Cardamom
Cardamomum elettaria 
1:3.5 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagryic Tincture of organic dried Cardamon pods, with purified salt principle added.
Planetary Ruler: Mars

Physical properties*:
As far as Mars plants go, it is one of the most soothing, found in the Zingiberacea family along with ginger it too is a ‘digestive adaptogen’ both stimulating effective digestion and assimilation of foods whilst also calming upset and imbalanced areas of digestion. It is said to be ‘Tri-Doshic in Ayurveda, in that it can sooth ‘acidic’ Pitta symptoms, shift excess Kapha (sluggishness and toxin build up) with its warmth and pacify Vata as it mitigates spasmodic occurrences such as hiccups, gas, bloating, tremors and coughs – note that it is heating though, so Pitta people may need to use sparingly especially in summer months. Cardamon helps to remove toxins from the blood, respiratory system and digestive tract. It shifts mucous with its warming essential oils whilst also lubricating respiratory pathways -useful for mitigating asthma; it nourishes and cleanses blood with high levels of vitamin C, high concentrations of manganese and certain fibers; it is analgesic; cardamom stimulates the production of digestive enzymes that break down heavy, rich, acidic and fatty foods; it regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels; it has a diuretic effect in the urinary tract, kidneys and bladder, enabling their detoxification; it supports health cholesterol levels and enables greater fat utilisation or ‘burning’ (hypolipidemic). The phytochemical cineole found in cardamom has been shown to have antibacterial, antimicrobial properties that can ameliorate bad breath and heal mouth ulcers, cardamom has also been effective in controlling candida and streptococcus mutans. Lastly it is said to be an aphrodisiac… and that’s a nice segue in to the emotional/spiritual properties.

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Emotional/Spiritual properties*:
Cardamom’s diverse array of physical reflect in its dynamic emotional and spiritual effects. Cardamon brings clarity and helps us speak with resolve, both externally with others and in our own internal dialogue during upsetting or trying phases of relationships. It balances the ego that is centered in the solar plexus chakra to generate a balanced awareness of our own desires and needs relative to those of the beings around us, enabling us to then act with harmonious respect for all and ourself as one – it is also used as an antidepressant in some cultures. Cardamom is also a deeply sensuous herb, it strips back superfluous lusts to ground us in a deep eroticism, more truthful lusts and fruitful longings which can help us to get clear on our feelings for someone, or even help us choose between more than one possible relationship. Cardamom emboldens those who fear losing their individuality in relationship to trust the relationship, encouraging a fortification of personal truth which of course then strengthens the relationship itself – or it imbibes the resolve necessary to end a relationship that is deleteriously affecting all parties involved. Perhaps a particularly useful herb for those engaging in ‘open-relating’, and/or those whose lusts pull them from deeper, more soul aligned uses of their sexual energies.

Contraindications/Cautions:
-Digestive ulcers: Sometimes cardamom can worse ulcers found in the stomach and lower digestive tract.
-Diverticulitis: Whilst cardamom can relieve some forms of cramping, some cramps may be a symptom of diverticulitis, if your cramping is intense, frequent and persistent, seek professional medical advice then assess whether cardamom is applicable for you.
-Gallstones and colic: People with gallstones and babies with colic should avoid cardamom. If the infant has flatulence with the colic, then cardamom can be applicable.
-Pregnancy and endometriosis: Cardamom is suspected to have an emmenagogue effect, so its therapeutic use should be avoided if during periods if one has endometriosis, or if pregnant.
-Intestinal diseases: Proceed with monitoring and caution if one has dumping syndrome, IBS, Crohn’s and/or inflammatory bowel disease.