One of the world’s oldest healers, confirmed by modern science for its prevention of infection and indigestion and used as an essential oil in aromatherapy.

7. Organoleptic Tests
I performed organoleptic tests on both cinnamon leaf and cinnamon bark oils. The results are as follows:

Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Colour of oil: amber to brown/red
Evaporation rate: medium-slow
Odour intensity: medium-strong, sweet, warm, deep and spicy
Viscosity: mobile liquid

Cinnamon Bark Oil
Colour of oil: clear to pale yellow
Evaporation rate: medium
Odour intensity: medium-strong, warm and spicy
Viscosity: mobile liquid

8. Properties/Indications
As discussed in The Energetics of Western Herbs, cinnamon bark in its herbal/powdered form has the following properties: stimulating, restoring, astringent, solidifying and works on the lungs, circulation, heart, vascular system, intestines and genitourinary organs. It provides warmth to the organs increases Pita and decreases Kapha and works on the Lung, Spleen and Kidney meridians (3).

In Ayurvedic tradition cinnamon oil (type unspecified) is described as being empowering to the will (4).

Cinnamon leaf oil has a strong affinity for the autonomic nervous system, balancing dramatic fluctuations and providing profound relief in states of extreme stress. It has been found to provide clarity and allow one to cope in difficult, stressful situations (8).

One study was conducted on various cinnamon extracts to evaluate the antioxidant activity of cinnamon in foodstuffs. The results showed that cinnamon extracts can be used as food antioxidants whilst providing improvement in food palatability (19).

Below is a list of the properties and indications for use of cinnamon oil. Where possible, I have tried to distinguish between the leaf and the bark oils as well as the herb itself.

Antiseptic: It is regarded as one of the strongest antiseptic oils and is very effective in preventing infectious and contagious diseases (14). Valnet (7) found that Cinnamomum zeylanicum kills typhoid at a dose of 1 part in 300. According to the work of Deininger as well as Franchomme and Pénoël (5), cinnamon bark oil is effective against 98% of all pathogenic gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria. This is mainly attributed to the cinnamic aldehyde content, and the small amounts of eugenol, in cinnamon bark oil. Even the vapour of cinnamon oil had a strong affect against 5/5 bacteria (18). Therefore, it is helpful in intestinal infections (cholera, typhoid fever) (7) cystitis and urinary tract infections (5).

Antifungal: It is also effective against yeasts, candida (albicans, tropical, pseudo-tropical) and fungi, including aspergillus, thereby preventing aflatoxin production (5).
Cinnamon leaf oil was effective against 3/3 fungi and cinnamon (type unspecified) was very effective against 18/18 fungi including Trichophyton mentagrophytes (18).

Antispasmodic and Carminative: It calms spasm of the digestive tract, colitis, asthenia (loss of tone), dyspepsia, and flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting (7,13,14). Mailhebiau (11) suggests that cinnamon bark oil resorbs flatulence and regularises bowel movements. He states that it increases peristalsis in cases of constipation and reduces it if there is diarrhoea or dysentery. It may also ease muscular spasm and painful rheumatic joints (13,14).

Aphrodisiac: It improves sexual function, increases sexual desire (4) and is effective in cases of impotence (4,7,13). Apparently the oil is reported to act as a sexual stimulant to the female upon inhalation (10).

Astringent: It has a mild astringent effect on the skin tightening loose tissues (7,13).

Emmenagogue: It helps regulate scanty menstrual periods (7,13). It has sometimes been considered an abortifacient (7). Cinnamon powder has been suggested for use in women to bring on menstruation, if not pregnant, and after delivery (post-pregnancy) (1).

Stimulant: It eases colds through its very warming action by slightly raising body temperature, indicated for influenza (7,13,14). In Ayurvedic tradition it is said that it is very supportive of the heart, because it enhances circulation (4). It has been found to be a strong stimulant of the glandular system indicating its use in easing period pain (13). Cinnamon bark is especially stimulating to the mind and is excellent when one is tired and requires concentration and focus (8). As a respiratory stimulant it eases breathing difficulties and restores the senses during fainting fits (13,7). As an inhalation it is excellent for exhaustion, feelings of depression, debility and weakness (14,7,11,13).

Stomachic: It stimulates the secretion of gastric juices i.e. digestive stimulant (7,13,14). Whole cinnamon (powdered form) also acts as a digestive aid and its been suggested that the herb helps break down fats in your digestive system, possibly by boosting the activity of some digestive enzymes (1).

Tonic: Cinnamon oil (type unspecified) has a tonic effect on the whole body and particularly on the circulatory system (13).

Vermifuge: It prevents fermentation in the intestines (5), effective against intestinal parasites (7) and fights amoebae and intestinal worms (11).

Parasiticide: It can be useful for parasites, scabies or lice (4,7). It has also been said to take the sting out of insect bites (13) and snake bites (7).

9. Uses in Aromatherapy
Cinnamon blends well with benzoin, clove, orange, frankincense, mandarin, ginger, lemon, rosemary, thyme and floral scents (2,6,14,13).

Cinnamon has rendered itself useful in a number of forms including a herb, an oil/essence, a hydrosol, tincture and infusion. Some of the many uses of cinnamon are listed below:

• Cinnamon oils have been used for several years in dental medicine, and as a germicidal in toothpaste (18).
• Cinnamon leaf oil is effective in clearing warts when applied neat (6,13).
• In a perfume blend a hint of cinnamon can be added to floral fragrances to add depth and interest to the blend. Too much however can upset the balance (6).
• As a vaporized oil cinnamon leaf oil helps clear the head, disperse unwanted smells and prevent the spread of infection. It is effective as an uplifting incense for meditation, yoga, etc…(10).
• Cinnamon oil may be used in pot pourris to scent linen and clothes (10).
• Cinnamon leaf oil can be used in massage blends, baths and compresses to help with constipation, sluggish digestion, gastric cramps, indigestion, flatulence, chills, rheumatism and nervous exhaustion or fatigue/debility (6).

Visit the viva-aroma website at http://www.viva-aroma.com.au.

Phone: +613 9346 7598
Fax: +613 9346 7712
Mail: P.O. Box 1072 Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia, 3039