Cinnamon Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

Cinnamon essential oil is an earthy, peppery and spicy scented oil which is uplifting, reviving and warming. It is distilled from both the bark and leaf of the cinnamon plant (cinnamomum zeylanicum), which is natural herb native to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. In these countries, it has traditionally been used for fast relief of infections of the bladder and the digestive tract.

Much research has been carried out into the medicinal properties of cinnamon essential oil with one such study showing that cinnamon is able to reduce the blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Other possible uses of cinnamon essential oil are for exhaustion, flatulence, head lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, stress and even scabies.

Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine with the bark being amongst the most antiseptic of all essential oils with an extremely high antioxidant capacity, second only to clove oil.

It has a pleasant spicy scent that can be used in aromatherapy to refresh potpourri, scent candles and soap or by adding a few drops to bath water for a relaxing soak.

Try putting a single drop of cinnamon essential oil into a small cup of water for use as a mouth rinse. Not only will it freshen your breath but it is also good for mouth and gum infections. When used in this way, do not swallow - just rinse and spit out.

Just the smell of cinnamon essential oil can help to boost brain activity and alertness. It has a powerful and intense aroma which will lift your emotions whether you are feeling depressed, fearful, lonely or just stressed out.

Cinnamon blends well with other essential oils such as chamomile, frankincense, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary and citrus oils. It is golden yellow colour and retains it's properties for up to five years provided that it is stored properly.

Cinnamon bark oil is far stronger and a lot more caustic than the leaf oil, and should never be applied directly to the skin where it is an irritant and a sensitizer. Ideally, only the oil from the leaf should be used as the bark oil by itself is considered hazardous.

Essential oils by themselves are very powerful and cinnamon essential oil should never be taken internally unless under the supervision of a qualified professional.