The precious properties of cinnamon essential oil

Cinnamon, known since ancient times, was once a prized yet expensive commodity. Today, it is hard to imagine the flavour of certain baked goods and desserts without its distinctive aroma. The essential oil extracted from the Ceylon cinnamon tree (oleum cinnamomum ceylanicum) has versatile applications not only in cooking, but also in pharmacy. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties and possesses many other valuable qualities.

How is cinnamon oil extracted?

Cinnamon oil is extracted through a process of hydrodistillation, primarily from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree (1-1, 5%), however, it is also obtained from other parts of the plant – leaves (0, 8-2%), berries (0, 5-1%), root bark (2%), from flowers and peduncles (0, 3%). It is worth remembering, that unless we have information about the source of origin from a specific part of the plant, it is most likely cinnamon oil from the bark of the trunk. Usually, the bark used in industry and medicine is either of poorer quality, or constitutes waste from cinnamon production.

Cinnamon oil – properties, effects and uses

Cinnamon oil has a pleasant yet sharp, warm, spicy scent. It has a stimulating effect and thus reduces feelings of tiredness. It works well as a home air freshener. It can be combined with other types of oils: citrus, woody, floral and spicy.

Cinnamon essential oil is an effective antimicrobial agent. It exhibits bactericidal, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. It protects against a wide range of bacteria – pathogenic, anaerobic and opportunistic. Cinnamaldehyde, found in bark oil, exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, as well as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis9 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the components of cinnamon essential oil possess antifungal properties – they inhibit fungal cell synthesis by reacting with sulphhydryl groups present in the enzymes within the cells. It is also a fairly potent insecticide, due to its high content of cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives.

Furthermore,, cinnamon oil from the bark of the trunk possesses analgesic, antiseptic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antitussive and antihistamine properties. It is a powerful aphrodisiac. It is used for rheumatism, joint pain, toothache and gum pain, as well as in the treatment of respiratory and urinary tract conditions.

Cinnamon oil as a repellent – a natural way to get rid of mosquitoes

Cinnamon essential oil, is one of many, that have been shown to be effective in protecting against mosquitoes. However, it has an advantage over citrus oils, as it does not cause photosensitivity when the skin is exposed to the sun for longer periods. It should be remembered, however, that essential oils are potent substances and must not be applied undiluted directly to the skin. Particular caution should be exercised with children, especially those under 3 years of age.

Cinnamon oil for cellulite – a natural alternative to expensive cosmetics

Skin anointed with cinnamon essential oil has a warming, toning and antibacterial effect. It helps not only with joint pain and rheumatic pain, but also with cellulite problems. It improves skin elasticity and nourishes the skin, whilst providing relief from swelling. Skin treated with cinnamon oil becomes more supple, firm and elastic. It also helps to relax tense muscles and brings soothing relief to the whole body.

Cinnamon oil – how to use it in home aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine, at the heart of which are essential oils. They are used to positively influence the mind, mood, cognitive functions and physical health. Not every product sold as an aromatherapy product has therapeutic properties. Scented candles or perfumed oils, whose packaging bears the words ‘with added natural ingredients’ or ‘with added essential oils’ contain an insufficient amount of valuable natural additives. For a substance to possess aromatherapeutic properties, it must be 100% natural. Cinnamon oil in aromatherapy can be used in the form of massage, baths, inhalation or air freshening. It acts primarily as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. It is also helpful during upper respiratory tract infections and in cases of a cold or runny nose. It has a stimulating effect, making it ideal for moments of excessive tiredness and drowsiness. Thanks to its warming properties, it alleviates rheumatic complaints. To reap the benefits of cinnamon essential oil, simply add 5–10 drops to an aromatherapy diffuser or warm bath water. If you wish to use, for massage, simply mix 3–5 drops of the oil with one tablespoon of a carrier oil such as olive oil or grape seed oil.

Little-known facts about cinnamon oil – interesting facts and secrets of the scent

The precious properties of cinnamon oil have been appreciated for thousands of years. Cinnamon was known to the ancient Romans, Greeks and Chinese. In ancient Egypt, it was used as incense and an ingredient for embalming bodies, and was also added to Egyptian beer and wine. Dioscorides was the first to write about cinnamon oil. In the Middle Ages, particularly during periods of major epidemics, it was widely used in homes as protection against the plague. It was also recommended by St. Hildegarda.

Cinnamon has long been a medicinal ingredient. As early as the 1st century BC, Mithridates IV, King of Pontus, used it in his famous theriac, also known as Mithridate. This remedy was regarded as a reliable antidote to all kinds of poisons, venoms and toxins. Cinnamon bark was described as a medicinal substance in the 18th century in the ‘Württemberg Pharmacopoeia’ and later in the ‘Pharmacopoeia of the Kingdom of Poland’. It was added to expensive cosmetics and aromatic ointments. Powdered cinnamon was used on bedding and clothing to give them a pleasant scent. Today, in pharmacy, the bark is mainly regarded as a source of essential oil. The pages of the Bible mention almost 100 species of plants, including cinnamon. The first mention refers to it as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil used to consecrate the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the altar of incense and burnt offerings. The second mention of cinnamon in the Bible refers to its use in the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.

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