Description
Cinnamon leaf oil comes from Cinnamonum verum (also called Laurus cinnamomum) from the Laurel (Lauraceae) plant family. This small and bushy evergreen tree is native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon tree can be distinguished by its small, white flowers, shiny, leathery green leaves, and purple oval berries. Its papery, pale brown bark has thick quills that roll inside one another, and are gathered every two years.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to man. It was valued in ancient Egypt not only as a medicine and beverage flavoring but also as an embalming agent and is also mentioned in the Bible. Cinnamon was so precious that it was considered more valuable than gold throughout some of its history.
You’ve probably heard of cinnamon bark oil, but don’t be confused – it’s an entirely different product.Cinnamon bark oil is extracted from the outer bark of the tree, resulting in a potent, perfume-quality essential oil. Cinnamon bark oil is extremely refined and therefore very expensive for everyday use, which is why many people settle for cinnamon leaf oil, as it’s lighter, cheaper, and ideal for regular use.
Cinnamon leaf oil has a musky and spicy scent, and a light yellow tinge that distinguishes it from the red-brown color of cinnamon bark oil.
Uses of Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Cinnamon leaf oil can be used as an additive in soaps and a flavoring to seasonings. When used inaromatherapy - diffused, applied topically (I recommend diluting with a mild essential oil or mixing in your favorite cream, lotion, or shampoo), or added to your bath water - it can have health-promoting effects. Here are some ways to use cinnamon leaf oil for your health and around your home:
- Use it as a disinfectant. With its strong germicidal properties, cinnamon leaf oil works as a non-toxic natural disinfectant. Use it to clean your toilets, refrigerator, kitchen counters and other surfaces, door knobs, microwave, and sneakers. You can even use it to clean and disinfect your chopping boards.
- Make a facial scrub. Mix it with cinnamon sugar, orange juice, and olive oil to create arejuvenating scrub that has antiseptic properties to kill facial bacteria effectively.
- Gargle as a mouthwash. Add a drop or two to a glass of purified water, and gargle with it. Forpeople with dentures, simply make a solution of water, hydrogen peroxide, and cinnamon leaf oil, and soak your dentures in it.
- Add it to your foot soak. Get rid of nasty fungal infections by mixing a drop of cinnamon leaf oil ina bucket of warm water, and then soak your feet in it. This works great for athletes and people who wear closed shoes for most of the day.
- Use cinnamon leaf oil as an insect repellent. Did you know that the scent of cinnamon leaf oilcan deter pesky household insects, such as black ants, mosquitoes, roaches, and flies? Studies found that it may even be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the toxic chemical DEET. Simply spray or diffuse the oil around your home. You can also spray it over your mattresses and sheets to get rid of bed bugs.
- Add it to your shampoo. Add a drop of cinnamon leaf oil to your regular non-chemical shampoo.This will help keep your hair healthy and, in children, help kill stubborn head lice.
Benefits of Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Cinnamon leaf oil can work wonders as a quick pick-me-up or stress buster after a long and tiring day, or if you want to soothe your aching muscles and joints. This oil has a warm and antispasmodic effect on your body that helps ease muscular aches, sprains, rheumatism, and arthritis. It’s also a tonic that reduces drowsiness and gives you an energy boost if you’re physically and mentally exhausted.
Cinnamon leaf oil offers benefits against viral infections, such as coughs and colds, and helps prevent themfrom spreading.5 It even aids in destroying germs in your gallbladder and bacteria that cause staph infections. When diffused using a vaporizer or burner, cinnamon leaf oil can help treat chest congestion and bronchitis.
Cinnamon can also help remove blood impurities and even aid in improving blood circulation. This helpsensure that your body’s cells receive adequate oxygen supply, which not only promotes metabolic activity but also reduces your risk of suffering from a heart attack.
Cinnamon leaf oil has gastric benefits as well, mainly because of its eugenol content. It works well for alleviating nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. It also works as an antibacterial agent that can promote good digestion.
Cinnamon Leaves
Used as a food ingredient
Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Distilled from Cinnamon leaves.
Eugenol content is from 80% - 90%
Cinnamon Flower
Cinnamomum verum, used as a
food ingredient and as a herb.