The Madagascar cardamom, Aframomum angustifolium, also known as "wild cardamom" or "seed of paradise" is a perennial plant in the Zingiberaceae family, a cousin of cardamom, ginger, and turmeric. Native to Africa, it grows abundantly in tropical African forests from Mozambique to Sudan and the Ivory Coast. It is also found in Madagascar, where the essential oil that you will find on our site comes from. The plant grows from a rhizome with lanceolate leaves up to 1.5 m high and produces bright red oval fruits containing aromatic seeds, often used as a spice.
The flowers, which are yellow-orange and red in colour, emerge from the rhizome and remain low to the ground. In subtropical Africa, these ‘seeds of paradise’ are reputed to be an aphrodisiac. Other parts of the plant are also commonly used. The pulp of the ripe fruit, with its slightly peppery taste, can be eaten. In the Congo, the seeds are chewed to combat intestinal worms. In Nigeria, the stalks are used to make ties to bind sorghum. The whole plant is rich in aromatic components and it is mainly the leaves that are distilled to yield the essential oil. In Madagascar, these aromatic leaves are used in traditional medicine as a decoction to combat coughs. The seeds are crushed and applied to the skin to treat dermatosis and Pytirisais versicolor infections.
Recently, research has shown that Aframomum angustifolium seed extracts are high in labdane diterpenes and are effective on skin problems. Also, an extract of these seeds has demonstrated notable anti-ageing effects in cosmetics.
The essential oil you will find on our site comes from wild plants harvested sustainably in the Vohimana reserve area of Madagascar, in the fokontany (group of villages and hamlets) of Ambavaniasy, in the Moramanga district. The very low yield of essential oil from this plant makes it a rare and premium oil, which is as yet little known in aromatherapy.
High in terpenes and esters, it has a particularly appealing scent, with fruity and sweet notes, reminiscent of apricot, intermingled with spicy, slightly peppery resinous notes. This makes it the ideal base ingredient if you want to create natural fragrances, in combination with other essential oils or perfume absolutes. Its high beta-caryophyllene content suggests that it is effective as an anti-inflammatory, while its high terpene ester content explains its powerful balancing effects on the nervous system. This pinene-rich oil is also a good choice that purifies the air and tones the body. An excellent synergy for revitalising the body and morale in times of stress!
