Are you familiar with Cardamom Essential Oil? Have you used this amazing oil and enjoyed its benefits? It may not be a main stream essential oil but it is one worth getting to know. Here you will learn the uses and benefits of cardamom oil plus DIY cardamom essential oil recipes you can make.
Cardamom was used by ancient cultures as a medicine and a spice. It remains an important part of traditional medicine in India, China and some Middle Eastern countries.
As an essential oil, Cardamom offers a warming, head-clearing and stimulating aroma that you are sure to enjoy.
Cardamom Essential Oil Facts
Traditionally cardamom oil (Elettaria Cardamomum) is used as a digestive aid and for flavoring, it is known as the "Queen of Spice". Cardamom spice gives a great Indian flavor to foods.
Cardamom essential oil is steam distilled from cardamom seeds.
Cardamom essential oil is most known for supporting the digestive system and respiratory system of the body. It can provide emotional support too.
The chemical makeup of Cardamom essential oil makes it a calming and soothing oil that is useful in many applications.
| Botanical Name | Elettaria Cardamomum |
| Botanical Family | Zingiberaeae |
| Aka | n/a |
| Aroma | Warm, spicy, soft, balsamic |
| Note | Middle |
| Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
| Plant Part Used | Seeds |
| Shelf Life | 5 years |
| Kid Safe? | Yes, over 5 years old |
Cardamom Essential Oil Safety Precautions
Generally considered safe, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Highly aromatic so use sparingly. Best to use only diluted on the skin due to its spicy nature. Cardamom should be used for children over 5 years old.
Main Constituents:
Terpinyl acetate; 1,8 cineol; linalol; linalyl acetate; limonene. See Essential Oil Safety for a complete list of constituents.
Cardamom Essential Oil Blends Well With
Cardamom blends well with citrus oils and more:
- Cedarwood
- Frankincense
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Ginger
- Rose
- Jasmine
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Neroli
- Ylang ylang
- Sandalwood
- Patchouli
- Vetiver
Cardamom Essential Oil Benefits
There are many benefits to using cardamom essential oil. It has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia among other things. The anti-inflammatory properties help with arthritis pain, too!
Cardamom is also great for digestion as it can reduce gas and bloating. Here are more benefits of cardamom essential oil:
- Aroma is uplifting, refreshing, stimulating and invigorating
- Helps to ease occasional indigestion and nausea
- Supports gastrointestinal health
- Reduces minor pain and inflammation
- Brings feelings of mental clarity and focus
- Supports respiratory health
- Calms nerves and balances energy
- Promotes self-assurance and confidence
Cardamom Essential Oil Uses
Breathing: Apply to chest while planting flowers or cutting grass for clear breathing
Fatigue: Inhale from an aromatherapy inhaler to combat mental fatigue and exhaustion
DIY Products: Use in soaps, creams, perfumes and beauty recipes for some extra spice
Work Space: Enhances mental performance and accuracy by diffusing in work space
Discomfort: Soothe sore muscles with diluted cardamom applied to topically to areas of concern
Diffuser Jewelry: Place on a essential oil diffuser necklace and breathe in for sense of openness
Enhance Mood: Diffuse in home to uplift the mood while leaving a fresh and spicy aroma
Congestion Steam: Add 2 drops Cardamom oil into bowl of hot water, inhale steam to help loosen phlegm and soothe cough
Open Airways: Add a few drops onto shower floor just prior to getting in to promote open airways.
DIY Essential Oil Recipes Guide
Aromatherapy Recipes with Essential Oils Guide with 150+ Easy & Effective Recipe Blends by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist:
Cardamom Essential Oil Recipes
Check out these recipes with cardamom essential oil and cardamom diffuser blends. Be sure to get the free printable Cardamom Oil Recipe Cheat Sheets at the bottom of the post.
1. Warming Chai Tea Diffuser Blend
Like a nice cup of comforting spice tea, use cardamom oil in this diffuser blend.
- 2 drops Ginger
- 2 drops Cardamom
- 2 drops Black Pepper
- 2 drops Clove
- Aromatherapy Diffuser
Directions: Add oils to diffuser with recommend water for your diffuser. Turn on and enjoy!
2. Happy Place Inhaler
Get happy with this blend of happiness oils. Inhale the spice and citrus fragrance to improve your mood.
- 5 drops Orange
- 5 drops Lemon
- 5 drops Cardamom
- Blank Aromatherapy Inhaler
Directions: Add essential oils onto cotton wick of aromatherapy inhaler. Once inhaler assembled, take off cap and deeply inhale the aroma. For a kid friendly-cut recipe in half if using.
3. Open Airways Diffuser Blend
Cardamom can help with respiratory support, try this powerful oil blend to help open airways and breathing.
- 2 drops Cardamom
- 2 drops Eucalyptus
- 2 drops Peppermint
- Aromatherapy Diffuser
Directions: Add oils to diffuser with recommend water for your diffuser, turn on and enjoy!
4. Healthy Digestion Belly Rub
Here is a wonderful digestive system supportive blend, rub on belly after eating a big meal or when stomach is upset or gassy to get relief.
