Herbs and spices have been used around the globe for thousands of years as culinary ingredients. Many of these herbs and spices are also widely celebrated for their medicinal and health-supporting properties. One such spice is cardamom.
Cardamom: The queen of spices
Few flavors in this world can compare to the aromatic complexity of cardamom. Aptly nicknamed the “queen of spices,” cardamom has the power to enliven baked goods, provide a lush backbone to herbal teas and temper strong flavors with a mellow hint of something in bloom. [1]
Cardamom is made from the seeds of two species of plants in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), namely, Elettaria cardamomum and Amomum subulatum. [2] The seeds are found in small, spindle-shaped pods, which have triangular cross-sections and paper-like outer coverings. Although the seeds are black, cardamom pods differ in color and size depending on the species.
Most of the cardamom sold around the globe comes from plants cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Malaysia or Tanzania. The pods are picked or clipped just before the plants reach maturity. They are then rinsed and left to dry under the sun or dried using a machine.
There are two different types of cardamom: green cardamom and black cardamom. Green cardamom comes from E. cardamomum, which is also known as “true cardamom.” Green cardamom’s taste is described as a cross between eucalyptus, mint and pepper. In terms of flavor, green cardamom is more citrusy than fennel and sweeter than cumin.
Green cardamom is commonly used in Nordic and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is also the most common variety sold in supermarkets. Green cardamom is great for sweet dishes, but it also works well in savory dishes.
Black cardamom, on the other hand, comes from the duskier brown pods of A. subulatum, which is grown in the Himalayas. Black cardamom tastes like a milder version of green cardamom but with an added hint of bark and smoke. This makes it more appropriate for savory dishes, although it is also typically used in sweet dishes in southern India.
Cardamom is a spice packed with antioxidants
Cardamom contains a variety of beneficial plant compounds, such as phenolic acids and sterols. In fact, phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of potent antioxidants, such as limonene, cineole and myrcene, in cardamom. [3]
Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize highly reactive molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of metabolism, meaning they are naturally generated by your body. They are also formed as a consequence of exposure to environmental threats, such as cigarette smoke, pesticides and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. At very high levels, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can damage healthy cells and their components. [4]
Luckily, phytochemicals like limonene, cineol and myrcene are efficient free radical scavengers that can help protect against free radicals. According to a study published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, limonene can protect white blood cells called lymphocytes from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. [5] A study published in the journal Toxicology and Industrial Health also reported that cineole and myrcene has powerful antioxidant properties that can help combat oxidative stress. [6]
In addition, the antioxidants in cardamom can support healthy blood sugar levels that are already within the normal range. According to a study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease, the blood sugar levels of rats on a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet remained stable after they were given cardamom powder. The researchers attributed this positive effect on blood sugar control to the presence of phenolic compounds in cardamom.
In ancient times, people rinsed their mouth with cardamom to support optimal dental health and freshen their breath. Today, researchers know that the antioxidants in cardamom are responsible for its oral health benefits. A study published in the journal Ethnobotanical Leaflets suggested that green and black cardamom extracts are potential sources of novel phytochemicals that can support optimal dental health. [7]
Cardamom was widely used in ancient civilizations as a natural remedy to relieve minor discomforts, including head and neck tension, occasional constipation and occasional nausea. Researchers believe that the beneficial effects of cardamom against these minor ailments are due to its abundance of antioxidants.
Organic cardamom essential oil and its benefits*
Cardamom spice is available in various forms, such as whole pods, shelled whole seeds or ground powder. You can also find cardamom essential oil in many health food stores. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they contain way higher amounts of beneficial compounds, including aromatic compounds, than the plants they were extracted from. This is why essential oils are used in aromatherapy. [8]
Inhaling the aromas of essential oils can support a healthy limbic system – a collection of brain structures involved in the processing and regulation of emotions, the formation and storage of memories, libido and learning. These structures include the hippocampus, the amygdala and the hypothalamus. The limbic system is also heavily involved in supporting healthy blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. [9] As such, naturopathic physicians and holistic health practitioners believe that essential oils can exert a positive effect on your body.
