Ceylon cinnamon (lat. Cinnamomum verum) is often connected to a spice we add to cakes, compotes or brownies.

But Ceylon cinnamon is more than that.

It is considered as one of the most healing spices in the world which was confirmed by many scientific researches.

One of the best ways to use its healing benefits is by using its essential oil.

Long Tradition of Ceylon Cinnamon Essential Oil Use

Historically the use of cinnamon dates back 4.000 years ago.

The oldest scripture that mentions cinnamon is Tora, while Old Testament mentions producing cinnamon healing oil that was used for ointment.

In Ayurvedic medicine cinnamon essential oil was used for calming the nerves and muscles.

Even today Ayurveda considers cinnamon as an ideal medicine for treating digestion problems and diabetes.

In the beginning of 20th century cinnamon essential oil was used in Great Britain for protection from smallpox which in those days was considered as a serious illness.

It was also considered as one of the most efficient remedies for treating cold.

Cinnamon Essential Oil - Distilled from Cinnamon Bark or Leaf

Cinnamon essential oil is made by distillation from cinnamon bark or leaf with the help of water steam.

Bark oil must contain at least 65% but no more than 75% of cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamaldehyde is an organic substance that gives cinnamon smell and taste.

When extracted it transforms into viscous yellow liquid. It is mostly situated in bark.

Except cinnamaldehyde, the oil contains up to 10% of eugenol, linalool and caryophyllene.

Cinnamon essential oil is highly concentrated. That is why it is mostly used as diluted.

Milder cinnamon essential oil can be made at home by the process of maceration.

Healing Benefits of Cinnamon Essential Oil

Ceylon cinnamon essential oil affects many conditions in the body.

It is an excellent support in treating heart, blood vessels, lungs, skin and intestine problems.

It can help significantly in treating diabetes type 2. Cinnamon regulates and balances the levels of blood sugar which was also confirmed by American scientist.

You can use it as an instant home remedy for toothache. Since it has disinfecting properties it is good for the teeth and gums.

Kills fungus, molds and bacteria

Ceylon cinnamon essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. That is why it is often added to products for treating infections.

According to some studies cinnamaldehyde contained in Ceylon cinnamon essential oil has antifungal properties and its evaporation destroys mycosis.

Study conducted on microbe activity of 54 essential oils (including cinnamon essential oil) showed that cinnamon essential oil has anti-microbe activity in case of:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Escherichia coli
• Candide
• Aspergillus
• Histoplasma

In another scientific study it has been discovered that cinnamon essential oil reduces the growth of molds.

Application in Aromatherapy

Cinnamon essential oil is combined with lavender, thyme, rosemary, ginger, grape, incense, clove, cardamom and coriander essential oils for therapeutic purposes.

In aromatherapy it can be used for treating general pain, respiratory infections and rheumatism.

It decreases depression and eases menstrual pain.

Using cinnamon essential oil in air moisturizers and aroma lamps is good for easing cold, stuffy nose, general bronchitis symptoms such as weakness and body pain.

When used as a massage oil in baths cinnamon essential oil provides antiseptic properties which may help in fighting infections.

It can ease digestion problems, treat nausea and ease muscular pain. Application in lotion or cream has a similar effect.

It is an excellent repellent against mosquitos because it can destroy their cocoon and it is not toxic for the environment.

Suggestions on how to use Ceylon cinnamon essential oil:

• Drink 2 drops of pure Ceylon cinnamon essential oil in a capsule for immunity protection.
• Massage your abdomen with Ceylon cinnamon macerate for better health of the pancreas.
• Put few drops of Ceylon cinnamon essential oil and distilled water in a sprayer and use it to refresh you living space.
• Add a drop of Ceylon cinnamon macerate to your tooth paste and wash your teeth.

Homemade Ceylon cinnamon macerate

If you have a little bit of free time you can make Ceylon cinnamon macerate at home.

Macerata will have the same effect as diluted Ceylon cinnamon essential oil.

You can use it for skin care, health improvement and in the kitchen.

1. Macerate made of Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks 

Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Ceylon cinnamon sticks

Preparation:

Fill a glass jar with cinnamon stick until you reach the top.

Pour olive oil in the jar.

Leave the jar in a warm place for 3 weeks.

Filter cinnamon oil through a gaze and store it in dark bottles in a dark and cold place.

2. Macerate made of Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 

Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• ½  cup of milled Ceylon cinnamon

Preparation:

Heat enough olive oil in a big pan on medium heat.

Add milled Ceylon cinnamon powder and mix it with olive oil.

Let it boil for 3 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let it cool.

Filter the oil through a coffee filter into a sterilized bottle.

Leave it in a dark and cold place for a minimum of one month.

Not every cinnamon is healthy

Many stores sell cassia as cinnamon which can be recognized by darker skin and less layers in the bark.

Cassia (lat. Cinnamomum cassia) is not as healing as real Ceylon cinnamon and it should not be used every day because it can damage the body’s health.

In this picture we can see Ceylon cinnamon on the left side and cassia on the right side. The difference is obvious.

Where to buy?

Cinnamon essential oil can be purchased in Alternativa Webshop.

“Verified quality: all products that are sold in our webshop are used by our staff”

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