Oil of the Month... As the weather turns colder let's turn our attention to one of the most popular of the spice oils, Cinnamon. The warming scent lifts the spirits on cold winter days and has a warming effect when used in massage.
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Plant description
A tall tropical evergreen tree growing up to a height of 15 metres. Shiny, leathery leaves and small white flowers with oval bluish-white berries. The bark of the tree is removed to produce cinnamon sticks for culinary use.
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History
The inner bark of the new shoots has been used as a culinary spice for thousands of years.
Used in the East for a variety of complaints, including colds, digestive and menstrual problems. Cinnamon currently appears in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for flatulence, colic, dyspepsia and nausea.
Botanical Family
Lauraceae
Key constituents
Leaf oil contains eugenol 80-96%, eugenol acetate, cinnamaldehyde 3%, benzyl benzoate, linalool, safrol among others.
Main therapeutic properties
Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, parasiticide.
Main therapeutic uses
Poor circulation, rheumatism, dyspepsia, nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions, chills, colds & flu.
Blends well with
Frankincense, marjoram, orange, mandarin, ylang ylang, benzoin.
Safety data
Leaf oil is relatively non-toxic, may irritate sensitive skins.
Cinnamon should be used in moderation and can be an irritant to mucous membranes.
Bark oil should never be applied to the skin.
Additional information
An oil is produced from the bark but this is generally for culinary use and should never be used on the skin and has no place in aromatherapy.
Cinnamon oil for aromatherapy is produced from the leaves of the Cinnamon tree. The oil is distilled from leaves and twigs of new shoots. It is a brownish liquid with a warm spicy scent. The scent is quite strong and only a small amount need be used in a blend.
It is a useful oil to 'warm' the spirit and is beneficial in blends for colds, flu and respiratory troubles such as bronchitis and chest infections.
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