This is an aphrodisiac known for thousands of years, a panacea for pain and skin problems

Cinnamon oil – what is worth knowing about it?

Cinnamon is an essential oil obtained from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a small tree belonging to the laurel family, grown in Ceylon, Madagascar and the Seychelles. is obtained by steam distilling the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. Its composition includes, among others, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamaldehyde, with strong disinfecting, bactericidal and fungicidal effects. They are also present in it flavonoids, tannins, fiber and iron. However, it should be borne in mind that cinnamon oil has a very intense effect and may cause irritation and allergies, so it should be used after dilution and an allergy test.

Cinnamon oil: its use

Cinnamon oil is used especially in: aromatherapy. This includes massages and baths, but also body compresses and inhalations. cinnamon can also be taken orally, it can be helpful in both painas well as supporting diabetes therapy (after consulting the attending physician), it is also used in oral hygiene. Cinnamon oil can also be used directly on parts of the skin affected by fungal infection. It is also used as additive to cleaning products, for air purification and in the cosmetics industry. cinnamon is worth having in your home medicine cabinet, but if you want to be sure of its effectiveness, choose a high-quality and one hundred percent natural product.

Cinnamon oil: product properties

It is worth knowing how broad the effects of cinnamon are. The properties of this substance are used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries and – above all – in aromatherapy. The use of cinnamon oil can have a beneficial effect on the human body and senses, as well as improve well-being. Cinnamon oil has the following effects:

• antiseptic: antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral
• anti-inflammatory – when applied to the skin, it causes local congestion, which accelerates the production of antibodies and thus supports the functioning of the immune system
• harmonizing the nervous system – reduces fatigue and nervous tension, improves well-being
• diastolic – causes a feeling of relaxing warmth, which reduces muscle tension and accelerates post-exercise regeneration
• painkillers – due to its warming, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, it can relieve migraine headaches and rheumatic joint pain
• stimulating the digestive tract – stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, improves digestion, relieves flatulence and diarrhea, inhibits the feeling of nausea and vomiting
• lowering blood sugar levels and increasing insulin activity – may be helpful in combating the symptoms of elevated glucose levels, as well as in type II diabetes
• improving metabolismwhich makes it recommended for people who want to reduce body weight and helps in the fight against cellulite
• stimulating the circulatory system – helps with permanently cold hands and feet, stimulates blood circulation and at the same time lowers blood pressure, and also regulates cholesterol levels
• warming – in case of cold or hypothermia, it is worth adding a few drops of the oil to the bath or rubbing the diluted oil on the chest and feet
• brain stimulating: increases concentration, supports learning and memory processes
• antioxidant.

Cinnamon oil – price, use and characteristics. How to make it? Illustrative photo istock / Anna-Ok

Cinnamon can also be used as an adjunct to treatment colds, runny nose, sinusitis or cough not only because of its warming properties, but also because it dilutes secretions and facilitates expectoration. The antiviral effect of cinnamon oil additionally cleanses the respiratory tract. It is especially recommended in the case of viral infections and respiratory ailments to use it for inhalation and to rub into the chest and back.

When used externally, cinnamon oil improves the health of the skin, especially oily and acne-prone skin. It not only soothes inflammation, but also moisturizes and nourishes the skin. It is important not to use it undiluted on the skin – it is worth adding a few drops to the base oil, e.g. argan or almond. You can also use cinnamon oil in scalp care, especially in the case of inflammation of hair follicles. A bit of oil mixed with olive oil and honey, massaged into the scalp and left for fifteen minutes (after the treatment, the hair should be washed with a delicate shampoo) will make the hair smooth, elastic, moisturized, nourished and shiny. Cinnamon oil is also used in toothpastes or chewing gumsbecause it eliminates Streptococcus mutans bacteria responsible for inflammation of the oral cavity, and also freshens breath.