Cardamom Essence
Description
CARDAMOM (Elettaria cardamomum)
Family: Zingiberaceae (ginger)
Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the seeds.
Fragrance:: Warm, spicy, soft.
Volatility: Middle note.
General description and habitat:
Several varieties; tall herbaceous perennial found in India and Sri Lanka; grows both in the wild and in cultivation in moist soil about 600-1,500 meters above sea level; long, spiky leaves; yellowish flowers with purple lips; fruits are ovoid capsules up to 2 cm long, divided into three sections containing dark brownish-red seeds.
Principal constituents: Cineol, terpineol, limonene, eucalyptol and zingiberene.
History
History and folk use:
Has been used in India as a spice and for medication since at least 1,000 years before Christ. Used by the ancient Egyptians in religious ceremonies and perfumes and by the ancient Greeks and Romans in perfume. It was introduced into Europe by the Arabs through the caravan routes. The name is believed to be derived from the Arab ‘Hehmama’ which itself was derived from Sanskrit. Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Ovid all refer to it. Cardamom was added to wine to extract the medicinal properties from the seeds. It was used as a diuretic and to treat epilepsy, spasms, paralysis and rheumatic stiffness, cardiac disorders. Chinese medicine believes it can treat all intestinal disorders.
Properties & Uses
General properties: Antispasmodic tonic, carminative, stomachic, stimulant, uplifting, warming.
Primary Uses:
| Digestion | Diuretic |
| Menopause | Painful Menses |
Secondary Uses:
| Aphrodisiac, | Bad Breath, | Bronchitis, |
| Catarrh, | Colic, | Cough, |
| Digestion (Stimulates), | Exhaustion, | Flatulence, |
| Headache, | Heartburn, | Loss Of Appetite, |
| Hypothermia, | Nausea, | Poor Circulation, |
| Poor Concentration, | Run Down, | Sciatica, |
| Stomach Tonic, | Vomiting, | Water Retention. |
Contraindications
Irritation is possible, so use in low concentrations.
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