Cardamom oil is one of the amazing essential oils, which has amazing medical and cosmetic benefits, which made it not only used as a spice in the kitchen, but rather it was approved as an important medicinal plant, which has a special place in traditional medicine. The benefits of cardamom oil are many, as it is extracted from the seeds of the cardamom plant, which belongs to the ginger family, and it also contains compounds rich in beneficial nutrients.
Cardamom essential oil benefits
Cardamom oil has a warming and drying character, which makes it useful for massage and anxiety relief. It is also rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which made its use popular in many countries, to treat many health problems, especially in India, China, Bhutan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea and Japan.
The nutritional value of cardamom
Cardamom contains many vitamins and minerals as well as some fiber. It is also low in carbs and calories. According to the Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon of ground cardamom contains the following nutrients:
Calories: 18 kcal.
Total fat: 0.4 grams.
Carbohydrates: 4 grams.
Fiber: 1.6 mg.
Protein: 0.6 grams.
It also contains the following amounts of vitamins and minerals:
Potassium : 64.9 milligrams.
Calcium: 22.2 mg.
Iron: 0.81 mg.
Magnesium : 13.3 mg.
Phosphorus: 10.3 mg.
How to prepare cardamom oil
Cardamom oil can be prepared at home, as there are two methods that you can choose between:
The first way
In this method, soaked cardamom seeds or leaves are added to a suitable base oil. Choosing the appropriate base oil is an important step for the success of preparing cardamom oil. It is recommended to use almond, olive and sesame oils for this purpose. After that, cardamom leaves or seeds are soaked in boiling water and then filtered. After that, the resulting solution is added directly to the selected base oil, and the water is left to evaporate at a low temperature. Finally, some water remains at the bottom of the preparation container and can be easily removed. This method is characterized by the fact that it does not take a long time to obtain the benefits of cardamom oil.
The second way
It needs a period of time compared to the first method, and it is done by pouring chopped cardamom with its seeds into a glass vial, then filling the bottle with carrier oil, and storing it in a dark and cool place for up to two months. Then you can enjoy the benefits of the resulting oil. Cardamom oil can also be obtained by steam distillation of cardamom seeds.
Benefits of cardamom oil for general health
Cardamom oil has countless benefits. The cardamom seeds from which it is prepared are rich in various vitamins and minerals, including niacin , pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A , vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, which are known for their therapeutic benefits. And prevention of many diseases. The most important of these benefits:
Promote heart health
cardamom essential oil uses
Cardamom promotes heart health, thanks to its antioxidant properties, and the fiber and other nutrients contained in cardamom oil lower cholesterol levels and balance blood pressure.
Treat depression
Cardamom essential oil has calming and antidepressant properties, so it is one of the main oils used in aromatherapy, and it can be a good solution for dealing with depression, thanks to its smart smell, as it is enough to add a few drops of this oil inside a burner, and enjoy its aroma properties, or even And put a few drops of it on a handkerchief or sleeping pad and smell the scent.
Asthma treatment
Cardamom helps improve asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. By enhancing blood circulation, which contributes to opening the airways, relaxing the tissues of the trachea and facilitating the entry of air into the lungs. This oil is also useful in treating various respiratory diseases such as bronchitis. It is enough to put a few drops of this oil inside the vaporizer, or put a few drops of it on a napkin and then benefit from its aroma properties.
Constipation treatment
uses of cardamom oil
The use of cardamom essential oil is one of the home and effective ways to treat constipation , by mixing it with a little black seed oil and then massaging the stomach and intestines with it in a clockwise direction, this will help stimulate the intestines and facilitate the passage of stool. Constipation is a disease in which it is difficult to empty the bowels, and it is usually accompanied by hard stools.
Indigestion treatment
Eating cardamom essential oil helps to activate the digestion process, and get rid of the problem of indigestion , which is one of the annoying health problems, so it is recommended to drink a cup of warm water after adding 3-4 drops of cardamom oil in order to clean the digestive system and strengthen the stomach. In addition to the treatment of esophageal reflux and diarrhea.
Colon cancer treatment
Studies conducted by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata showed that a diet containing cardamom extract has a positive result in treating colon cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It is also a more sustainable and less expensive natural alternative to medicines and their side effects.
Cardamom oil is an excellent antimicrobial
Cardamom has been believed to have anti-infective properties for thousands of years, and one recent study found that cardamom essential oil is an effective treatment for fungi and all microorganisms tested, due to its ability to damage the cell membrane of bacteria. Another study conducted by the University of California confirmed the presence of antimicrobial properties in cardamom, as this oil has the ability to inhibit the growth and spread of some dangerous microbes that cause food poisoning , and it also helps to get rid of bacteria that cause bad breath.
Detoxifies the body
Cardamom helps rid the body of toxins resulting from metabolic processes, which release free radicals, causing many diseases, including cancer and premature aging. Thanks to its amazing properties, cardamom oil is rich in vitamins A, B, C, niacin and riboflavin, which play an important role in purifying the blood, removing toxins from the body, and removing calcium and urea deposits from the kidneys.
Stress treatment
cardamom essential oil spiritual benefits
One of the benefits of cardamom essential oil is its ability to improve blood flow in the blood vessels, and it is considered one of the traditional treatments such as aromatherapy, where the oil extracted from cardamom was tested on people who suffer from stress, and it was found that cardamom helps to improve blood flow in the body and get rid of the feeling of fatigue .
