042-106971
Publication: Mutlu-Ingok, A., & Karbancioglu-Guler, F. (2017). Cardamom, Cumin, and Dill Weed Essential Oils: Chemical Compositions, Antimicrobial Activities, and Mechanisms of Action against Campylobacter spp. Molecules, 22(7), 1191. doi: 10.3390/molecules22071191
Publication: Noumi, E., Snoussi, M., Alreshidi, M., Rekha, P., Saptami, K., & Caputo, L. et al. (2018). Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Essential Oils from Cardamom Species. Molecules, 23(11), 2818. doi: 10.3390/molecules23112818
Publication: Singh, R., & Jawaid, T. (2012). Cinnamomum camphora (Kapur): Review. Pharmacognosy Journal, 4(28), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2012.28.1
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Work : Zahalka, J. (2017). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions du Dauphin.
About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.