Extracted from the leaves and bark of the Cinnamomum verum plant, cinnamon oil is a common ingredient in many ethnic dishes, teas and medicinal products. The essential oil has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may provide various health benefits. Consult your health care provider before ingesting cinnamon or other essential oils to treat a health condition.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research published in 2005 in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" examined the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activities of cinnamon oil using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Researchers found that the essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial as a natural treatment for inflammation. More research is necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of cinnamon oil as a natural remedy.
Cancer Treatment
Cinnamaldeyde, a chemical compound found in cinnamon oil, may help protect colon cells against the damage of colorectal cancer. A study published in 2007 in "Molecules" indicates that the cinnamon oil derivative has anti-oxidant effects on colon cells. Cinnamon oil also increased the production of protein and protected cells from damage caused by arsenic and hydrogen peroxide. Additional research is necessary to determine the chemopreventive benefits of cinnamaldeyde on colorectal cancer.
Anti-bacterial Properties
Topical use of cinnamon oil may help fight certain infections. A study published in 2002 in the "Journal of Food Protection" investigated the anti-microbial compounds of both cinnamon leaf and cinnamon bark oils in combating multiple and single strains of E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella enterica. Although oil derived from cinnamon bark is more effective, researchers discovered that both oils are effective against the bacterial strains. Do not use cinnamon oil to treat any type of bacterial infection without the guidance and supervision of a knowledgeable medical professional.
Side Effects
Oral or topical use of cinnamon oil may cause certain side effects such as skin irritation, rapid heart rate, nausea, swelling of the mouth and shortness of breath. Applying a highly concentrated version of the essential oil to your skin may cause redness, welts or a rash. Ingesting the oil may lead to oral lesions on your tongue and swelling of the lips. Cinnamon oil may cause rapid heart beat of 100 to 400 beats per minute. Respiratory problems caused by ingesting cinnamon oil include shortness of breath and dizziness due to lack of air. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, cardiovascular problems or severe skin irritation.
Warning
Although cinnamon oil is often used as a topical or oral treatment, the safest way to use the essential oil is as an inhalant or cleaning solution. Avoid using cinnamon oil if you are allergic to cinnamon.
References
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Study on the Anitiinflammatory Activity of Essential Oil from Leaves of Cinnamomum Osmophloeum; Louis Kuoping Chao, et al.; 2005
- Science Lab; Material Safety Data Sheet: Cinnamon Oil; October 2005
- "Molecules"; The Cinnamon-Derived Dietary Factor Cinnamic Aldehyde Activates the Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant Response in Human Epithelial Colon Cells; Georg T. Wondrak, et al.; May 2010
- "Journal of Food Protection"; Bactericidal Activities of Plant Essential Oils and Some of Their Isolated Constituents Against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica; Mendel Friedman; 2002
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