CARDAMOM CO2

Latin Binomial: Elettaria cardamomum
Plant Part: Seed
Extraction: CO₂ Extraction
Growing Practice: Ethical
Country of Origin: Guatemala
Odor Type: SPICY

Odor Characteristic: Warm, spicy-aromatic with an initial penetrating camphoraceous-cineole odor reminiscent of eucalyptus. It will become balsamic-woody and eventually sweet, balsamic floral on dryout. Arctander believes it is the most aromatic of all seed oils.

Refractive Index: 1.457-1.465 @ 25 C
Specific Gravity: 0.912 to 0.941 @ 25 °C
Appearance: almost colorless pale yellow to yellow liquid that darkens when exposed to daylight.
BioChemical Class: Esters, Oxide
BioChemicals: 30 - 45 % 1,8 cineol, 30 - 45 % terpinyl acetate, further limonene, linalyl acetate, linaloöl, alpha terpineole, pinene.
CAS No: 8000-66-6

About the Plant

Elletaria Cardamomum is a member of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. A perennial herb with tall simple canes or stems that grow out of rhizomes, it is native to the shady forests of India, Ceylon and Malaysia. Today, it is mainly cultivated in Guatemala and India. Flower spikes produce white or pale green flowers which evolve into green seed pods. Enclosed in the fruit pods are tiny, brown, aromatic seeds, which are both pungent and sweet to the taste.

Aromatherapy: It is one of the oldest essential oils known. In aromatherapy, it is added to massage oils for warming action and positive effects on the respiratory system. Also useful for digestive applications and genito-urinary and reproductive issues. It is said to be helpful for mental fatigue and nervous strain.

Perfumery: In perfumery, both the essential oil (green seed distillation is preferred and is more cineole) and CO2 are used to impart spiciness and warm, sweet notes and fits well into floral compositions. Blends well with rose, ylang ylang, bergamot, olibanum, neroli and cedarwood.

Herbal: Cardamom has been used traditionally for a variety of conditions including as a digestive, carminative, stimulant, breath freshener and aphrodisiac. It is one of the famous spices in India curry powder. Current research has implicated cardamom's potential therapeutic value as an inhibitor of human platelet aggregation.

The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for necessary medical care, nor intended as medical advice. Always keep aromatic extracts tightly closed and in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children. Never ingest aromatic extracts. Always dilute aromatic extracts when applying topically and avoid areas around eyes or mucous membranes. If redness or irritation occurs, stop using immediately and contact your health provider if necessary.