Organic cardamom essential oil contains all of the beneficial compounds found in the actual spice, including limonene, cineol and myrcene. These compounds are thought to be responsible for organic cardamom essential oil’s many health benefits, such as: [10]
- Helps relieve nausea caused by motion sickness
Traditionally, cardamom is used as a natural remedy for nausea as it can help suppress the urge to vomit. Organic cardamom essential oil offers the same benefit, according to a study published in the Avicenna Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Care. [11]
- Naturally uplifts mood
Organic cardamom essential oil has a refreshing and invigorating aroma. When inhaled, it can naturally uplift your mood. Organic cardamom essential oil’s positive effects on mood can be attributed to active compounds like limonene. Animal studies suggest that limonene can be used in aromatherapy to soothe stressful feelings. [12][13]
- Supports normal blood circulation
According to a study published in the Journal of Health and Allied Sciences, inhaling organic cardamom essential oil is a great way to support healthy blood circulation. [14] In Ayurvedic Medicine, cardamom oil is also used to support a healthy libido. The oil’s arousing effect comes from its ability to naturally support healthy blood flow. [15]
- Naturally freshens breath
According to studies, cineole, one of the major active components of organic cardamom essential oil, can support optimal oral health. [16][17] When diluted and used as a mouthwash, organic cardamom essential oil can help clean your teeth and gums and naturally freshen your breath.
Where to get Organic Cardamom Essential Oil
Given the many benefits of organic cardamom essential oil, you may be tempted to buy the first bottle you can find. But not all essential oils are created equal. Many essential oils sold on the market are not organic, which means they were derived from plants treated with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. These essential oils are bad for your health and can increase your risk of exposure to toxic chemicals.
Some manufacturers also use additives and fillers to keep the prices of their products low. Diluting essential oils in this manner affects the potency of the active compounds they contain.
The Health Ranger Store recognizes the health-supporting properties of clean, high-quality essential oils, which is why we’re bringing you Health Ranger Select Organic Cardamom Essential Oil. Our organic cardamom essential oil is lab verified for cleanliness and purity. It is 100% organic and contains no chemical preservatives, additives or fillers.
When you buy a bottle of Health Ranger Select Organic Cardamom Essential Oil, you can be sure that you’re getting nothing but high-quality, 100% organic and ethically sourced cardamom essential oil.
How to use Organic Cardamom Essential Oil
Health Ranger Select Organic Cardamom Essential Oil can either be inhaled or applied topically. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, you only need to use a few drops at a time to enjoy their benefits. Don’t forget to dilute your essential oil in a carrier oil before applying to your skin.
Here is a more detailed guide on how to use organic cardamom essential oil:
Inhalation
Inhalation is the simplest way to use organic cardamom essential oil. There are three methods of inhalation to choose from. The simplest method is to open the bottle and inhale deeply several times. Take care not to let the undiluted oil touch your skin.
For the steam inhalation method, you will need a bowl of hot water and a towel. Place the bowl on a table and add a few drops of organic cardamom essential oil. Place the towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Put your face as close to the water as you can stand. Close your eyes and inhale deeply several times.
You can also diffuse the essential oil and inhale its vapor. Simply fill your diffuser with clean tap water at room temperature. Most diffusers have a water level line on the inside that you can use as a guide to avoid overfilling. Add 3–10 drops of organic cardamom essential oil and turn on the diffuser. Inhale deeply several times.
Topical application
Organic cardamom essential oil can be diluted in a mild carrier oil and applied to the skin. Diluting your essential oil is important to prevent skin irritation. It also helps your skin absorb the essential oil more easily.
Most carrier oils are either unscented or only lightly scented. As such, they won’t alter or lessen the natural aroma of organic cardamom essential oil. Examples of good carrier oils are olive oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil. When choosing a carrier oil, make sure to perform a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions.
Follow these steps to perform a patch test:
- Apply a few drops of the carrier oil on the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.
- Cover the area with a bandage. After 24 hours, check the area for irritation.
- If irritation occurs, rinse the area thoroughly.
Once you have chosen your carrier oil and are ready to dilute Health Ranger Select Organic Cardamom Essential Oil, follow these dilution guidelines for adults: [18]
- 5%dilution: 15 drops of the essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
- 3% dilution: 20 drops of the essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
- 5% dilution: 30 drops of the essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
- 10% dilution: 60 drops of the essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
Store diluted organic cardamom essential oil in a cool, dark place. You can also store it in the refrigerator if you use it infrequently.
P.S. Essential oils are excellent barter items for when SHTF. They often have a very long shelf life and a variety of different usages.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
Do you know of other ways organic cardamom essential oil can support your health? Let us know in the comments below!
References
[1] https://indianculture.gov.in/
[2] https://www.thespruceeats.com/
[3] https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/
[4] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/
[5] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
[6] https://journals.sagepub.com/
[8] https://www.healthline.com/
[9] https://www.indianjpsychiatry.org/
[10] https://www.organicfacts.net/
[11] https://www.sid.ir/
[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/
[13] https://www.liebertpub.com/
[14] https://www.thieme-connect.de/
