What Are the Uses for Cinnamon Essential Oil?

Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been used by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Originating from India, China, and Indonesia, there are over 100 varieties of cinnamon used today.

Two types of cinnamon are used to make cinnamon essential oil: cassia and verum. Both cassia and verum have similar properties, but most aromatherapists consider only verum to be “true” cinnamon oil. Cinnamon oil can be made from the leaves or bark of the cinnamon tree, but cinnamon bark oil is slightly stronger.

The Origin of Cinnamon Oil

Most cinnamon essential oil is manufactured from cinnamomum verum (check the label for the exact variety used to make each bottle). Cinnamon oil has been used as long as almost any other spice as a healing agent, embalming fluid, flavoring, and religious offering. At some points in history, cinnamon was considered more valuable than gold.

Cinnamon oil, as you can imagine, has a heavy cinnamon spice smell. Breathe too much at once and you might get a headache. Since the oil is so potent, it must always be dissolved with a carrier oil or diluted greatly in food products.

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Science supports the health benefits of cinnamon. Cinnamon oil is about 100 times stronger and more concentrated than ground cinnamon, making it even more beneficial for health. It is phenols in cinnamon that give it health-boosting effects. Cinnamon oil is 80 percent phenols, which are not only beneficial in killing bacteria and viruses but also have antioxidant properties. Some of the most well-documented benefits of cinnamon are listed below:

Heart Health

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that individuals who eat a lot of spices, such as turmeric and cinnamon were better able to handle fats. After a high-fat meal, triglyceride levels rise. However, when study participants also ate a lot of cinnamon in conjunction with fat, their triglyceride levels did not rise as much. Triglyceride levels were decreased by 30 percent and blood antioxidant levels increased by 13 percent after eating cinnamon.

Diabetes

According to studies, cinnamon is a natural blood sugar regulator. A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the antioxidants in cinnamon extract were able to reduce risk factors associated with diabetes. One group in the study received cinnamon supplements while the other received a placebo. The cinnamon group had significantly lower blood sugar levels after 6 weeks. Other studies indicate that cinnamon helps prevent insulin resistance.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia in 2008 found that cinnamon extract could help prevent inflammation and tissue damage caused by high blood sugar levels. This, in turn, helps prevent insulin resistance thanks to the antioxidants in cinnamon.

Antiseptic Properties

Cinnamon oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Cinnamon oil has been used for centuries to clean wounds, to protect oral health, and to fight minor infections. Brain Power A study conducted by Wheeling Jesuit University found that when study participants chewed cinnamon gum their mental capabilities increased when performing cognitive processing tasks. They even scored better on attention tests. Some studies suggest that cinnamon can help prevent brain cells from swelling such as after a traumatic brain injury or stroke.

How to Use Cinnamon Essential Oil

There are a variety of ways to use cinnamon oil, both internally and externally. Never ingest more than a drop of cinnamon oil internally at a time to prevent possible side effects. Since cinnamon oil is so concentrated, extreme caution should be taken when using the oil internally.

Safety Precautions

Cinnamon oil is a highly concentrated form of cinnamon, which could have side effects. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the biggest risk of eating too much cinnamon is liver damage. In high doses, cinnamon can damage the liver, which is why cinnamon oil should not be ingested if you have a faulty liver or are taking medication to boost liver function.

Other possible risks of ingesting the oil include lowering blood sugar levels too much (usually only happens if you are taking a blood sugar-lowering medication) and causing an upset stomach. Since cinnamon oil is strong, young children and individuals with epilepsy or a history of seizures should not use the oil. Always dilute cinnamon oil in a carrier oil (or a food substance if using internally). Any carrier oil will work, such as almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or any other favorite oil.

Test a small area of your skin before applying cinnamon oil in case you have an adverse reaction to the oil. Typical allergic reactions include redness at the site of the application and itchy skin.

Cinnamon Oil: Science-Backed and Useful

Cinnamon oil is a highly beneficial oil that not only has a pleasant scent but many medicinal applications. Cinnamon oil should never be used to replace medication prescribed by a doctor, but the evidence does suggest that it is beneficial in keeping blood sugar levels low and fighting off infections. Use cinnamon oil for these uses and to keep insects at bay year-round. You can also use cinnamon oil just for fun because the scent is so delicious!