Cinnamon use dates back thousands of years to biblical times. It has been used as a spice, an aromatic and as a medicinal herb. Cinnamon oil is used throughout the world for a wide variety of ailments but there is not enough scientific information to confirm its efficacy in any medicinal application. It is advisable to consult with your physician before using any herb medicinally, and even more so with a substance like cinnamon where research is incomplete.
Identification and Dosing
Cinnamon is also known as cinnamomon, Chinese cassia, tvak, dalchini and daruchini. Cinnamon oil comes from the bark and leaves of the cinnamon tree. Presently, there is not enough scientific information on which to base a dosing recommendation for cinnamon oil.
Uses
Cinnamon oil is used for aromatherapy and as a room freshener in potpourris. Some use cinnamon oil as a flavoring agent in foods. It is an effective mosquito repellent and has also been shown to kill mosquito larvae, says OrganicFacts.net. Medicinal uses include treatment of bacterial and fungal infections, enhancing blood circulation and stimulating sexual desire. Cinnamon oil also boosts the effectiveness of other herbs and essential oils such as lemon, rosemary, geranium, lavender and cardamom.
Effectiveness
There is a lack of information from human trials to rate the effectiveness of cinnamon for any health condition, according to Wellness.com. However, the website goes on to say that laboratory investigations suggest that cinnamon may act as an antioxidant, and may support activity against bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Considerations
Cinnamon oil can cause allergic reactions such as rash, mouth sores, inflammation of the lips and tongue, gum disease and acne when applied to the face or lips, warns Wellness.com. Using a diluted form of cinnamon oil may help to minimize the risk of allergic reactions, says OrganicFacts.net. Before using cinnamon oil, first test a small amount on your skin to check for an allergic reaction, suggests OrganicFacts.net. Cinnamon oil should not be used on the face and other sensitive areas, warns OrganicFacts.net.
Member Comments