Cinnamon is known as a healing agent. This spice has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Cinnamon oil is extracted from the outer bark of the tree or leaves.
It is popular in two variants.
- Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
- Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil.
It is used for medicinal as well as cosmetic purposes. This herbal and natural oil can boost immunity; aid weight loss and benefit your body in multiple ways.
Nutrition Facts
As per the US Department of Agriculture, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon contains
| Calories | 6 |
| Protein | 0.1 gm |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1 g |
| Total sugar | 0 g |
| Total fat | 0 g |
| Calcium | 26 mg |
| Potassium | 11 mg |
| Magnesium | 2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 2 mg |
| Vitamin K | 1 microgram |
| Vitamin A | 8 international units |
Benefits of Cinnamon Essential Oil
1. Provides Antibacterial Effects
This oil is known to be an anti-bacterial.
A study revealed that this oil had compounds that showed antimicrobial properties that help fight against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(1), which is a drug-resistant and life-threatening bacteria that may affect people, plants, and other animals.
2. Acts as a Disinfectant
The cinnamon bark oil has antibacterial properties that make it an effective, safe, and non-chemical alternative that helps to preserve certain products and increase their shelf life.
A study also revealed that using cinnamon oil can be used as a preservative in toiletries, cosmetics, and disinfectants in hospitals.
[ Read: Excellent Lavender Oil Benefits ]
3. Works as a Mood Relaxant
This oil is a popular choice of oil for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy requires the vital oil to be sprayed in the air so that it is absorbed and breathed in by the skin. Using this oil for aromatherapy helps in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression and results in uninterrupted sleep.
4. Acts as an Aphrodisiac
Research state that administering cinnamon essential oil increased sperm count and improved sexual health. Cinnamon extracts increase the weight of testes and seminal vesicles in male mice.
5. Improves Cardiac Health
Cinnamon oil uses are plenty. It helps in reducing the cholesterol levels of the body, which fight against oxidative stress. Studies show that it helps to reduce cholesterol levels in broiler chickens.
Another study showed that it stimulates an enzyme that helps the body to combat the oxidative stress in the body.
6. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon essential oil helps in controlling diabetes. It regulates the blood glucose levels that aids individuals in staying protected against diabetes.
Another study conducted on mice showed that cinnamon oil played a crucial role in regulating the blood sugar levels. It helped the pancreatic islets, which are a group of cells that release hormones found in the pancreas. This study also showed an improved glucose tolerance in mice.
7. May Aid Treatment of Cancer
Cinnamon essential oil exhibits anti-cancer activity against various types of cancer, especially lung, breast, and prostate cancer. Studies show that cinnamon oil showed significant activity against cancerous cells in the head and neck in the squamous cells.
8. Treats Ulcers
It has been noted that Cinnamon bark essential oil was found to be most vigorous against Helicobacter pylori(2). It has antibacterial properties and is one of the major causes of gastric ulcers and gastric cancer.
Excessive growth of bacteria in the gastric mucosa can trigger gastritis. It also increases the risk of peptic ulcers. Cinnamon Oil can help prevent gastric problems.
9. Heals Fungal Infections
Cinnamon essential is effective in fighting against infections caused by candida. It is also reported to be more effective compared to antifungal medications.
A study revealed that cinnamon essential oil has the most potent antimicrobial properties amongst the ones that have been tested. Cinnamon essential oil is also more productive against various yeasts and molds.
10. Provides Skin Care
Cinnamon bark essential oil consists of cinnamaldehyde, which is known to treat skin disorders. This oil restricts the production of proteins that are responsible for inflammation of the skin.
Although cinnamon oil helps to reduce inflammation of the skin and other conditions, more research needs to be done for certainty.
[ Read: Benefits of Cinnamon Tea ]
Ways to Consume It
- Cinnamon oil can be used topically by diluting with any other carrier oil and then can be applied to the skin.
- Add a few drops of water to the oil to consume it directly.
- Use it as a carrier oil for aromatherapy.
It is safe to topically use it thrice weekly, but for oral consumption, you must consult your doctor.
Side-Effects and Risks
- If undiluted and applied to the skin, it can cause irritation and rashes on the skin.
- Excessive consumption of cinnamon oil reduces the blood sugar levels, and in combination with diabetes medication, it can prove to be very dangerous.
- If you have a liver problem, it is best to avoid using this oil as it may affect the liver. Always use it under the supervision of your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Cinnamon oil is increasingly used in aromatherapy. The anti-inflammatory properties and its richness in antioxidants benefit in relieving stress and promote better health. If consumed, you must be careful of the coumarin content. It is a healthy oil and must be used carefully.
[ Read: Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits ]
FAQs
1. Is cinnamon oil for hair recommended?
No research recommends this oil to hair growth. But in case you wish to give it a try, ensure your doctor approves of it first.
2. How can I use cinnamon oil for lips?
You can use cinnamon powder with olive oil and apply it as a lip scrub. Use this scrub for five minutes and rinse with cold water for plump lips.
