Oil Profile: Cinnamon

In most parts of the country, it’s that time of year! It’s time for the delicious tastes and smells of pumpkins, apples, and cinnamon!

Cinnamon oil is much more potent than the dried spice and it contains compounds that are not found in the cinnamon spice.

Cinnamon History

Cinnamon bark oil is extracted from the outer bark of the cinnamon tree. It is very potent and has a strong “perfume-like” smell.

Cinnamon has a long and interesting background. Many people consider it one of the longest-existing spices in human history.

Throughout the Bible, cinnamon was highly valued and given as expensive gifts, in beauty treatments or as perfume, and in holy practices.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.'” –Exodus 30:22-25

It is believed to have been one of the ingredients used by grave robbers back in the 15^th century to protect themselves against the plague, and traditionally, it’s associated with the ability to attract wealth. During ancient Egyptian times, you were considered a wealthy man if you had cinnamon, as it was considered even more valuable than gold. It was also used in their embalming practices.

Today, you will rarely find a home without this sweet spice or favorite foods containing it.

Cinnamon Benefits

1. Immune System Booster
   Cinnamon essential oil contains powerful immune-boosting compounds, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that make it a great choice for fighting infections. Try drinking a combination of hot lemon water, honey and cinnamon oil to improve an irritated throat and boost immune function.
2. Help Balance Blood Sugar
   Cinnamon has been shown to have positive effects on insulin release, which helps keep blood sugar stable. This can help prevent moodiness, sugar cravings and overeating. Inhaling cinnamon essential oil can also help to keep unhealthy food cravings away. This also helps with weight loss, since unbalanced blood sugar can lead to overeating, low energy and weight gain. It also has the ability to sweeten foods without the added sugar.
3. Digestive Health
   Cinnamon doesn’t only add flavor to food, it can also help with the digestion process. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties and it’s ability to help remove acidity, it has been shown to be effective against indigestion, nausea and an upset stomach.
4. Oral Health
   Cinnamon oil contains antibacterial properties and can be used to naturally combat bacteria in the mouth, acting as a natural mouthwash to fight against bad breath and other oral concerns without adding any chemicals to the body.
5. Deodorizing
   Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties and can help fight against bacteria. It also has the warm and comforting smell of the holidays and nostalgic memories during the fall and winter months. This makes it a great option for diffusing (or even cooking) to eliminate foul odors and promote a happy healthy home AND body.

Cinnamon Uses and Cautions

My favorite way to use cinnamon oil is in the diffuser. You can experiment with different blends, if you like, or you can look at my suggestions for Fall Essential Oil Diffuser Blends.

Cinnamon is a “hot oil”. It can cause skin irritation if you apply it directly to your skin. It is always recommended to patch test new oils on your wrist if you are ever in doubt. With hot oils, such as cinnamon, I also recommend you use a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) if you apply it topically.

Remember your three “Ds”: When in Doubt, Dilute and Diffuse!

It can also irritate the nasal membranes if you inhale it directly from the bottle or diffuser, so be cautious when breathing deep.

Cinnamon is an oil that you will want to avoid during pregnancy because of its ability to stimulate contractions and encourage blood flow in the uterus.