Indulgent, spicy, exotic, and warm; Cardamom is indeed the third most expensive spice (by weight) — trumped only by saffron and vanilla. Luckily, you don’t have to go through the laborious harvesting and drying process that drives up its price point! DoTERRA has done the hard work for us by harnessing the power; and flavor of this sexy spice in the form of Cardamom Essential Oil and we’re just here to reap its benefits.
CARDAMOM ESSENTIAL OIL 101
Cardamom, known as the “queen of spices,” has a flavor and aroma that makes it a widely respected and sought-after addition to dishes worldwide. But its uses don’t end there!
Cardamon is a member of the ginger family. DoTERRA has harnessed its power by steam-distilling the oil from the seeds of the Elettaria cardamomum plant grown in Guatemala. But, because of its cost, there are many inferior forms of Cardamom floating around, so be sure that you are getting the premium variety!
The particular species that doTERRA uses is the only one known as “true cardamom.” Its elements make it grounding and soothing to your mind and body, as well as providing your digestive and respiratory systems with some much-needed support.
READY – SET – DIGEST WITH CARDAMOM!
Did you over-indulge in your last meal? Cardamom essential oil is comforting to an upset stomach and can help calm the muscle contractions in your intestines. It can also cut inflammation caused by an upset stomach and ensure a healthy immune response while rebuilding damaged tissues.
To use, you can dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically on your stomach and around your belly button. Or just add a drop to a small glass of water and drink to improve the overall health of your digestive tract. Ginger and Peppermint are great complementary oils to combine with Cardamom to soothe that ache in your belly and give your body the help it needs.
BREATHE EASY WITH CARDAMOM ESSENTIAL OIL
If you find yourself feeling congested, Cardamom’s spicy, cooling aroma and anti-inflammatory properties will help open up your respiratory passages and give you some relief. One of its main constituents, 1,8-cineole (or eucalyptol), is well-known to boost your respiratory system by clearing out the junk in your air passages.
To use, dilute the cardamon oil with a carrier oil and rub on your chest on those days you could use some extra support. You can amplify its effects by placing a warm compress on your chest after applying the oil. This allows the steam and heat to do the dirty work of clearing you out.
CARDAMOM ESSENTIAL OIL CLEARS THE MIND
The constituents of Cardamom essential oil are known to have soothing effects on both your body and your mind. If you find yourself stressed out, stuck in a rut, and lacking inspiration, Cardamom essential oil’s refreshing warmth and spice can jazz up your thinking and help inspire you. While calming your nervous system and boosting your mood, Cardamom essential oil will rev up your favorite diffuser blend with its energizing scent to clear your mind. Inhale right from the bottle for a quick mood boost!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: DIFFUSING CARDAMOM OIL
There is nothing more calming for me than the scent of warm spices to remind me of fall and time spent with friends and family. Forego the chemical-laden scented candles and reach for some Cardamom essential oil instead!
Diffuse it with other seasonal favorites like Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Vetiver, and Wild Orange to make your home a welcoming, stress-free environment at any time of the year. You can add a few drops to a DIY potpourri to add vibrancy to your home.
For a quick fabric refresher for carpets and curtains, simply add these oils in a 2 oz. glass spray bottle and top off with witch hazel!
Or, even better: amp up your whole space with one of my favorite diffuser blends that will make everyone feel relaxed and comforted:
Warm Pumpkin Spice Diffuser Blend
Ingredients:
2 drops Ginger essential oil
2 drops Clove essential oil
2 drops Cardamom essential oil
BOOST DIGESTION WITH CARDAMOM ESSENTIAL OIL
Let the food you eat do some work for you. Adding Cardamom oil to your dishes will not only add a warm, delicious note, but it will also aid digestion. Worldwide, Cardamom is an important part of many countries’ cuisine. From India to Guatemala to Scandinavia, you will find this spice flavoring both savory and sweet dishes.
Try it in your fall recipes, teas, curries, or smoothies for a refreshing warm spice that also boosts your digestion! Just remember that a little goes a long way, so you may want to use the toothpick method when adding to your food.
For a fun, healthy treat, try this recipe below! (I promise it is as good for your hormones as it is for your body!)
Fruit Sushi
Ingredients:
1 organic banana
¼ cup organic dark chocolate chips or carob chips
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
¼ cup chopped pistachios or almonds
1 toothpick swirl of Cardamom essential oil
Pinch of Himalayan or gray sea salt
Directions:
Peel your banana and place on a freezer-safe plate. Freeze for 1 hour. Using a double boiler, carefully melt the chocolate chips, stirring often. Dip your toothpick into the Cardamom oil, and swirl into the chocolate to add flavor. Test and repeat if you want the flavor to be stronger. Using a spoon, carefully spread the chocolate over the top of the banana and quickly add chia seeds, nuts, and sprinkle with sea salt to finish, as the chocolate will begin to harden as soon as it hits the frozen banana. To finish, pop in the freezer for 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with other “sauces,” like nut butters and honey if desired! Super cute and fun dessert!
Getting Started with Essential Oils? Let me help!
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