Cinnamon Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Cinnamomum zeylanicum Cinnamon is one of the spices mentioned in the Bible; in fact, it was one of the spices God told Moses to take with him from Egypt. And speaking of the ancient Egyptians, they used cinnamon extensively in mummification. Later, cinnamon become so popular in Europe that, at least according to legend, it was the motivating factor behind the discovery of the shipping route around the Cape of Africa. Characteristics of Cinnamon Essential OilCinnamon leaf oil--the least expensive and more readily available of the two cinnamons in use today-- should range from yellow to light brown and have a spicey cinnamon scent with strong overtones of clove. Cinnamon bark oil, on the other hand, should be much darker in color and more viscous texture. This type of cinnamon, which will be far more expensive, will have a strong, true cinnamon scent.Psychological AromatherapyCinnamon is universally regarded by aromatherapy experts as "warming" and "stimulating". People who feel drawn to this scent are said to have strong, independent personalities and tend to be intelligent decision-makers. Psychologically, cinnamon oil is used to strengthen resolve, banish depression and fight melancholy.Traditional Uses for Cinnamon OilsCinnamon essential oil is still widely used in both the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. It's a popular flavoring in oral care products, especially, and performs as a base note in perfumery. Salvatore Battaglia assigns the following therapeutic properties to cinnamon oils:
Scientific Studies on Cinnamon OilsUnlike many essential oils, the various forms of cinnamon essential oil have seen extensive testing for a number of medicinal purposes. Today, for example, we know exactly why cinnamon was so highly prized in mummification--it's a powerful anti-microbial. But cinnamon and the oils made from it have other uses as well.Inflammation A 2007 study of the major components of cinnamon twig oil led researchers to pronounce that this oil has, in their words, "excellent anti-inflammatory activities and thus have great potential to be used as a source for natural health products". Anti-Microbial Properties Cinnamon has long been used as a preservative and today we realize why. Cinnamon oil has been repeatedly shown to have strong anti-microbial properties and can be used to destroy the germs that cause infections like pneumonia, E. coli, lysteria, salmonella and other potentially dangerous diseases. Repellant Properties The various cinnamon oils are also proving themselves useful in the fight against some of our most annoying (and in some cases, dangerous) pests. Cinnamon oil has been successfully used to control pests that destroy food crops and pests that pose direct dangers to humans. A 2006 Korean study found that creams made with 5% cinnamon oil provided up to 94% protection against the mosquito that spreads yellow fever among humans. Safety IssuesCinnamon oil, especially when it's made from the bark, can be both a sensitizer and a strong dermal irritant. Numerous studies report case after case of allergic-type reactions after topical exposure to various forms of cinnamon oil. This has led some in the aromatherapy community to call for a ban on some cinnamons, especially cinnamon bark oil.There is also some concern that cinnamon may pose a risk as a lung irritant. A study of workers in a factory where powdered cinnamon was produced found that 87% of them reported some form of discomfort after working around the spice and 22% of them had asthma.
References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Tung, Y., et al. (2007). Anti-inflammation activities of essential oil and its constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) twigs. Chang, C., et al. (2007). Antibacterial activities of plant essential oils against Legionella pneumophila. Senhaji, O., et al. (2007). Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by essential oil from Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Shan, B., (2007). Antibacterial properties and major bioactive components of cinnamon stick (Cinnamomum burmannii): activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Chang, K., et al. (2006). Repellency of Cinnamomum cassia bark compounds and cream containing cassia oil to Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory and indoor conditions> Uragoda, C. (1984). Asthma and other symptoms in cinnamon workers. Leave Cinnamon Essential Oil & return to Essential Oil Directory
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