Cinnamon Oil Toxicity

Cinnamon is a type of spice that is obtained from the inner layers of the bark of several kinds of trees that are native to Asia. Oil can be extracted from the dried bark of cinnamon trees by crushing or grinding the bark and filtering out the liquid oil from the solid components. Over the centuries, cinnamon oil provided various medicinal uses when ingested orally. However, cinnamon oil may have toxic effects in some people. Talk with your doctor before using cinnamon oil as a nutritional supplement or a food additive.

Allergy

Cinnamon oil can cause allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive to cinnamon. According to the book, "Today's Herbal Health: An Essential Reference Guide," a cinnamon oil allergy can occur either by ingesting cinnamon oil or by contact with your skin. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction to cinnamon oil are the appearance of a rash or hives; swelling of your face, neck, or throat; itching; and trouble breathing.

Cardiovascular Effects

A high intake of cinnamon oil can have adverse effects on your cardiovascular system. Ingesting cinnamon oil may cause acute pulmonary edema, a condition that causes a fluid buildup in your lungs. According to MayoClinic.com, pulmonary edema is a medical emergency and can cause symptoms such as extreme shortness of breath, a feeling of suffocating or drowning, anxiety, cough, sweating, pale skin, chest pain and a rapid or irregular heart beat.

Irritant

Cinnamon oil is a hazardous skin, eye and respiratory irritant, according to ScienceLab.com's Mineral Safety Data Sheet. Acute exposure to your skin can cause irritation and can be harmful when absorbed through your skin. If inhaled, cinnamon oil can cause respiratory tract irritation. If irritation occurs, flush the areas affected with soap and water to reduce the effects of cinnamon oil and prevent it from being absorbed into your skin.

Abuse

Adolescents can sometimes abuse cinnamon oil by sucking on toothpicks or fingers that have been dipped in cinnamon oil in order to get a rush or sensation of warmth, according to an article published by the journal of "Veterinary and Human Toxicology." Side effects of cinnamon oil abuse in this manner can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and skin welts in areas of the body that were exposed to the oil.