Cinnamon Essential Oil

Latin name: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Plant part used: leaves and twigs

Source: Sri Lanka

Extraction method: steam distillation

Cinnamon essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, also known as Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon. There are two types of essential oils extracted: one from the leaves, which is milder, yellow to light brown in color, and is more commonly used in aromatherapy; and the other from the bark, which is dark brown and is not commonly preferred in aromatherapy.

Cinnamon oil is calming with powerful antiseptic properties. When used in an oil burner, this oil is said to help with colds and bronchitis and relieve depression. It is used to help with bronchitis, diarrhea, chills, infections, flu, rheumatism, and arthritis when used in bath water or mixed with a massage oil. It relieves nausea and vomiting. It stimulates the glandular system and, therefore, reduces menstrual pain. Avoid leaf oil during pregnancy. Bark oil is very strong and should only be used diluted, under expert supervision.

The cinnamon tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been an important trade item for centuries between India, China, and Egypt. The source of cinnamon was a mystery to the Western world for a long time. According to Herodotus and other authors, Arabia was the source of cinnamon. Legend has it that giant cinnamon birds gathered cinnamon sticks for their nests in a mysterious place where cinnamon trees grew. The Arabs then tricked the birds and stole the cinnamon from them. This was the belief until 1310 in Byzantium.