A common household spice in the US called Cinnamon is usually ground from Cassia, which is related to cinnamon and has similar characteristics as cinnamon does. Cinnamon Bark essential oil is more costly than Cassia and a bit more intense. Steam extracted from the inner bark of the Cinnamon (Lauraeceae) tree from Indonesia, the oil is used most widely as a stimulant. Take care that what you are buying is actual Cinnamon Bark oil and not that of the leaves. Both are widely available and they are different oils.
Cinnamon Bark is regarded as safe, however you really need to be careful not to ingest more than directed. It’s hotter than a fireball and can cause a fair amount of discomfort (yes, it has bit me back). In aromatherapy, cinnamon is used to clear the air of viruses and stimulate a better emotional state of mind. Topical applications are always diluted with your choice of carrier oil and then applied to sore muscles or joints.
Benefits of Cinnamon Bark:
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Antiviral
• Astringent
• Disinfectant
• Stimulates moods, appetite and circulation
• Antibiotic for bacterial and parasitic infections
• Antidiarrhea while stimulating appetite
Companies have been adding cinnamon oil to toothpaste and mouthwash for its antiseptic benefits for decades. Not only does it taste great, it leaves your mouth clear of bacteria and most viruses! It is also known to gently benefit adult-onset diabetics by helping to lower blood sugar – its properties contain a chemical that works like insulin*. Cinnamon bark oil is added to creams to reduce muscle spasms and also to help relieve joint and muscle pain or soreness. People have used Cinnamon bark oil in small amounts (1% dilution) in warm water or tea to soothe the stomach and combat diarrhea. In larger amounts, you may make your problem worse. There are many people who say this oil should never be ingested by anyone. I tried, I didn’t like it. It was way too strong for me.
Cinnamon bark oil can be added to vodka or water to spray on surfaces to disinfect them, and it makes your kitchen smell lovely.
Please use with extreme caution after consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. Children should not ingest Cinnamon bark oil as it could cause vomiting and diarrhea. My daughter is okay with this oil topically when I use extra carrier oil in addition to other oils for colds. I would not use it topically or internally on any child under six. The claims above have not been evaluated by the FDA. Use care with this oil, as it is recognized as generally safe. Some people will be more sensitive to it than others. And make sure you talk to your doctor about Cinnamon bark essential oil.
*If you have diabetes, please consult with your doctor before use. If you take insulin, taking Cinnamon bark oil could possibly cause hypoglycemia.
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