CINNAMON OIL TIPS AND TRICKS

The following article was published by  Mr. Michael Scholes, essential oil expert.

Cinnamon essential oil is mentioned in the scriptures, implying that it has history and sacred applications in medicine, embalming and incense making. The essential oil is derived from the bark and leaves of several species of the cinnamon genus from Southeast Asia.  Essential oil made from cinnamon bark is more expensive than cinnamon leaf, as it takes a greater amount of the product to produce a similar amount of essential oil. The result is a cinnamon smell that is spicier, sweeter and stronger than the leaf oil.

While cinnamon leaf has a higher eugenol and analgesic (pain-reducing) component, cinnamon bark has higher cinnamaldehyde and this makes cinnamon bark an extremely strong respiratory and circulatory stimulant. The result is superior and more multi-dimensional benefits. Because cinnamon bark is stronger than cinnamon leaf, you can also use less but achieve better results—making it more cost effective.

Since it can be irritating to the skin and burning to the mouth in the incorrect dosage, how does one use this highly effective essential oil?

The proper dosage and application is critical for safety and therapeutic effect. Cinnamon bark essential oil is a strong irritant, and should never be applied directly to skin unless to a specific targeted point. Always use it diluted and never in a bath unless it is part of a blend where cinnamon is the last and least ingredient. Cinnamon essential oil is not recommended for use on sensitive areas either. Pregnant women should not use any kind of cinnamon oil. In the optimal dosage, Cinnamon oil is very good at delivering benefits like promoting normal blood flow and bringing dry heat and warmth when cold without excessive stimulation or irritation. Please note to always remember safety first and never about higher quantity—as using more oil does not always bring improved results.

Application to massage oil can be very effective when combined with other essential oils. Rarely is it used by itself, so you are most likely to see it used as an ingredient in an essential oil blend or synergy. If you are making a massage oil blend using Fractionated Coconut Oil, mix 18 drops of essential oil into 1 oz. of carrier oil, with only 1 or 2 drops being  Cinnamon oil. This will provide the bark but not the bite.

A few product tips: Cinnamon essential oil is excellent for promoting normal circulation, promoting normal respiratory health, and is excellent in a diffuser to cleanse the air. Mix  Cinnamon (5%), Eucalyptus Globulus or Radiata (40%), Frankincense (10%), Lemon (20%), Peppermint (10%), and Tea Tree (15%). The same combination can be used and applied to sore muscles and to the lungs by rubbing the mixture on the front of the chest and the back.

Internally, add 10 drops to 6-8 oz. of organic honey, stir well and add to ginger herbal tea by the teaspoon with squeezed lemon (fruit). It will bring inner warmth and help promote normal immune system function and be beneficial to your respiratory system.

When you add an accompanying cinnamon cookie (yes, you can add a few drops to cookie dough), it is the perfect addition to a chilly winter afternoon. The picture at left shows Ameo oil. I am not promoting Ameo or any other brand. I personally look for the best I can find.