Cardamom by Salvatore Battaglia

ESSENTIAL OIL MONOGRAPH: Cardamom By Salvatore Battaglia

The scent of cardamom oil promotes clarity, motivation, focus, courage and confidence. Valerie Ann Worwood suggests using cardamom whenever we are overburdened with responsibilities. She explains that it gives us the strength and encouragement and is ideal whenever we are burdened by worries and responsibilities that challenge our endurance.

METHOD OF EXTRACTION Cardamom oil is produced by the steam distillation of the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum. The seeds are enclosed in husks and should not be removed from the almost odourless hulls until prior to distillation.3 BOTANICAL NAME Elettaria cardamomum CHARACTERISTICS FAMILY Cardamom oil is an almost colourless or pale-yellow liquid, which darkens Zingiberaceae when exposed to sunlight. The odour of cardamom is warm-spicy with a slightly penetrating camphoraceous-cineole-like odour. It becomes balsamic-woody with a sweet and almost floral dryout.3 Essential oil produced from the ‘green’ types of cardamom smells more of cineole than the oil produced from the bleached or pale yellow coloured cardamom seeds.3

BOTANY AND ORIGINS CHEMICAL COMPOSITION Cardamom is a perennial herb The chemical composition of cardamom oil is reported as follows: with lance-shaped leaves borne α-pinene (1.5%), β-pinene (0.2%), sabinene (2.8%), myrcene (1.6%), α-phellandrene on long sheathing stems, up to (0.2%), limonene (11.6%), 1,8-cineole (36.3%), γ-terpinolene (0.5%), linalool (3.0%), 4 m high. It is native to tropical Asia linalyl acetate (2.5%), terpinen-4-ol (0.9%), α-terpineol (2.6%), α-terpinyl acetate and is now cultivated in Sri Lanka, (31.3%), citronellol (0.3%), nerol (0.5%), geraniol (0.5%), methyl eugenol (0.2%), and India, Guatemala and El Salvador.1 trans-nerolidol (2.7%).4 Guatemala is the largest producer of The composition of cardamom oil from south India mainly contained α-terpinyl cardamom in the world followed by acetate (56.7%), 1,8-cineole (15.13%), α-terpineol (4.67%) and limonene (4.05%).2 India.2 The parts used are the dried, nearly ripe fruits with seeds. The The major components that impart the sweet flavour to the oil are α-terpinyl small black seeds of cardamom are acetate, geranyl acetate, nerol and α-terpineol, while 1,8-cineole imparts the harsh 2 embedded in a thin papery outer medicinal aroma. shell or pod. They have a pleasant aroma and a characteristic, slightly 2 pungent taste. Numerous varieties ADULTERATION of cardamom grow in the world and are cultivated in Madagascar, east Arctander states that adulteration of cardamom oil takes place on a big scale. and west Africa, Central Africa, China, 1,8-cineole from eucalyptus or camphor oil is often used to adulterate cardamom 3 5 Thailand and Indonesia. However, oil. Adulteration is also done by the addition of α-terpinyl acetate and linalool. these have little or no importance as a source of essential oil.3

