Tuesday 19 March 2013

Cardamom Oil – Know more about this flavorful and curative oil


Cardamom oil has a special place among all essential oils. Cardamom has been in use in India and South Asian countries since a very long time. It is considered as a special spice in Indian cuisine. Its refreshing aroma adds to the taste of the dish, besides leaving a lingering flavor of freshness in the mouth.
Cardamom oil is spicy, sweet and has balsamic fragrance. It has a pale yellow tinge and is slightly watery in viscosity. It is admired all over the world for its unique sweet fragrance. The cardamom essential oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruit which are collected just before they are ripe. The process is through steam distillation.

It comprises of several chemical components like b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, limonene, linalool, terpinen 4 oil, citronellol, geraniol, methyl eugenol, trans-nerolidol etc. This oil holds many therapeutic properties of being an effective antispasmodic, antiseptic, cephalic, calmative, diuretic, stimulant, expectorant, tonic and carminative oil.

Among the various uses, cardamom oil is extremely beneficial for the digestive system. It aids as a laxative and lessens colic, gas, nausea and dyspepsia. Pregnant woman can use it for relief from nausea. When stomach is full and heartburn develops, cardamom oil relieves the symptoms.

This essential oil refreshes and uplifts the mood when feeling mentally fatigued and weak. It influences the production of gastric juice, enzymes, hormones and also improves circulation. It can be used as an expectorant to treat coughs. A couple of drops added to bathing water will give stimulated feeling.
Because of the anti-microbial properties, it is widely used as a mouth wash. A few drops of this oil can be added to the water and used for disinfecting the oral cavity. It removes bad breath also.

It is widely used in food items for enhancing the flavour and also helps in the preservation of food. This essential oil can be blended well with other essential oilswholesale like Bergamot oil, Clove oil, Cinnamon, Orange, Cedarwood and Caraway oil as well.

Though no toxic effects are noticed, usage of this essential oil in high doses may lead to unrest and heating up of the body and digestive system resulting in irritation and loose bowel movements. Pregnant woman and lactating mothers are not advised to consume Cardamom oil.

It is always advisable to consult a qualified aroma therapy practitioner before using any essential oil. They have to be consumed in low dosages for better results. 

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