Cardamom oil is appetizing
A Polish study concluded that the use of cardamom treats loss of appetite, as it helps digestion and improves metabolism in the body, thanks to its zinc content.
Symptomatic treatment of chronic headache
benefits of cardamom oil
It is recommended to massage the neck and lower head with cardamom oil, as its hot and warm nature relieves muscle cramps that cause headaches.
Treating the common cold
Drinking a warm cup of water, after adding a few drops of cardamom oil, helps in improving the symptoms of the common cold, thanks to its richness in vitamin C, which is useful for strengthening the immune system .
Stomach acidity treatment
The methanol extract present in cardamom oil reduces stomach acidity and helps relieve stomach pain and nausea.
Diabetes prevention
Cardamom seeds contain high amounts of manganese , which can play an important role in lowering the risk of diabetes.
High blood pressure treatment
An Indian study showed that cardamom oil helps to reduce high blood pressure effectively, as a few drops of it can be used in preparing various types of soups and stews to benefit from its properties.
Benefits of cardamom for the skin
cardamom oil for skin
Cardamom oil has many properties that treat various skin problems, thanks to its richness in antioxidants. Perhaps its most prominent benefits are as follows:
Skin whitening
Regular use of cardamom oil helps to lighten skin color and get rid of dark spots caused by exposure to harmful sunlight. It is sufficient to massage the face with a few drops of this oil, leave it for 20-30 minutes, then wash it with lukewarm water and enjoy soft and refreshed skin.
Enjoy bright skin
Cardamom oil contains vitamin C , which is a powerful antioxidant, which promotes blood circulation, which reflects positively on skin health and gives it radiance and freshness.
Skin allergy treatment
Skin allergy , a common skin condition, causes itching, irritation, dryness, and flaking. Cardamom oil has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, so it can be used as an antiseptic. It is enough to mix a few drops of it with a tablespoon of honey, then put the mixture on the face for 20 minutes, then wash it with lukewarm water.
Cleaning the skin
One of the benefits of cardamom oil for the skin is cleansing the facial skin , thanks to its antiseptic and refreshing properties.
Helps take care of the lips
Cardamom oil is used to treat dry and chapped lips. It is enough to put some drops of cardamom oil on the lips at night before going to bed, then wash it in the morning with water.
Benefits of cardamom oil for weight loss
Research has shown that cardamom contains high amounts of fiber that reduces appetite, increases metabolism in the body and is a useful spice for weight loss and slimming. Also, the melatonin in cardamom increases the fat burning process.
To benefit from the unique properties of cardamom, it is enough to add a few drops of cardamom oil to warm water, and eat it regularly. And for better results, ginger oil can be added to cardamom oil in a cup of hot water, as its benefits are not limited to burning fat, but also rid the body of toxins.
Benefits of cardamom oil for children
Cardamom oil can have many health benefits for children, if it is used in small quantities, but it is preferable to consult a doctor before use. Although it has the following characteristics:
Strengthens and promotes the health of the heart muscle for children and infants.
It treats anemia, as it increases the formation and repair of red blood cells, thanks to its richness in vitamin C.
It strengthens the nervous system, thanks to the thiamine in it in a good proportion.
Promotes healthy bones and teeth.
It strengthens gums, treats tooth decay, and eliminates bad breath.
An excellent aperitif.
Increases the energy of children and babies.
Cardamom is tonic for the kidneys.
Treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children.
Strengthens memory and improves learning ability.
Hiccups treatment.
Benefits of cardamom oil during pregnancy
Consuming small amounts of cardamom is beneficial for the health of the fetus and the pregnant woman during pregnancy, thanks to its amazing properties in stimulating the production of red blood cells, thus treating anemia, improving bone health, in addition to enhancing the health of the immune system, and its ability to treat infections. But it is preferable to consult a doctor before eating cardamom and avoid excessive intake of cardamom oil.
Ways to use cardamom oil
Cardamom oil can be used in several ways to take advantage of its many properties, and here are the best ways:
Cardamom oil for gargling
To get rid of bad breath and treat sore throat, it is recommended to gargle daily with a mixture of a few drops of cardamom oil and cinnamon after adding it to a glass of lukewarm water. This will also help in preventing influenza and bacterial infections.
Cardamom oil as a flavoring for medicines
Cardamom oil is used as a flavoring agent for medicines, and also as an aromatic ingredient in soaps, detergents, and other skin and hair care products.
Perfume industry
Cardamom oil is included in the composition of many men's and women's perfumes because of its magical and spicy scent. The aroma of this oil is relaxing, while at the same time promoting a positive feeling.
Air freshener
Aromatherapists suggest diffusing cardamom oil, through an essential oil burner, at work or at home to delight employees and family members. This oil may increase people's productivity because its pleasant aroma reduces nervous tension and increases positivity and energy.
Benefits of massage with cardamom oil
Since cardamom oil has a warm nature, massaging the body with it helps to get rid of toxins, lose weight , and increase sexual desire. It is recommended to dilute it in a ratio of 5:1 by using another base oil when using it for this purpose. Massaging the scalp with cardamom oil enhances the activity of blood circulation, which contributes to stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Conclusion
Despite the many benefits of cardamom oil for general health and skin, it is advised to avoid using it in large quantities, to avoid its side effects. It is also recommended to consult a doctor before starting to take it or apply it to the skin.