© Salvatore Battaglia 2019 www.perfectpotion.com.au PAGE 1 HISTORY AND Cardamom oil is also used in the microorganisms such as Listeria TRADITIONAL USES canning industry for pickles, meat monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, sauces and seasoning. Cardamom is Escherichia coli, Yersinia entercolitica, History used as a flavouring ingredient in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus Cardamom is reputed to be one of the popular Indian tea known as chai.1 plantarum, Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum oldest spices known. Hemphill states 2 Saudi Arabia has the highest per capita candidum and Rhodotorula. that the Greek word kardamomum consumption of cardamom where An in vitro study investigated the effects was used to describe the superior the spice is used in the preparation of cardamom essential oil and antibiotics grade and the ancient Semitic word of gahwa, a blend of cardamom seed against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus amomum, is a term used to describe powder and coffee with a ratio varying aureus. Antagonistic interactions were ‘very spicy’. In the first century AD it between 30:70 to 50:50 (w/w). It is also noted particularly with 1,8-cineole. had become one of the most popular very popular in other Arab countries The researchers suggested that using oriental spices in the Roman cuisine.6 such as Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.2 1,8-cineole-rich oils could diminish the Cardamom is valued as one of the antibacterial activity of amoxicillin or most expensive spices in the world ciprofloxacin in infections with S. aureus after saffron and vanilla due to its isolate.14 unique flavour and aroma. It has been PHARMACOLOGY AND Antispasmodic activity one of the most important spices CLINICAL STUDIES traded between ancient civilisations Cardamom oil has been reported to have Analgesic activity throughout western Asia (Middle East) antispasmodic activity on excised mouse 1 to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.2 Cardamom oil was found to have significant intestine. analgesic activity, and had a suppressive Gastroprotective activity According to Mojay, the name action on carrageenan-induced oedema Cardamom oil significantly inhibited gastric cardamom is thought to have in animal studies, exerting its effect by lesions induced by ethanol and aspirin but originated from the Arab word reducing the synthesis of eicosanoid not those induced by pylorus ligation in hehmama, a derivation of the Sanskrit mediators of inflammation.9 term for something hot and pungent. rats.15 Antiemetic activity The seeds have remained an important Hepatoprotective activity A randomised study was conducted with culinary spice not only in India but all The influence of essential oils on the 7 patients who experienced nausea in the over the world. activity of the hepatic carcinogen- postanaesthesia care unit using ginger Despite having many uses as a spice metabolising enzymes of P-450, aryl essential oil; a blend of essential oils and traditional medicine in India, hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and of ginger, spearmint, peppermint and about 60% of the world’s cardamom glutathione S-transferase (GST) was cardamom; and isopropyl alcohol. The is exported to the Middle East where investigated in mice. Cardamom essential study confirmed that postoperative nausea cardamom is mainly used in coffee oil significantly elevated GST activity. It was 2 was significantly reduced with inhalation of preparation. suggested that cardamom oil has potential ginger oil and the blend of essential oils. It as a ‘blocking agent’ in chemoprotective Traditional medicine was suggested that aromatherapy could be strategies. Cardamom oil also elevated Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda used as an inexpensive and non-invasive 2 hepatic levels of acid-soluble sulphydryl, for over 3,000 years. It was brought treatment for postoperative nausea.10 to Europe by the Greeks in the fourth which augmented the antioxidant defence 16 1 A clinical trial using an inhalation of a blend mechanism. century BC. of ginger, cardamom and tarragon essential Insecticidal activity Greek physicians used cardamom for oils in equal parts investigated whether the treatment of coughs, abdominal the negative effects of anaesthesia could At a concentration of 1000 ppm, four pain, spasms and sciatica. In the be alleviated. The results found that essential oils — coriander seed, cardamom, Greco-Arab (Unani) system of 75% of cases had a favourable outcome rosemary and sandalwood essential oils — traditional medicine, cardamom is by completely blocking nausea and/or had insecticidal activity ranging from 68% 17 considered a powerful stimulant, vomiting within 30 minutes.11 to 98% at 1 hour after treatment. carminative, stomachic and diuretic.2 Antifungal activity Skin permeation enhancer Cardamom is well-known remedy An in vitro test confirmed that cardamom The effects of the cardamom oil as a to treat impotence and improve low penetration enhancer on percutaneous 2 essential oil had considerable antifungal sexual response. effect against seven pathogenic moulds.12 absorption was investigated using three drugs – indomethacin, piroxicam and Herbal Antimicrobial activity The German Commission E diclofenac. The penetration index of An in vitro test confirmed that cardamom piroxicam was extremely increased by a 1% recommends cardamom seeds for the essential oil had moderate antimicrobial treatment of dyspepsia.8 solution of cardamom oil. The researchers effect against a range of gram-positive, confirmed that the skin permeation 13 Food, perfumery and gram-negative and pathogenic bacteria. enhancing effects of cardamom was flavouring Other studies have confirmed that dependent on the kind of drug, pH value of The spice is an important ingredient cardamom essential oil displayed the solvent system and the concentration in genuine East Indian curry powder. strong antibacterial activity against of cardamom oil.18

