Seeds

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum, Zingiberaceae)

Origin : South India, Sri Lanka and Guatemala

Aroma : Spicy, warm, balsamic, sweet, penetrating, pungent

Properties : Stimulant, digestive, respiratory

Psychoemotional Benefits

• Digestive System : Aids in healthy digestion, helps stop digestion and flatulence, eliminates waste from the digestive system.
• Respiratory System : Relieves bronchitis, excessive coughing, tightness in the lungs or chest caused by excess mucus, respiratory infections and productive congestion.
• Psyche/Emotions : Reduces anxiety, moderate depression, lack of concentration, lack of vital energy and mental stress.

Mixes Well With

Rosemary qt. cineole, bergamot, oriental hemlock, clove, fennel, eucalyptus, cinnamon leaf, ylang-ylang, lemon, bay leaf, myrtle, black pepper, pink pepper, Scots pine, plai, rose, thyme qt. linalool or thyme qt. thymol

Recipes and Usage Suggestions

• Digestive Incense : Combine cardamom with clove, fennel and lemon for an incense that promotes healthy digestion and relieves digestive discomfort. Ideal for use after meals.
• Respiratory Incense : Blend cardamom with eucalyptus and Scots pine to create an incense that helps relieve respiratory problems and congestion. Perfect for use during winter or allergy season.
• Energizing Incense : Use cardamom with bergamot and ylang-ylang for an incense that reduces anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of well-being and vital energy. Excellent for use in the morning or during activities that require concentration.

History and Curiosities

• History : Cardamom essential oil is steam distilled from the dried, powdered seeds. Native to southern India, cardamom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. In incense, cardamom is prized for its warm, balsamic aroma as well as its therapeutic properties. It is widely used to promote digestive and respiratory health, as well as to relieve stress and anxiety. Its use in incense is prized for creating an environment of well-being and balance.