There are many uses for cinnamon oil, and the fragrance is a pleasing, familiar one to most people. Particularly of interest is the fact that cinnamon oil, a natural compound, has such versatility that it can be ingested or applied topically. Cinnamon oil is either distilled from the bark of the cinnamon tree,or from the leaves; cinnamon from the leaves is the safest and least potent. Cinnamon oil has a lasting fresh scent and can even be used as an environmental "green" product for cleaning. The home and personal uses for cinnamon oil are many, ranging from being used as a cleaning agent to a user-friendly health care product.
Antiseptic
Surprisingly, cinnamon oil has been found to be an effective antiseptic. According to a recent international study performed by surgeons at the Institute of Infection Medicine in Kiel, Germany, "a solution made with cinnamon oil killed a number of common and hospital-acquired infections like streptococcus and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA." This is highly significant, as there are few nontoxic compounds that are useful in combating persistent staphylococcal infections that are resistant to antibiotics.
Aromatherapy
Cinnamon oil, or essence, is easily massaged into skin or inhaled and has long been used for healing purposes to alleviate stress by alleviating pain, enhancing mood and promoting overall relaxation. Cinnamon oil aromatherapy is generally found in day spas and through massage therapists, licensed specialists in relaxation. Cinnamon oil is also readily available over-the-counter at drug stores and specialty stores.
Weight Loss
According to the University of Maryland, cinnamon spice is an antioxidant-rich food. Antioxidants are cells capable of devouring cell-damaging free-radicals, such as toxins, in the body. Antioxidants also promote healing and relieve the effects of negative effects of stress and promote youthfulness. When added to foods, cinnamon--oil or powder--increases metabolism, decreases hunger and promotes digestion and absorption of nutrients and vitamins for the promotion of natural weight loss. Even beyond weight loss, cinnamon is helpful for people living with cancer and other long-term illnesses.
Other Uses
Cinnamon oil has some other lesser known uses including controlling cholesterol, decreasing bad cholesterol, regulating blood sugar levels and fighting obesity and insulin resistance with resulting decrease in insulin use.
In addition, cinnamon is also found to be helpful in preventing candidiasis, or yeast infections. Candidiasis, a fungal infection commonly found in the mouth, nose and vagina, may be prevented by increasing cinnamon food intake. Cinnamon is commonly found in certain foods, and cinnamon powder may be added to milk, oatmeal, any cereal, coffee or tea or sprinkled on whole wheat toast. Cinnamon is also available in capsule form.
Caution
Cinnamon oil may be contraindicated in people living with alcoholism, prostate cancer, kidney and liver disease, and in those who are taking anticoagulants to thin blood. Also, cases have been reported of cinnamon oil causing burning of the skin.
Member Comments