What Are the Benefits of Cinnamon Oil?
Cinnamon oil is a versatile essential oil known for its health benefits, and is widely used in the household for food enhancement, cleaning and pest control. It has been used traditionally for thousands of years and continues to be valuable and effective today.
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Medicinal
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Cinnamon oil is a powerful antioxidant, rich in essential minerals. Its myriad healing properties have lowered blood pressure and blood-sugar levels, given immune support and improved appetites, as well as increased circulation and prevented premature aging. Its antispasmodic and analgesic qualities relieve indigestion and intestinal spasms, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea and rheumatism and other joint-related pain.
The antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of cinnamon oil can help fight and prevent colds, flu, infections and diseases. Cinnamon oil is also a natural aphrodisiac that increases sexual potency and relieves stress.
Cooking
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Although not nutritive, cinnamon oil is most often used in the kitchen and food industry to enhance flavors in bakery products, beverages, chewing gum and candy. It also is considered an alternative preservative (think of those ancient embalming spices!) and FDA-approved food additive.
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Insecticide
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Cinnamon oil is gaining popularity as an environmentally friendly insecticide that can kill mosquito larvae, as opposed to the neurotoxic chemical DEET. It also is effective in repelling lice, ants, fleas ticks and other pests.
Household
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Because cinnamon has a sweet and spicy aroma, it is often used in common household products including cosmetics, soaps, lotions, creams, detergents, candles and air fresheners.
Warnings
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Cinnamon oil is potent, so it must be heavily diluted or might irritate skin and nasal membranes. Although safe with children and pets, its use should be supervised and avoided during pregnancy.
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