by David Crow,  L.Ac

Overview:

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is one of the most popular spices worldwide. It’s produced from the inner bark of several species of evergreen trees from the genus Cinnamomum belonging to the Lauraceae family.

The use of the spice has been historically documented since ancient not only as a food condiment but also as a preservative, antibacterial and antifungal disinfectant. C.aromaticus was also used as a therapeutic in several conditions, especially in the acute and infectious digestive and respiratory diseases. Ancient civilizations, such as Egyptians, used cinnamon topically in massage oils and scrubs as a remedy for both internal and skin conditions.

(And below, I’m sharing some of my recommended recipes)

In modern medicine, cinnamon is used primarily as an aromatic mixed with other therapeutic herbs with similar or complementary effects. Medical research showed that cinnamon plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels, which could be very useful in addressing type I and II diabetes.

Cinnamon essential oil is frequently used commercially in the Food, Beverage and Cosmetic industries. Using an organic, responsibly harvested source of cinnamon essential oil is very important in terms of quality, purity and refinement.

Therapeutic Actions & Benefits:

Topically applied, cinnamon stimulates peripheral circulation and relieves joints and muscle pain. Cinnamon oil is very potent, packing considerable heating power, that’s why it needs to be used in a highly diluted form (1% dilution is recommended) using a carrier or massage oil.

Applied locally, diluted cinnamon oil has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties which are extremely useful in muscle and joint pains, inflammation and to promote overall musculoskeletal health. Cinnamon oil also stimulates peripheral and cerebral circulation and has a decongestant effect on airways. Massaged on the abdomen, it stimulate digestion and considered an adjuvant in regulating appetite.

Cinnamon essential oil has a spicy, easy to identify, slightly pungent scent. It has potent warming properties. Used in aromatherapy, it has calming and soothing effects on anxiety, insomnia and depression. The cinnamon aroma is associated with an uplifted, feel-good, carefree mood. It also enhances the romantic mood and the capacity to interconnect with other individuals. Cinnamon boosts cerebral circulation and metabolic activity.

List of specific therapeutic actions:

• Respiratory: clears airways, aids expectoration, adjuvant in colds and flu, decongestant
• Nervous: alleviates anxiety, calms nervousness, uplifts mood, enhances romantic mood
• Circulatory: stimulates peripheral circulation, protects blood vessels
• Immune: tonic, adjuvant in viral and bacterial infections, boosts metabolism
• Topical: relieves joints and muscular pain, antibacterial, antifungal
• Energetic: fights mental or emotional fatigue, has uplifting properties, induces a feel-good mood, enhances romantic mood, encourages creativity, cleanses energies, promotes positive thinking, increases relaxation. Emotionally, it encourages human interaction and promotes closeness and connectivity with oneself and with others.

Ayurveda:

Cinnamon is usually used in people with kapha dosha associated illnesses — more precisely diseases associated with cold sensation and slow metabolism. It enhances the flow of pitta energy, by warming tissues and supporting Agni (digestive fire).

Traditional Chinese Medicine:

In TCM, Cinnamon is considered warming and believed to strengthen the Yang and invigorate blood. Cinnamon is believed to warm and invigorate the Qi and the energy channels — promoting circulatory health and aiding in muscle and joint pain.

Aromatic profile:

• Scent: Spicy, earthy, pepper-like, pungent, penetrating with a sweet, delicate, herbaceous dryout
• Note: base to middle
• Blends well with: basil, clove, fennel, ginger, marjoram, gingergrass, vetiver, palmarosa, agarwood, cedarwood, davana, nagarmotha
• Safety: Highly irritant in pure form. Always use in diluted form

How to Use Cinnamon Essential Oil:

Cinnamon essential oil can sensitize skin and be highly irritant to the skin and mucous in its pure form a mucous membrane irritant and strong skin sensitizer. Use Cinnamon essential oil in very low dilution (1%) and always do a patch test on your skin. Using Cinnamon essential oil for internal purposes is contraindicated.

For massage oil, use one drop of cinnamon essential oil in 0.5 oz of carrier oil. The resulted oil has relaxing, warming and soothing properties.

For the diffuser is recommended to use cinnamon essential oil in a blend, such as 1 drop cinnamon to 5-6 drops citrus oil. When diffused, cinnamon promotes relaxation a feel good mood and happiness.

Cinnamon Essential Oil Recipes:

Immunity booster:

• 2 drops cinnamon oil
• 3 drops clove oil
• 3 drops lemon oil
• 1 drop rosemary oil
• 1 drop eucalyptus oil

Diffuse as many times as preferred, or apply on the bottom of the feet diluted in 0.5 oz carrier oil

Room scenting (promotes positive energies, uplifts):

• 1 drop cinnamon oil
• 3 drops clove oil
• 3 drops cedarwood oil
• 6 drops tea tree oil
• 6 drops lemon oil

Diffuse or dilute in 2 cups of water and use a spray bottle