Day 23 discusses the cinnamons! Both the leaf and the bark.
Cinnamon essential oil has an amazing smell. I wanted to write about an essential oil that gives people the feel of Christmas. There are two kinds of cinnamons, one is using the leaf and the other is using the bark. Both types of cinnamon have the same Latin name. I will break down each cinnamon essential oil below. The leaf is the safer option than the bark. A little goes a long way with these essential oils. You can heavily dilute these oils for safe topical use and still experience the amazing scent. These essential oils can be added to your cleaning products as well. The cinnamon bark, however, does have that deeper cinnamon smell we all know and love. If you do diffuse either of these essential oils, do it in short intervals. Another option for making your house smell amazing during the holiday season is to boil some cinnamon sticks. A friend of mine makes these amazing stovetop simmers with dried orange slices, dried cranberries, cloves, and cinnamon sticks that you can just boil in water. This is my go to for the holidays vs using essential oils to make the house smell like Christmas. Plus, this aromatic option is so much safer. A fun fact about cinnamon (not the essential oil), it was a key ingredient in the mummification process.
Essential Oil Common Name: Cinnamon
Latin Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Family: Lauraceae
Part of Plant Used: Leaves or Bark
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Notes (Scent and Staying Power): Middle
Safe for Ages: Safe for all ages, but there are some general guidelines when it comes to children and essential oils. But still, use caution when using topically for children under the age of 2. Both of these cinnamons are considered “hot” oils, so sensitivities can still occur when used topically. Read here on how to do skin patch testing. If you create a blend for yourself, use a quarter of the amount of essential oil for children as a safe guideline. When using in a diffuser, cinnamon can irritate the mucus membranes in the nose and mouth. So, if you are diffusing, and someone is coughing, sneezing, or has watery eyes…shut the diffuser off and air out that area.
Safe for Pregnancy: Leaf Yes/Bark No
Safe for Breastfeeding: Leaf Yes/Bark No
Topical Max: The topical max for cinnamon leaf essential oil is 0.6%, and the topical max for cinnamon bark essential oil is 0.01%. Always dilute before applying it to the skin.
Shelf Life: Leaf 4 Years/Bark 5 Years
Key Therapeutic Properties/Actions: Leaf: Analgesic, Anticoagulant, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Gas relief. Bark: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antiviral
Contraindications: The following contraindications are listed for oral/internal use of these cinnamon essential oils. For any other routes (topical or inhalation) use caution since these routes can still get into the blood stream, especially if you are using a lot of this essential oil. Cinnamon leaf essential oil may inhibit blood clotting. Use caution or avoid all together if on aspirin, anticoagulant medications, before and after major surgery, have peptic ulcers hemophilia, or other bleeding disorders. Cinnamon leaf may also interact with pethidine, MAOIs or SSRIs. Cinnamon bark essential oil my inhibit blood clotting. Use caution or avoid all together if on diabetes medications, aspirin, or anticoagulant medications, before and after major surgery, have peptic ulcers hemophilia, or other bleeding disorders. Avoid in pregnancy in all routes (internal, topical, and inhalation) due to embryotoxicity. Do not use with homeopathics.
Thank you for reading!
Love and Nature,
Nicole
Remember: The contents of this blog post are intended for educational and informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. Click here to read more about my medical/FDA disclaimers.
References:
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Petersen, D. (2016). Aromatherapy Materia Medica. American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Aromahead Institute. (n.d.). Aromatherapy Certification Program. [Courses]. Aromahead Institute. https://courses.aromahead.com/aromatherapy-certification-program