- 6 drops Cardamom
- 6 drops Orange
- 4 drops Peppermint
- 4 drops Fennel
- 2 oz unscented lotion
- 2 oz glass jar
Directions: Fill jar with unscented lotion, add essential oils and stir well. Apply small amount to belly for relief from indigestion, nausea, gas, etc. 2% dilution.
5. Happy Lungs - Kids Roller Blend |
Roller recipes are a great option for children because they make oil application easy. Try this blend for respiratory health.
Directions: Add essential oils to roller bottle, fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil. Roll onto chest as needed. For kids 6 and up. 1% dilution. |
6. Happy Tummy - Kids Roller Blend |
Tummy troubles? Try this recipe on your little one.
Directions: Add essential oils to roller bottle, fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil. Roll small amount onto belly as needed. For kids 6 and up. 1% dilution. |
7. Orange Spice Uplifting Body Oil |
Body oils are easy to make, no need to buy them. Use this blend after showering or bathing for moisturizing skin and uplifting your emotions.
Directions: Add essential oils to bottle, fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil. Shake to blend, apply to skin. 2% dilution. |
8. Cardamom Citrus Foaming Soap |
Foaming hand soap is one way that I use essential oils everyday, and the scent options are nearly endless.
Directions: Add soap, essential oils and vegetable glycerin into bottle, swirl bottle to gentle mix together. Add water to bottle and place pump on bottle. Shake gently to mix. To use, pump into palm of hands and lather well, rinse off. Use within 2 weeks. |
9. Mental Clarity Inhaler |
Sharpen your focus and concentration with this DIY inhaler recipe.
Directions: Add essential oils onto cotton wick of aromatherapy inhaler. Once inhaler assembled, take off cap and deeply inhale the aroma. |
10. Spice It Up Room Spray |
Here is a fun room spray with lots of spicy oils and some lime to balance them out. Spritz the spray in your office or use as an air freshener in the bathroom.
Directions: Add essential oils and grain alcohol into glass spray bottle, fill rest of bottle with distilled water. Place on spray top and shake well to blend. To use, shake and spritz into desired room. |
11. Digestive Support Inhaler |
Did you know that orange and chamomile oil are good for soothing the digestive system? They both are, here they are included at this inhaler recipe with cardamom.
Directions: Add essential oils onto cotton wick of aromatherapy inhaler. Once inhaler assembled, take off cap and deeply inhale the aroma. Kid friendly-cut recipe in half if using for kids. |
12. Spicy Sweet Diffuser Blend |
Here is a lovely, uplifting blend recipe with cardamom. Diffuse in your home to boost your mood.
Directions: Add oils to diffuser with recommend water for your diffuser, turn on and enjoy! |
Where to Buy Cardamom Essential Oil?
Cardamom essential oil can offer many health and wellness benefits. To obtain these benefits ensure your oil is pure and high quality without fillers or toxins added. Never mistake perfume oils or fragrance oils as essential oils.
Know the company you are purchasing from, ask questions, and ensure they are 100% pure essential oils. You will be inhaling and applying to your body, you need to be sure. Here are some recommended brands:
Cardamom Essential Oil Substitutions
While these oils can serve as alternatives to cardamom essential oil it is crucial to note that their scent and therapeutic properties may differ slightly. Test the quantities carefully beforehand will help achieve optimal results in your specific recipe or purpose.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
If you're looking for a warm and spicy scent similar to cardamom oil then cinnamon essential oil is worth considering.
Ginger Essential Oil
If you're looking for a substitute to cardamom oil that still delivers a spicy aroma and similar therapeutic benefits, consider ginger essential oil. With its warm soothing scent this alternative is perfect for diffusing in your home or office space.
Its digestive properties are similar to those found in cardamom while also providing comforting effects making it an ideal replacement option.
Nutmeg Essential Oil
For those who love the sweet and nutty aroma of nutmeg essential oil but want to try something new alongside cardamom oil - look no further! Both oils are similar in their culinary uses such as adding flavor to baked goods or holiday beverages.
Clove Essential Oil
If you're looking for an substitute to cardamom oil in aromatic applications, consider using clove essential oil. With its strong and spicy fragrance it offers similar benefits such as antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate dental discomfort.
Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black pepper essential oil is a viable alternative to cardamom oil due to its warming and slightly sweet fragrance. It shares similar digestive benefits while also promoting circulation. If you're looking for an earthy yet invigorating scent consider incorporating black pepper essential oil as an substitution option!
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Sweet orange essential oil offers a refreshing alternative to cardamom oil with its uplifting citrusy scent. It provides an energy boost and is commonly used in various recipes household cleaners, and personal care products due to its versatility. Its unique fragrance profile sets it apart from other oils while still offering benefits such as mood elevation and invigoration. Try incorporating sweet orange oil into your daily routine for a natural pick me up!
Allspice Essential Oil
The dried berries of the allspice tree are used to create an essential oil with a warm and spicy fragrance similar to cardamom. This versatile ingredient can be added as a substitute in various spice blends. Additionally it is believed that this oil possesses analgesic properties which could provide relief from pain while also stimulating your senses.
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10).
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners
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