Black Cardamom

Other names: Amomum subulatum, Nepal Cardamom, Bengal Cardamom

Element: Earth

Planet: Venus

Zodiac: Taurus

Ritual uses include: Love; Lust; Strength

Although called such, A. subulatum is not the same species as Green Cardamom. Black Cardamom comes in big pods that have a fragrant woody material inside. The pod and the contents have slightly different fragrances, and the overall note is much smokier and camphoraceous than Green Cardamom. Black Cardamom has a much more masculine, hard to place aroma and is more commonly used in savory dishes.

In spiritual herbalism, the English language material on Black Cardamom is scant. It was not widely available to the Western public, and still isn't well known by this part of the world. After experimentation, we discovered that it is well suited to men's love or charm rituals, and has a nice cleansing effect as well. The aroma is energizing, but communicates a certain stability. Unlike Green Cardamom, it adds depth without announcing itself, making it a good supporting fragrance element.