Cinnamon is well known for its use as a culinary spice. However, cinnamon has therapeutic uses in aromatherapy, as well. Cinnamon is one of the more volatile oils for aromatherapy use. Therefore, take note of any cautions and warnings before using cinnamon oil in aromatherapy. In addition, there is more than one type of cinnamon oil available, but only one particular cinnamon oil is suitable for aromatherapy.
Historic Use
Julia Lawless, in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," writes that cinnamon was traditionally used in the East to treat colds, flu, rheumatism, menstrual problems and digestive complaints. Patricia Davis, in "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," writes that cinnamon was also a traditional aphrodisiac.
Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Cinnamon leaf oil is the preferred oil for aromatherapy use. Davis writes that cinnamon leaf oil is chemically composed of between 80 and 90 percent eugenol, eugenol acetate, linalol, benzyl benzoate, cinnamaldehyde and caryophyllene. Cinnamon leaf oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the tropical, evergreen cinnamon tree that is native to Sri Lanka, south India, the Comoro Islands and Madagascar.
Cinnamon Bark Oil
Lawless writes that cinnamon bark oil has no use in aromatherapy. Davis writes that cinnamon bark oil is principally composed of between 40 and 70 percent cinnameldehyde. Cinnameldehyde is the ingredient that causes cinnamon bark oil to be a skin irritant. Although cinnamon leaf oil is also a skin irritant, it contains a lesser quantity of cinnameldehyde, which makes it more suitable for aromatherapy use.
Uses
Lawless recommends the use of cinnamon oil in aromatherapy for the treatment of rheumatism, diarrhea, dyspepsia, infrequent menstrual periods, colds, flu, stress, nervous exhaustion, colitis, nausea and stomach cramps. Cinnamon oil is antiseptic, astringent, digestive aid and a respiratory stimulant, due to the action of its chemical components. Use cinnamon oil in a blend with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, or with lotion and apply to the skin. Alternatively, inhale cinnamon oil through an aromatherapy diffuser.
Cautions
Lawless warns that cinnamon leaf oil may be a skin irritant and, therefore, should be used it in moderation. In addition, always dilute cinnamon oil in a blend of carrier oils or white lotion before using. Never apply cinnamon oil directly to the skin. Davis advises to take greater caution in treatments for the elderly as their skin is more fragile. Never use cinnamon oil internally.
Cinnamon oil is also an emmenagogue, which means that it has the ability to induce menstruation. Therefore, avoid cinnamon oil in pregnancy, as well. However, cinnamon oil can be used to induce childbirth, under the supervision of a qualified professional. Avoid cinnamon bark oil in general aromatherapy use.
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 1999
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