What is Cinnamon Oil?

Cinnamon oil, or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is widely used and versatile. It is a potent oil derivative with many healing properties. It's extracted from cinnamon, a tree that's a member of the Lauraceae family, through steam distillation. It attained its popularity because of its myriad benefits and unique properties. Cinnamon oil is a very valuable supplement due to uses from medicinal to cooking.

History

Cinnamon has a long history. It has been used for more that 4,000 years, with the first recorded evidence emerging from ancient China and Egypt. Cinnamon is mentioned in Psalms and Song of Solomon in the Bible. Even then, its value was recognized and it became a highly prized and traded spice. It was so cherished, in fact, that its source was kept hidden by the spice traders to try to guarantee a monopoly.

Properties

Cinnamon is grown in tropical climates. The tree from which the oil is obtained can grow up to 45 feet, and contains white flowers and purple berries. Once the oil is extracted, it has a sweet, warm scent and looks yellow to dark brown. The properties are numerous and astounding. It is an antiseptic, astringent and antibacterial. It's also antispasmodic and anti-infectious. The chemical components of this pungent oil consist of cinnamaldehyde, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, eugenol and methyl chavicol.

Benefits

The many healing properties of cinnamon oil constitute most of its benefits. It's commonly used in aromatherapy and can be used in therapy to treat ailments such as diabetes, respiratory problems, sexual dysfunction, arthritis, staph infections and acne. But the benefits aren't just medicinal. It also kills bacteria, enhances cooking and repels insects. It can ease depression and fatigue, and even help preserve certain foods. Its usefulness in so many aspects is what makes it an indispensable essential oil.

Uses

Uses for cinnamon oil range from medicinal to culinary to household. Medicinally, it can be used to treat coughs, cure impotence, ease menstrual cramping and subside headaches. Other uses include improving mental functioning, making perfumes and making air fresheners. It's commonly used in cooking as a flavoring agent and as an aphrodisiac. Its potency helps it to eliminate mosquitoes by killing the larvae.

Warning

Cinnamon oil must be diluted before it is applied topically, or it can cause skin irritations. Always test a small amount of diluted cinnamon oil on your skin before applying to check for allergic reactions. If used in too great of an amount, it can cause diarrhea or headaches. Use common sense practices and check with your natural health doctor if unsure of a treatment method.