HELLOooo flash back to Grandmas kitchen! Who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon wafting gently through the house? Visions of sugar cookies or even better… buttery cinnamon toast come to mind when I smell this wonderful spicy sweet scent. Want a better way to enjoy that smell without the calories? Not to mention reap the benefits that Cinnamon Leaf essential oil has to offer? Read on…
Cinnamon was imported to Egypt as early as 2000 BC, not to be confused with Cassia from China. Cinnamon has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The oil itself has strong anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and antiviral properties, which makes it extremely useful for enhancing ones immune system.
Wait a minute though. THAT label says Cinnamon LEAF. What the what? Let’s step out of the kitchen for a moment and into the laboratory. Pronounced Lah*BOAR*a*tory…cuz it’s just more fun that way.
Here’s the low down on Cinnamon bark vs Cinnamon leaf:
The signature spicy and sweet scent (imagine a warm scent, similar to Cinnamon Bark and Clove) of Cinnamon Leaf oil is caused by a compound called Cinnamaldehyde. If you are seeking a sweeter and spicier aroma out of the two, Cinnamon Bark oil is the more intense choice. It contains more Cinnamaldehyde than Cinnamon Leaf, giving it a stronger, more intense Cinnamon aroma. But we aren’t here for aroma, we want results.
Ok, then why Leaf instead of Bark for immune boosting? Well, I’ll tell ya…
Both oils also contain Eugenol as another of their main constituents (the compounds that make up an essential oil). Eugenol is know for it’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties (think Clove oil). Some studies show that Eugenol fights bacteria and inhibits the growth of many fungi, including Candida albicans, the pathogen responsible for most human yeast infections. The LEAF OIL has higher levels of Eugenol, which makes Cinnamon Leaf oil a valued antiseptic and pain-killer. No headache here, just simple facts.
So, because of it’s high Eugenol levels here are just EIGHT of the health benefits of this fantastic oil. We are just scratching the surface but it’s a great place to start:
- Decreases inflammation
- Increases circulation
- Fights viruses
- Fights free radicals
- Relieves depression
- Stimulates the immune system
- Stimulates libido (hello sweet and spicy!)
- Fights parasites
But wait… there’s more! Research has now proven that it is very effective in killing mosquito larvae and makes a great mosquito repellent. Let’s see my cinnamon toast do that! Plus, for someone like me who doesn’t love Citronella, this is a big bonus for my nose. AND Cinnamon Leaf oil has a 4-5 year shelf life! WOOT!
Mmm mmm good
As you can see there are many ways you can use Cinnamon Leaf essential oil to your benefit. Here’s a couple suggestions to get you started. Oh, you can do this in your kitchen, no need for a lahBOARatory. Mwwahahahaha…
For joint ache and pain relief combine Cinnamon Leaf with Clove Bud oil. Dilute in your favorite carrier oil at 0.5% and rub on sore joint area and/or soles of your feet. For instance: To make one teaspoon at 0.5% dilution merely measure 1 teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil (I like almond or grapeseed) and add 5 drops of oil (3 drops Cinnamon Leaf and 2 drops Clove Bud oil or just 5 drops Cinnamon Leaf).*
To combat seasonal illness threats, diffuse in the air (see your diffuser information for proper dilutions and diffusing times).
So have some calorie free fun with Cinnamon essential oil… ummmm see #7 <<wink wink>>
A quick and easy home cleaner recipe that smells as good as it cleans!
- 2 peels only Fresh Orange get some vit C & eat the orange
- 16-24 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
- 8 oz White Vinegar
- 8 oz Distilled Water it must be distilled to prevent bacteria from growing
- 1 pint Mason Jar I always use plastic lids when working with vinegar
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Peel your orange and place peels only into your Mason jar.
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Pour in white vinegar and distilled water.
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Add 16-24 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil
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Let sit covered in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks then strain into a spray bottle. If you would like a stronger Cinnamon smell once strained, add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to the liquid in the sprayer. Keep out of heat and light so it won't lose potency. It should last months!
Make no mistake, essential oils are powerful. They can be a great aid in your homestead if used correctly. Always do your homework and always make sure that the oils you choose to diffuse are safe for use around children. And just for fun, please see all our disclaimers here. Pregnant women should not use any kind of cinnamon oil.
*Be sure to dilute in a carrier oil, before you use as a topical treatment for pain. Never use an essential oil “neat” a.k.a undiluted.
Do you use a diffuser? What is your favorite essential oil to diffuse with?
Hello, thanks for the recipe for cinnamon orange cleaner. What is it’s purpose, what can you use it on to clean? Thank you.
Thank you for your comment! I like to use this cleaner on countertop surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen. It also works great for sinks and tub and shower surrounds. If you have a tough stain, I like to use a bit of baking soda, then spray on the cleaner, let it sit a bit, then come back and scrub and clean. Of course you can use different essential oils depending on the scent you like best!