Cinnamon
Species name: Cinnamon essential oil is extracted from Cinnamomum zeylanicum (also known as C. verum and Laurus cinnamomum) which is a member of the family Lauraceae.
Also known as: Cinnamon essential oil is also referred to as ceylon, madagascar, seychelles or true cinnamon.
Home Remedies using Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon is probably one of the most readily recognized scents in the world. Cinnamon essential oil has many uses in the world of aromatherapy.
It is known to fight exhaustion, ease depression, and allay weakness. It has been used as a digestive aid and to help fight off the common cold and varies strains of the flu.
Cinnamon leaf oil is a popular, widely used essential oil, cinnamon bark oil is popular as well. The color of cinnamon leaf oil is normally yellow, while the bark is the traditional reddish brown color we recognize as cinnamon.
The texture is medium to watery. In ancient times, cinnamon oil was used like incense in the temples, and in Egypt, cinnamon oil was thought to be a remedy for excessive bile.
Cinnamon oil was an ingredient in mulled wines, and was even used as a sedative in the birthing process.
Cinnamon leaves and occasionally the twigs or inner layer of bark are steam distilled to obtain cinnamon essential oil.
Benefits of Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon essential oil has been used to clear the respiratory tract and nerves, but is has also been used for menstrual cramp relief, and for colds and influenza.
Cinnamon oil can be used for infection of the respiratory tract, rheumatism, arthritis and general pains. It calms an exhausted feeling of depression, tones the whole body and stimulates the glandular system, thus easing period pains.
- Cinnamon oil can be used in vapor therapy to ease bronchitis and colds symptoms.
- Cinnamon oil can be combined with carrier oil and blended into massage oil and is purported to be useful in relieving arthritis and rheumatism. The essential oil can be beneficial in vapor therapy when added to a hot bath or heated in a diffuser. Cinnamon has good antiseptic properties for fighting infections. It also has value for combating digestive tract spasms that often contribute to nausea and vomiting.
- In a cream or lotion, cinnamon oil can help with rheumatism and arthritic pain, but care should be used when applied to the skin.
Side Effects of Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon oil, contains cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which are known skin irritants, and are especially problematic in mucus membranes, so caution should be exercised. It is not recommended for cosmetic use.
Use should be avoided in pregnancy. High dosages may cause convulsions. Cinnamon bark essential oil is considered a skin irritant and should be avoided.
