Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a spicy essential oil with a sweet, spicy aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from seed, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Blood Orange, Bergamot (FCF), Ginger. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Spicy |
| Chemical family | Ester |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | seed |
| Origin | Guatemala, India, Sri Lanka |
| Blending factor | 4 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8000-66-6 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 months) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 5 GC-MS analyses (Elettaria cardamomum).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Cardamom Clarity →
- Easy Attention →
- Rheumatic Warmth →
- Pumpkin Latte →
- Spiced Chai →
- Morning Awakening →
- Study Trail →
- Study Anchor →
- Clarity Glow →
- Velvet Spark Aura →
- Clarity Focus →
- Bright Clarity Aura →
- Study Compass →
- Moonlit Study Breeze →
- Sunlit Spark Reset →
- Calm Clarity Lullaby →
- Flow Focus →
- Tummy Compass →
- Carminative Circuit →
- Ocean Settle Focus →
- Ease Harbor →
- Settle Garden →
- Settle Shield →
- Golden Carminative Sanctuary →
Frequently asked questions
What does Cardamom essential oil smell like?
Cardamom has a sweet, spicy aroma, classed as a spicy oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Cardamom?
For topical use, keep Cardamom at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Cardamom safe to use during pregnancy?
Cardamom is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Cardamom safe to use around children?
Cardamom is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Cardamom safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Cardamom blend well with?
Cardamom pairs well with Blood Orange, Bergamot (FCF), Ginger, Frankincense (Carterii), Cedarwood (Atlas).