Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon barks essential oil's benefit lies in its toning and calming effect on the respiratory tract and the nervous system. It is particularly effective in easing the symptoms of colds and flu. It also calms the digestive system thanks to its carminative properties which can help soothe conditions such as IBS.
With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties it’s also exceptionally effective in soothing the symptoms of conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis as well as menstrual pains.
BENEFITS
Cinnamon Bark essential oil has the following healing properties:
Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-diabetic and Antioxidant
Respiratory tract infections – with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties it calms and soothes conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu thanks to its calmative properties.
Mood – Cinnamon is an uplifting oil that can help to boost the mood and lift feelings of depression, it’s calming and stress relieving.
Menstrual pain - it’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties can help to relieve period pains.
Digestive system - Cinnamon is effective in easing digestive issues such as IBS, gas and bloating due to its anti-inflammatory analgesic.
Muscle and joint conditions - with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties it's effective in relieving symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
BLENDS
Whilst most essential oils can be used together some oils can overpower other oils. Cinnamon Bark goes particularly well with oils such as:
Benzoin
Clove bud
Coriander
Cardamon
Frankincense
Ginger
Grapefruit
Lavender
Rosemary
Thyme
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Cinnamon Bark essential oil can be used in diffusers or oil burners. Using Cinnamon essential oil in this way is particularly beneficial in relieving respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and cold. Its warm woody scent helps to lift feelings of depression and creates an uplifting atmosphere.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of Cinnamon essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
BATH
Cinnamon essential oil can be added to a warm bath to relieve muscle aches related to rheumatism and arthritis and menstrual pains. Using it in the bath also releases the oils into the air which can help relieve respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and colds
Add 1 - 3 drops of Cinnamon essential oil to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
INHALATION
Inhaling Cinnamon essential oil is effective in helping to relieve symptoms associated with asthma and respiratory tract infections such as colds and bronchitis and coughs. Steam inhalation helps to clear congestion in your head, nose and chest.
Simply add 1 - 3 drops of Cinnamon essential oil to a bowl of hot water, place a towel or blanket over your head and shoulders to enclose your head over the bowl and inhale for 5 - 10 minutes.
Note: Steam inhalation may be too strong for children, instead place the bowl in the room or close by and allow the steam to infuse in the air. Cinnamon is a powerful oil so care should be taken not to irate the mucus membranes
MASSASGE
Massage is a great way of relaxing the body and mind and easing aching muscles, it is particularly effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis and menstrual pain. It is an uplifting oil that can help boost mood and relieve feelings of depression.
Adults - up to 7 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
Children over 2 years old - up to 3 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
CREAM
Adding a few drops of Cinnamon to a base cream is a great way of harnessing Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to treat minor cuts and scrapes and to soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema. It can ease pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis.
Add up to 12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of base cream.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Cinnamon bark is a potent oil so care should be taken not to use in excess, it can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room for example Cinnamon is one such oil.