Cardamom

Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum

Botany and Origins: Cardamom is a perennial herb with lance-shaped leaves borne on long sheathing stems, up to 4m high. It is a native of tropical Asia and is now cultivated in Sri Lanka, India, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Method of Extraction: Cardamom oil is produced by the steam distillation of the seeds.

Cultivation: Certified Organic

Historical and Traditional Uses: Cardamom is reputed to be one of the oldest spices known. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It was brought to Europe by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. The namre cardamom is thought to have originated from the Arab word 'hehmama', a derivation of the Sanskrit term for something hot and pungent. The seeds have remained an important culinary spice not only in India but all over the world.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Cardamom oil has been reported to have antispasmodic activity. The oil has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It was found to have significant analgesic activity and had a suppressive action of carrageenan induced oedema, exerting its effect by reducing the synthesis of eicosanoid mediators of inflammation.

Indications:

• Digestive System: Cardamom is reputed to be a general tonic of the body. It is also recommended for the treatment of digestive complaints such as colic, cramps, dyspepsia and flatulence.
• Nervous System: Cardamom oil has been described as a cephalic and a gentle tonic of the nervous system. It is also recommended for nervous exhaustion and depression.
• Respiratory System: It is recommended for catarrhal conditions of the respiratory system such as chronic bronchitis.

Safety: Non irritating and non sensitising and there are no contra-indications.

Country of Origin: India

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)