Cinnamon Leaf Oil Uses

The leaf and twigs of the cinnamon plant produce a fragrant oil which has been used in aromatherapy for thousands of years, dating back to use by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Cinnamon leaf oil is used in aromatherapy today for its antiseptic, antibacterial properties, and is also used to treat depression and fatigue, and as an aphrodisiac. Cinnamon oil can be a skin irritant, so it should not be used in the bath, and must always be diluted in a carrier oil such as grapeseed or almond oil before applying to the skin.

Antibacterial

Cinnamon leaf oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. According to OrganicFacts.net, cinnamon leaf oil can be useful in treating external, as well as internal infections, and may help to kill germs in the gall bladder and intestines, and bacteria found in staph infections. Cinnamon oil may also help kill bacteria, and stop bleeding in minor wounds and cuts. It can be burned in an oil burner or diffuser to help prevent the spread of germs during an illness such as the flu or the common cold.

Aphrodisiac

Cinnamon leaf oil has long been used in aromatherapy for its aphrodisiac properties, which may help to relieve impotence, according to herbalist Simon Mills in an interview with the Daily Mail. In her book "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox points out that its warming, spicy scent is used to invoke a romantic atmosphere. Cinnamon oil can be burned in an oil burner to create an amorous mood. A few drops of cinnamon oil can be blended with 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract in 1/2 cup of carrier oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, to make a homemade aphrodisiac massage oil.

Depression Relief

According to Dr. Satish Kulkarni in his article "Ayurvedic Herbs and their Healing Power: Cinnamon," cinnamon is considered a useful treatment for the alleviation of depression, anxiety and mental tension. Burning cinnamon oil in an oil diffuser, or inhaling the aroma after applying a few drops of the oil to a tissue or cloth when feelings of depression set in, can help to create a more positive mood, and can also help people to feel more uplifted and less tired during times of fatigue or stress.