Botanical Name: Elettaria Cardamomum

Origin: Guatemala

Although there is no evidence that Cardamom is a skin irritant, you should exercise caution, as with all the spicy oils, and use small amounts, well diluted, for anybody with a sensitive skin.

The plant has been used in Eastern traditional medicine for over 3,000 years, being mentioned in Vedic medical texts. Via the Middle East Cardamom was imported into ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and the Egyptians used it both in perfumes and incenses.

Both Hippocrates and Dioscorides mention it, the latter describing it as good for sciatica, coughs, spasms, abdominal pains and retention of urine. In India Cardamom is used very widely as a digestive aid, both in the form of a spice added to food, and as a medicament. Indian use also confirms some of Dioscorides' descriptions, particularly for coughs, and as a diuretic. But the most important and widespread use in India is as an aphrodisiac.

There is no real evidence that Cardamom Essential Oil has any physiological effect, but it is both tonic and stimulant so may act indirectly.