Cardamom: Chemistry, Benefits, and Uses

Co-Impact Sourcing^® has a huge impact on the quality and productivity of the cardamom plant, which directly impacts our Cardamom oil. Contributing to the quality and uniqueness of doTERRA^® Cardamom oil is a proprietary distillation process that our partner distillers developed over many years of trial and error. All of this results in an especially effective and unique essential oil with high amounts of terpinyl acetate and 1,8-cineole, as well as lesser amounts of linalyl acetate and linalool. This unique chemistry makes Cardamom a great calming and soothing oil.

Cardamom is known to have calming effects on the digestive system, a property thought to originate from its high monoterpenoid ester content. Examples of other essential oils with high amounts of monoterpenoid esters are Lavender, Clary Sage, and Roman Chamomile. Our Cardamom has high amounts of the monoterpenoid esters terpinyl acetate and linalyl acetate. When taken internally in a veggie cap, Cardamom oil slows down muscle contractions in the intestines¹, easing occasional bowel looseness.*

Because of its high monoterpenoid ester content, Cardamom can be used to calm the whole body in general, not just the digestive system. To calm body and mind, try diffusing Cardamom aromatically or using Cardamom in the AromaTouch^® Hand Technique.

doTERRA Cardamom essential oil has high amounts of 1,8-cineole, which other cardamom essential oils are not close to achieving. Also known as eucalyptol, this monoterpenoid oxide is highly regarded for its positive effects. It soothes and promotes feelings of clean airways and easy breathing. For this reason, we reformulated our Breathe blend to include Cardamom essential oil. Try inhaling Cardamom oil for its soothing effects.