The dried inner bark is steam or water distilled to produce the essential oil. Cinnamon grows in Sri Lanka, Martinique, Jamaica, Brazil, Madagascar, Indonesia, Seychelles.
It was used as a cure-all remedy in Chinese medicine. The Dutch controlled the trade and they started to cultivate cinnamon. They were in control until the English East India Trade Company stopped it in 1833. Cinnamon is also mentioned in the Bible.
The chemical constituents of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum are:
- 60-80 % aldehydes
- The oxide 1,8 cineole
- Trans-cinnamic acid
- Hydroxcinnamaldehyde, methoxycinnamaldehyde. They are antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-microbial.
- The terpenes limonene, pinene, and cymene
Cinnamomum zeylanicum has a warm, spicy, peppery, and slightly woody top note. The middle note is more intense and the characteristic sweet cinnamon aroma has increased, but it still has a slight woody undertone. It smells like cinnamon candy. The characteristic spicy cinnamon scent appears to be stronger in the base note. The dry out note is still very distinct spicy cinnamon but weaker. Cinnamon has a sharp penetrating aroma that is very comforting but also stimulating. It lightens the mood.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum tastes spicy. The oil is thick and it feels oily when rubbed between my fingers. It is light yellow and it leaves a yellow stain on the perfume blotter.
I consider this my feel good oil. I love everything cinnamon and inhaling the essential oils reminds me of being a child eating fresh homemade cinnamon rolls. The aroma cheers me up, it is uplifting but yet relaxing aroma.
When used in inhalation it may be used for conditions such as weakness, depressions, and exhaustion.
According to Battaglia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum regarded as one of the strongest antiseptic oils. and historically it has been an useful oil for contagious and infectious disease. According to Battaglia, it has also been used for digestive disorders such as flatulence, colitis, dyspepsia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Battaglia says it stimulates the secretion of gastric juices. He also say it has a tonic effect on the whole body and it makes it useful for rheumatism and for easing muscular spasms. According to Battaglia, cinnamon may also be used for colds, flu, aches and congestion.
It is not used in skin care very often since it is a strong skin sensitizers and irritant. Normally 1% dilution is recommended.
It is also used as a preservative and in dental products.
It blends well with
Black pepper, clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, tangerine, thyme, and tea tree.
Cinnamon should be avoided in pregnancy and in stomach or intestinal ulcers. It may cause tachycardia, increased respiration and perspiration in excessive doses. It should be avoided when using homeopathic remedies.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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