Cinnamon

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum aka Cassia Aromaticum. Family: Lauracae. Common Name: Chinese cinnamon, cinnamon. There are more than 100 varieties of Cinnamon species. Cinnamon has been used since 2700 BC. It is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of 30 feet. It has ovate-lanceolate shape leaves of 4 to 7 inches long. It prefers deep, well-drained moist soil.

Essential oil is extracted via distillation of the bark producing a golden yellow color liquid. Some of the constituents of the oil are cinnamaldehyde, cinnamylacetate, cinnamyl alcohol, beta-caryophyllene, linolool and methyl chavicol. It odors are warm, sweet and spicy.

Perfumes composed with Cinnamon: Christian Dior: Dioressence, Dunhill: X-centric Tommy Hilfiger: Tommy.

Uses:General Properties: antimicrobial antiseptic antispasmodic astrigent carminative digestive insecticidal stimulant

Cinnamom was used by the Chinese and Indian for ages to treat fever, diarrhea and menstrual problems. Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans adopted cinnamon as a spice, perfume and treatment of indigestion.

Cinnamon is a warming and stimulating oil, making it great for helping to improve circulation when used in a massage oil. However, it is prudent to use only ½ % dilution for massage oil due to its irritating nature.

It can be used to help with arthritic and rheumatic conditions due to the warming action and increase in circulation.

This is not an oil to be taken lightly. This oil carries with it antiseptic and parasiticidal properties. In an inhalation or as a room spray, Cinnamon can help disinfect the air or breathing passages. On skin that has lice or scabies this oil may help to destroy these parasites when applied topically. It is an excellent choice of oil as a room fragrance especially at Christmas time.

Cinnamon also blends well with Caraway, all citrus oils, Myrtle and Nutmeg.

Specific Cautions: Cinnamon is highly irritating to the skin. Not recommended for massage. High doses can cause convulsions. Avoid during pregnancy.