Benefits of Cardamom Essential Oil & Blending Tips

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

There are many benefits of Cardamom essential oil. Cardamom has been used for thousands of years medicinally and as a culinary spice. You might recognize the aroma as part of “pumpkin spice” flavors, in Indian cuisine, or your favorite chai latte. Cardamom essential oil is one of our favorites here at e3. Now, we carry two varieties — Cardamom from India and our newest single, Dark Cardamom from Guatemala.

These two Cardamom varieties are very similar and share the same Latin name: Elettaria cardamomum. Both are beneficial for promoting positive moods, relaxed open breathing, and calming digestive upset.

The difference lies in the scent. If you are creating a specialty blend or perfume, you may find the smoother, richer, and fuller aroma of Cardamom Dark a better choice. Both Cardamoms have spicy-sweet aromas, but Cardamom from India has a more camphorous sharper edge than the smoother, rounder, richer aroma of Cardamom Dark from Guatemala.

Cardamom essential oils are considered to be middle scent notes. The spicy, lightly sweet aroma beautifully blends with other oils, adding a little intrigue to an otherwise ordinary blend. It combines well with: Bay, Bergamot, Coriander, Fennel, Cedarwood, Rose, Patchouli, Fir, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lime, Clove Bud, Ginger, Orange, Ylang Ylang.

Therapeutic Benefits of Cardamom Essential Oil

From a therapeutic perspective, Cardamom is often used to support the digestive system. Cardamom is a warming oil that supports digestive well-being, reduces stress, calms muscle spasms, and eases nausea. It is also used to help relax breathing and can be uplifting to those struggling with fatigue or depression.

We use Cardamom in two of our therapeutic e3 blends:

• In Digestion Blend, Cardamom plays a role in aiding with indigestion, nausea, heartburn, stomach ache, anxiety, and mild depression.

• In e3’s Migraine Blend, Cardamom is added to assist with aches, muscle spasms, poor circulation, and tension.

3 Ways to Apply Cardamom Essential Oil

Read each Cardamom oil product page for more application methods, but here are three favorites:

Chest or Tummy Rub: Mix 5-15 drops of Cardamom essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion. Apply to your upper chest, upper back, or abdomen.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of Cardamom essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring, and apply to the area in need for approximately 1-5 minutes. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of Cardamom essential oil on a tissue or aromatherapy inhaler and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again. (Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

For more blending recommendations, including worksheets to track your efforts, download our free workbook, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils. You’ll also get a coupon you can use for your next order.

Do you have more questions about the benefits of Cardamom essential oil or of any other essential oil we carry? Use the search bar in our blog for recipes and tips, or contact e3 to connect with one of our clinical aromatherapists.