Cinnamon Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum ceylanicum

The Cinnamon tree is native to many countries with tropical climates such as Southern India, Burma, Madagascar but the Ceylon Cinnamon tree originated in Sri Lanka. Each country has a different species, each with differing aromatic compounds. These trees are evergreen and typically grow up to 15 meters in height with strong, thick branches and the Sri Lankan varietal producing thin, smooth bark with a light-yellowish brown color. It is this bark that is harvested for essential oil production and then allowed to re-grow.

This Cinnamon oil is a medium yellow hue and is distilled using CO2 from the inner bark of naturally cultivated Sri Lankian Cinnamon trees.This Cinnamon essential oil has a deep orange-like top note, followed by a sweet and warmly spiced middle note and a dry, powerful savory undertone.

Cinnamon oil typically blends well with all citrus oils (particularly lemon and orange), Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary and Cardamom.

Cinnamon has been employed for centuries to provide rapid relief of bladder and urinary tract infections, digestive tract issues, as well as enzymatic deficiency in the gut. It was also used as a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-infectious, anti-viral, and antifungal. The oldest known uses include treating toothaches and fighting bad breath. Regular ingestion is believed to stave off the common cold and help digestion.

Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, Antidiarrhoeal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiputrescent, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Carminative, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Orexigenic, Parasiticide, Stimulant, Stomachic, Vermifuge. (See Definitions.)

Regarding Cancer:

• Pharmacological experiments suggest that the cinnamon-derived dietary factor cinnamic aldehyde (cinnamaldehyde) activates the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response in human epithelial colon cells and may therefore represent an experimental chemopreventive dietary factor targeting colorectal carcinogenesis.
• The USDA -FDA published an article that mentions the anti-cancerous actions of Cinnamon.

Regarding Anti-oxidant Properties:

• The antioxidant capacity of Cinnamon is second only to Clove oil. The CO2 distilled oil has a more complex chemistry than the steam distilled, and should be an even more broad-spectrum antioxidant.

• Oxidative stress is involved in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, Alzheimer's disease and chronic fatigue syndrome, but short-term oxidative stress may also be important in prevention of aging by induction of a process called mitohormesis. Reactive oxygen compounds (such as those found in Cinnamon essential oil) can be beneficial, as they are used by the immune system as a way to attack and kill pathogens.

Digestive System:

• Stimulates digestion and appetite
• Calms stomach and intestinal cramping
• Cleanses intestinal tract of pathogenic bacteria
• Relieves nausea and vomiting
• Cures diarrhea

Circulatory System:

• Stimulates blood flow (can aid with sexual arousal)

Immune System:

• Supports white blood cell function
• Relieves aches and chills associated with the flu
• Boosts core body temperature

Genito-Urinary System:

• Treats Candida (yeast infection)
• Fights bladder and urinary tract infections

Muscles and Joints:

• Loosens tights muscles
• Calms growth-spurt spasms
• Relieves joint pain from arthritis or injury
• Stimulates healing of pulled muscle

• Ingestion is the preferred method of use for Cinnamon essential oil. Used in cooking, or taken in a cup of warm water 1 drop at a time. Small, regular doses of Cinnamomum ceylanicum tea made using either the bark or essential oil could be beneficial to oxidative stress related illness in humans due to it's antioxidant properties.

• Included in any blend, it will serve as an excellent preservative due to the anti-oxidant properties.
• To combat an internal infection, add one drop to a glass of water. Use caution and work up to an appropriate dosage
• To best achieve the aphrodisiac qualities of Cinnamon, use a diffuser. Otherwise, dilute in a 1:50 ratio in a carrier oil before application.

• The oil should not be inhaled directly from a diffuser, as may irritate the nasal membranes except in low concentration blended with other oils.

• If applied topically, it MUST be significantly diluted - to LESS THAN 1% and then test a very small amount of your formula first.

• If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Test for skin sensitivity, repeated use can cause extreme skin sensitization.

• Diffuse with caution - can irritate nasal membranes if inhaled directly from the diffuser.

• Not to be used with children younger than 5 years of age.