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Description: A rainforest evergreen perennial which has been exported from the East to Europe for perfumery use since ancient times. It's essential oil is one of the oldest known oils used in perfumery. The seeds inside the pods are used for incense making.

Family: Zingiberaceae

Synonyms: known as Ela in Ayurvedic medicine

Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Malaysia, now cultivated around the world

Parts Used: seeds (in hulls)

Aroma Description: warm, spicy, camphoraceous, penetrating, with slight floral, woody and balsamic notes

Emotional Attributes: refreshing, cleansing/purifying, invigorating, sensuous, love, happiness

Cosmetic Uses: perfumery, aromatherapy

Culinary Uses: an ingredient in curry powders, used to flavor pickles, meat sauces, seasonings, etc. In Turkey and other Arab countries it's added to flavor coffees. A popular ingredient in Scandinavia and Europe for use in bread and baked goods, not well known in U.S.

Medicinal Attributes: warm, stimulating, expectorant, tonic effects, especially on the lungs and kidneys. Used to relax spasms, improve digestion, treat nausea and vomiting. Used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat bronchial and digestive complaints.

Element Association: Water

Magical Associations: Friendship

Astrological Association: Taurus

Planetary Association: Venus

Season: Spring

Aromatic Note: Top note

Essential Oil: Yes, an essential oil is extracted from the seeds. The hulls are removed immediately prior to distillation.

Mixes Well With: calamus, cassia, catnip, cedar, chamomile, elemi, frankincense, galangal, labdanum, lemon balm, lemongrass, rose, spikenard, turmeric, lemon peel, etc.

Incense Making Tip: The seeds degrade very quickly so do not crush the hulls and seeds until actual use.

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