queen of spices: cardamom

A member of the ginger family, cardamom is widely known as the “queen of spices” in the cooking world. This perennial is native to Southeast Asia and produces flavorful and aromatic seeds that have many uses—including being harvested for essential oil. While cardamom is a flavorful, distinctive spice, the essential oil that comes from cardamom seeds has uses that reach far beyond the kitchen. With calming and soothing properties, Cardamom essential oil can ease digestion, promote feelings of clear breathing, alleviate stomach discomfort, and more.

Very labor-intensive to harvest, cardamom is the third-most expensive spice in the world. Ten cardamom pods for instance, containing around 20 seeds each, net only 1½ ground teaspoons.

doTERRA Cardamom essential oil is produced from cardamom seeds grown in Guatemala, where doTERRA has established a Co-Impact Sourcing initiative to help local growers improve their quality of life.  

In the Polochic region of Guatemala, the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation partnered with CHOICE Humanitarian to fund the construction of the Sika’abe Training Center—a center that serves as a learning center for community members. At the Sika’abe center, individuals receive certifications and attend classes that teach job skills, new agricultural practices, and more. The objective of this training center is to help families in this area of Guatemala lift themselves out of poverty. 

Chemistry of Cardamom Oil
Main Chemical Components: Terpinyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalyl acetate, sabinene, linalool

Cardamom is made up of monoterpenoid esters called terpinyl acetate and linalyl acetate. Other oils like Lavender, Clary Sage, and Roman Chamomile also contain monoterpenoid esters, which is why these oils are commonly known for their calming and soothing properties. Due to the high quality production process, doTERRA Cardamom essential oil contains higher amounts of 1,8-cineole than other cardamom essential oils. 1,8-cineole, or eucalyptol, is a monoterpenoid that is commonly known for its positive effects. This chemical component contributes to Cardamom oil’s ability to promote feelings of clear airways and easy breathing.
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Cardamom Oil Uses and Benefits

• Digestive calming:  The chemical makeup of Cardamom essential oil makes it a calming oil—allowing it to provide soothing effects for the digestive system when ingested. Cardamom oil can be used to slow down muscle contractions in the intestines and to ease bowel looseness, which is why it is commonly taken to aid in digestion. Consider taking Cardamom oil internally when experiencing occasional feelings of stomach discomfort, or after over-indulging at dinner. When taken internally, it is best to dilute one drop of Cardamom oil in 4 oz. of liquid or make your own capsule by adding 1 - 2 drops in a Veggie Cap.  

• Calm the queasy: Whether it's from pregnancy or a windy road, Cardamom taken internally (see above) and/or applied behind the ears and/or inhaled can help!
  
  
• Emotions calming: Just as Cardamom oil can be used to calm the digestive system, its aroma can also be calming and soothing. When using Cardamom essential oil to promote a sense of openness or feelings of mental clarity, consider diffusing the oil in the essential oil diffuser of your choice. Diffusing Cardamom oil helps promote a sense of a clear head, offering an overall soothing and calming feeling.
  
  
• Skin soothing:  The calming and soothing properties of Cardamom essential oil can also be experienced when used topically. When you want to soothe or cool your skin, apply Cardamom oil on the skin for a cooling, refreshing sensation. Remember, when applying Cardamom essential oil to the skin, apply one or two drops to the area and dilute the oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to help avoid skin irritation or sensitivity.

• Soothing massage:  Apply where needed to comfort and soothe occasional muscle aches.  Dilute with a little FCO first.

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• Heart and cellular health:  Cardamom aids with healthy circulation and is protective of the heart and cell function.
  
  
• Cook with cardamom: Freshly ground Cardamom seeds are used widely in the culinary world; you can use Cardamom oil in place of cardamom seeds to enhance the flavor of many recipes. The minty flavor and scent of Cardamom has made it a popular ingredient in traditional Indian sweets and teas. It is also used in curry dishes due to its warm, spicy aroma and flavor. As a companion to coffees, teas, sauces, and pastries, Cardamom is truly “queen of the spices.” Next time you are cooking, consider adding Cardamom oil to breads, smoothies, meats, and salads to enrich food flavor and to aid digestion.
  
  
• Clear breathing:  Another internal benefit of Cardamom essential oil is its ability to promote clear and relaxed airways for better breathing and aid in overall respiratory health. It is a key ingredient in the doTERRA Breathe Respiratory Blend and Respiratory Drops. 
  
  
• Create a warm and inviting aroma:  Cardamom essential oil has a unique, pungent aroma that makes it useful around the home when you want an inviting, warm scent to fill the room. Cardamom oil’s spicy, warm, balsamic aroma is the perfect addition to any cozy home—particularly in the fall and winter. If you want to spread the unique fragrance of Cardamom essential oil around your own home, try making your own potpourri with Cardamom oil. You can place it anywhere you want a spicy and warm aroma. 

Perfect fall drink!
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Make a quick chai latte:  
Here's my own recipe for chai.  Easy and delicious! 


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Oils that blend well with Cardamom oil
As a versatile, soothing oil, Cardamom blends well with warm, spicy oils, as well as florals and citrus oils. Whether you are creating your own essential oil diffuser blend, or looking for the best companion for Cardamom, consider using Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Fennel, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, or citrus essential oils.

Make a chai-scented  diffsuer blend with Cardamom, Ginger and Cinnamon -- YUM.

Emotional component:
Cardamom is the "Oil of Objectivity" --  to aid in mental sobriety and self-control.  Is anger your too-frequent reaction?  Try inhaling Cardamom and realizing that "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” 
― Gautama Buddha

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