CARDAMON

Elettaris cardamomum: Zinziberaceae

THE HERB

PART USED: seeds, whole or powdered
PLANET: Venus ELEMENT: Water

TASTE: pungent, sweet VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: warming DOSHAS: V- P+ (in excess) K-

MERIDIANS: Lung and Spleen

ACTIONS: stimulant, expectorant, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulates spleen, removes Kapha from stomach and lungs, antidepressant, neutralises mucus-forming properties of milk and detoxifies caffeine, antispasmodic, restorative stimulant and tonic.

INDICATIONS: coughs, colds, flu, bronchitis, asthma, loss of taste, loss of voice, poor absorption, indigestion, dyspepsia, acid regurgitation, depression, stings, bruising and sprains, low energy, convalescence, enuresis, spermatorrhea

PRECAUTIONS: ulcers, high Pita

CONSTITUENTS: essential oil (see below) 1-4%, potassium salts, starch, mucilage, resin

PREPARATION AND USE:
-INFUSION--don't boil, keep covered to avoid loss of volatile oil
-chew seeds for dyspepsia
-poultice for bruises and strains

NUTRITIONAL USE: a warm spice used in fruit dishes

Other USES: Love and Lust -used in various drinks and pastries to stimulate lust -used in love incenses and sachets

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH: -sattvic, good form opening and soothing the flow of prana
-stimulates mind and heart and gives clarity and joy
-generates strength

THE ESSENTIAL OIL

CONSTITUENTS: terpinyl acetate and cineol each up to 50%, limonene, sabinene, linalol, linalyl acetate, pinene, zinziberene

ACTIONS: antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic, nervine tonic.

INDICATIONS: anorexia, colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, griping pains, halitosis, heartburn, indigestion, vomiting, mental fatigue, nervous strain

DOSE: 1-3 drops

OTHER USES: Love, Sex
-arouses sexual desires, can be used to increase capacity to love
-clears conscious mind