Cardamom oil is extracted from the seed plant parts of the cardamom plant known by the botanical name Elettaria cardamomum. This plant is part of the ginger family known as Zingiberaceae. The cardamom plant is native to the Indian subcontinent as well as Central America. Cardamom oil is largely produced in Guatemala and India.
Like most essential oils, it’s also packed with antioxidants that are good for health. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used cardamom for its pungent aroma. It became a staple ingredient of perfumes and aromatic ceremonies.
Cardamom is more expensive than other oils because the production process is labor-intensive. It is the third most expensive spice in the world after saffron and pure vanilla. The seeds must be harvested by hand before they undergo a process of steam distillation to extract the oils.
Cardamom Essential Oil Health Benefits and Uses
- Soothes and Scents: Just like cardamom spices give food flavour, cardamom oil can delightfully scent a home. This oil produces a warm aroma that can increase relaxation and help ground emotions. Cardamom also has a slightly floral scent that can induce relaxation while the spicy notes help to energize and improve mental clarity.
- Protects Oral Health: Cardamom oil has antibacterial and disinfectant properties that make it useful for protecting oral health. A 2009 study examined the effects of cardamom oil against oral bacteria that cause oral yeast infections and digestive disruptions. The researchers found cardamom oil to be an effective treatment of tooth decay.
- Boosts Immune Health: Cardamom oil’s warming effect can also help to boost immune health and fight off a cold or flu. The warmth helps to relieve chest congestion while antibacterial properties help to fight off the invaders that cause colds in the first place. The soothing properties of cardamom also help to alleviate cough by reducing inflammation in the chest and respiratory system.
- Stimulates Digestion: Cardamom essential oil is stomachic—meaning it helps to regulate healthy digestive processes. The oil helps to regulate the production of gastric juices such as bile that help to breakdown foods. Cardamom oil also has carminative properties that help to reduce the incidence of bloating, gas, and indigestion. Cardamom also contains fiber, which helps to improve digestive function.
- Boosts Metabolism: The warming nature of cardamom oil helps to boost metabolism and may help increase weight loss. Cardamom naturally elevates body temperature, which signals the body to burn fat stores for energy.
- May Treat Nicotine Withdrawal: Nicotine withdrawals can be severe and include symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, and weight gain. Some people also find it difficult to concentrate and have trouble sleeping. Researchers have found that cardamom oil may help to lessen the severity of nicotine symptoms, thus helping people stop smoking more easily.
