Cardamom
Profile
| Latin Name | Elettaria cardamomum |
| Chinese Name | Dou Kou |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Strong> Spicy |
| Color | Pale Yellow |
| Parts Distilled | Seeds |
| Regions | India, Sri Lanka |
| Taste | Spicy |
| Nature | Warming |
| Affinity | LU, SP |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Alcohol, ester, oxides (cineole) |
| Skin Type | Can irritate skin |
| Dosage | 6% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Harmonize Spleen and Stomach for poor appetite, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion
- Transform Dampness in Summer Heat (e.g., gastric fermentation) summer heat type diarrhea
- Descends qi for coughing, vomiting, reflux, abdominal spasm; moves qi stagnation
Indications
- Turbid Dampness with loss of appetite, dizziness, chest and abdominal fullness, loose stools, and poor concentration (CV-12, SP-6, SP-9, ST- 40, CV-9, CV-17)
- Rebellious qi (CV-13, PC-6)
Topical Applications
- Rub 6% dilution on abdomen for nausea and reflux.
Other Applications
- Diffuse to deodorize odors, especially from cigarette smoking.
- Add 8-10 drops in bath water for poor concentration and mental fatigue.
Specific Protocols
- Apply a 6% dilution for Turbid Dampness/Summer Heat with Cardamom (30%), Petitgrain (40%), and Patchouli (30%).
- Combine Cardamom (40%) with any Citrus oils (60%) for Rebellious Qi.
Actions
- Antispasmodic
- Decongestant
- Anti-reflux
- Deodorant
- Antibacterial
Contraindications & Cautions
- Deficient yin or blood
- Irritates the mucous membranes
Notes
- For poor concentration and mental fatigue
- For weak immunity, bolsters or tonifies wei qi
- For people who have become indifferent to what the world offers them
- Connection with the mid brain up to the upper brain
- Antibacterial, similar to clove
- Good Luo oil, harmonizes the blood, harmonizes, and strengthens the SP, ST
From Class
- Cardamom: Oil that resonates with BL-21 Weishu; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)