Natural cinnamon essential oil and its unique benefits

Cinnamon oil is not as popular as other plant-based essential oils, although interest in the product has been growing significantly over time. We mainly associate it with the pleasant, characteristic scent of cinnamon – yet it has many more valuable properties! It can be used externally (on the skin and hair), as a base for aromatherapy or in the production of perfumes, candles and other scented products. What else should we know?

How is cinnamon oil produced?

Extracting cinnamon oilisneithercomplicated nor difficult. The raw material is the bark of the cinnamon tree, which grows naturally in subtropical regions. Oil extracted from the leaves and roots is of much lower quality; you’re unlikely to find it on shop shelves these days. The entire process involves steam distillation, which is now carried out using specialised equipment.

Composition of cinnamon oil

When discussing the beneficial properties of the product, it is worth knowing exactly what it contains. Among its valuable components, the following stand out:

• cinnamaldehyde
• eugenol
• cinnamic acid
• furfural
• nonyl aldehyde
• caryophyllene

Cinnamaldehyde is responsible for the characteristic scent and accounts for between 42 and 76 per cent of all components, depending on the quality of the raw material. A significant proportion of it oxidises to cinnamic acid, which is why the oil is considered one of the more intense varieties. It is not recommended to apply it directly to the skin in large quantities without first diluting it. If you wish to benefit from its properties when used externally, mix it with another essential oil, such as eucalyptus oil.

Cinnamon oil – uses and properties

To begin with, it is worth discussing the product’s health benefits. Cinnamon oil is sometimes used as an ingredient in remedies for indigestion, bloating, painful intestinal and stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. It is worth noting that our bodies know best what they need – we often reach for tea with added cinnamon ourselves when suffering from digestive complaints. Numerous studies have been carried out proving that it also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, as well as lowering blood glucose and LDL cholesterol levels. Inhalations using cinnamon essential oil play a significant role in the treatment of respiratory conditions, including in children over the age of 12. Although we suffer from parasitic diseases far less frequently nowadays than we did many years ago, any one of us can still contract such an infection. Once again,natural cinnamon essential oil comes to the rescue as an antimicrobial and antiseptic agent. Aromatherapy – that is, the scent of cinnamon itself – is also of great importance. It has a positive effect on the mind and emotions because:

• stimulates the metabolism
• warms the body
• reduces mental fatigue
• improves mood
• encourages activity
• enhances concentration and memory
• relieves nervousness and tension

Its great versatility means we should always keep a small bottle in our medicine cupboard. Who knows, perhaps in the coming days we’ll face a difficult period at work, have a row with our loved ones, or need exceptional concentration? Many of us love the scent of cinnamon. We associate it with warmth, a cosy home and a sense of security. Let’s use it without hesitation to improve our mental well-being and relax.

Cinnamon essential oil for the skin

Applying cinnamon essential oil to the skin may irritate sensitive skin and cause redness. We should therefore take particular care with children, the elderly and those with exceptionally sensitive skin. As mentioned earlier, it’s best to dilute it with another essential oil. The product significantly improves blood circulation; you can add a few drops to your favourite body mask. Skin prepared in this way will better absorb the ingredients of any cream or lotion applied afterwards.

Few people realise that we can safely usecinnamon oil to treat cellulite. Simply add a little to a shop-bought scrub or make your own. A good combination is 4–5 drops of the oil, a tablespoon of coffee grounds and a teaspoon of kefir. Its anti-cellulite effect is based on improving blood circulation in the skin – it becomes better supplied with oxygen and nutrients, whilst toxins are eliminated much more quickly. This improves the skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Cinnamon oil for hair

We can also usecinnamon oil on our hair. Here, we can opt for traditional hair oil treatments, rinses, or adding a few drops to hair masks. However, we’ll notice much better results not so much on the hair itself as on the scalp. Scalp masks are very popular – mix cinnamon oil with two other oils, chosen according to your own needs and preferences, and then apply the mixture to the scalp for about 20 minutes. After this time, wash your hair thoroughly. The result of such treatments is faster hair growth; the hair becomes thicker and stronger. This is all down to improved blood circulation to the hair follicles, which are responsible for the condition of the hair.

Unusual uses for cinnamon oil

Cinnamon oil has been known as an aphrodisiac for millennia. If you’re planning to spend a lovely, romantic evening with your partner, it’s worth ensuring the right atmosphere in the room beforehand – particularly the scent. The oil can be added to a fragrance diffuser, a humidifier or a standard oil burner. Those who prefer homemade home decorations can easily add it to soya wax to make scented candles. The oil blends well with scents such as vanilla, ylang-ylang and sandalwood.

Another interesting example iscinnamon oil for repelling mosquitoes. Due to its intense, strong scent, insects tend to avoid the area. It’s the perfect solution for those who enjoy evening gatherings on the balcony or terrace. The product is used in a similar way to the example above – it can be used just like any other form of aromatherapy.

Cinnamon essential oil – interesting facts

In esoteric circles, it is believed to possess protective properties, particularly against evil spells cast by others. It is said to attract money and strengthen mental powers, which is why cinnamon essential oil has long been reserved for members of the upper classes. It has often been claimed that it was this very oil that contributed to the success in life of many famous figures. Another superstition is that it is most potent when used on Thursdays, particularly in combination with meditation. Astrologically, we associate it with the element of fire.

“In vitro activity of cinnamon oil (Oleum Cinnamomi) against yeast-like fungi” – A. Kędzia, M. Ziółkowska-Klinkosz, A. Kusiak, B. Kochańska, A. Kędzia, A. Wojtaszek-Słomińska, Advances in Phytotherapy, 1/2015

“The colour of saffron, the aroma of cinnamon, the flavour of capers – the medicinal properties of biblical spices”– D. Sztaba, Practical Pharmacology, 1/2009

“The activity of cinnamon oil (Oleum Cinnamomi) against anaerobic bacteria” – A. Kędzia, Advances in Phytotherapy, 1/2011

“Cinnamon oil” – K. Haddi, L. Faroni, E. Oliveira, *Green Pesticides Handbook: Essential Oils for Pest Control*

“Ayurveda and aromatherapy” – L. Miller, B. Miller, 2017