PAGE 2 www.perfectpotion.com.au © Salvatore Battaglia 2019 PROPERTIES expel dampness. The spirit associated Mojay states that cardamom helps to 7 Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, with the Earth element is the Yi, which is restore our ‘appetite for life’. Worwood cephalic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, associated with our intellect and ability to states that cardamom gives us wisdom general tonic, stimulant, stomachic.7,19 think clearly. when we are overburdened with Cardamom is ideal for individuals with poor responsibilities and when we need to tap concentration, overthinking and burdened into our generosity of spirit to allow our by worries.7 hearts to be open and expansive in order to be gracious in our dealings with others.24 AROMATHERAPY USES Personality Blending tips Digestive system The cardamom personality is strong, Cardamom is recommended for the forthright, motivating and enthusiastic; Aromatherapy treatment of digestive complaints they instill inspiration in others and tend to For mental fatigue and dispelling worrying such as colic, cramps, dyspepsia and make good leaders.23 thoughts consider blending cardamom flatulence.19,20,21 Worwood states that cardamom oil with essential oils such as bergamot, Schnaubelt explains that cardamom oil personality types often wear an air of black pepper, geranium, ginger, fragonia, contains the acetylcholine antagonist, detachment most of the time and that frankincense, lavender, lemon, sweet borneol, which is important in disrupting nothing seems to worry them. She explains orange or rosemary. the pathways that trigger nausea and that they are good in leadership roles, To alleviate nausea and vomiting consider vomiting. He explains that it also prevents provided that they can learn to delegate. blending cardamom oil with essential oils the formation of intestinal gas, reduces They are often good teachers. While they such as ginger, peppermint or spearmint. pain, and that it has a relaxing effect on are not creative, they have the stamina To alleviate mucous congestion of the a spasmodic colon and can help alleviate to carry ideas forward. As a result, they respiratory system, consider blending painful diarrhoea.22 can achieve much more than a creative cardamom oil with essential oils such 23 Nervous system personality type. as aniseed, broadleaf peppermint Cardamom oil has been described as a According to Myers-Briggs personality eucalyptus, 1,8-cineole-rich eucalypts, cephalic and a gentle tonic of the nervous types, the cardamom personality is likely Atlas cedarwood, sweet fennel, fragonia, system.7 It is also recommended for to be an ESTJ. ESTJs love responsibility and frankincense, ginger, lemon, myrtle, nervous exhaustion and depression.20 control. They love to be in charge. They are niaouli, pine or thyme. good at making objective decisions. They Perfumery Respiratory system love challenges and know how to get things In perfumery, cardamom oil imparts Cardamom oil is recommended for done. They have an opinion for everything a warm, sweet spicy note which catarrhal conditions of the respiratory and are rarely at a loss for words. ESTJs like complements floral bases. Cardamom oil system such as chronic bronchitis.20 to spend their free time in ways that are blends well with bergamot, frankincense, productive. They are good at seeing what is Skin care ylang ylang and labdanum. Arctander illogical, inconsistent and impractical. They Cardamom is generally not used in skin states that coriander seed oil is an excellent are willing to make sacrifices in order to care. modifier for cardamom oil in perfumery honour their commitments. They tend to and that this combination imparts warmth Energetics be workaholics and drive themselves and in oriental style and chypre perfumes.3 Cardamom oil is a Qi tonic. It has a others very hard. They like to be involved warming quality, which makes it an in community service organisations and How to use excellent choice as a digestive stimulant volunteer activities. They enjoy spending Bath and as a remedy for mucolytic damp time with their friends and family. Full body bath, foot bath catarrhal conditions of the respiratory and Subtle digestive system.7 Topical Worwood recommends cardamom Cardamom strengthens Spleen Qi, the main Compress, massage, ointment whenever we need clarity, motivation, organ responsible for transforming food Inhalation focus, courage and confidence. She and drinks into Qi and Blood. Cardamom explains that cardamom gives us wisdom Direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser oil is recommended whenever there is a when we are overburdened with Spleen Qi deficiency. Typical symptoms responsibilities. She suggests that we use it associated with Spleen Qi deficiency to give us the strength and encouragement include feelings of lethargy, poor appetite SAFETY whenever we need to offer our friendship and loose stool.7 to a person in need. It is ideal when we are General safety According to the principles of Five burdened by worries and responsibilities Cardamom oil is non-toxic, non-irritant elements, cardamom is indicated for that test our endurance.24 and non-sensitising.19,26 problems associated with the Earth Keim Loughran & Bull state that cardamom No contraindications known. element. The external pathogenic factor oil helps us to accept life as it is while that weakens the Earth element is damp. encouraging an enthusiasm for it. They also Excess damp leads to lethargy, indigestion, recommend using it to help teach others abdominal distention and worry. with a grounded, clear, heart-centred Cardamom’s warming property helps to perspective.25

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