Cinnamon leaf oil is a versatile essential oil with applications in aromatherapy, medicine, food preservation, and pest control. It has warming properties that soothe sore muscles and increase blood circulation, and is known for its antibacterial properties. However, it can be a skin irritant and should be used in dilute concentrations.
Cinnamon Leaf Oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its applications in aromatherapy, as well as its many medicinal uses. The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the cinnamon tree, which produce a more delicate oil than cinnamon bark. Cinnamon leaf oil is a light to medium viscosity dark yellowish brown liquid. It exudes a musky aroma with strong spicy notes, followed by a lingering sweetness.
The oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy, because it is known to help invigorate the system and prevent nausea. A few drops of cinnamon leaf oil in a diffuser will greatly reduce feelings of exhaustion and tiredness, and will relieve headaches. The scent of cinnamon is also believed to enhance libido, making this essential oil a powerful aphrodisiac.
The medicinal uses of cinnamon leaf oil stem primarily from its warming properties. When mixed with massage oil, the warmth of cinnamon leaf oil easily penetrates the skin and soothes sore muscles. This same warmth provides relief for arthritis, colds, menstrual pain, and rheumatism. Blood circulation is also increased in the areas of the body where cinnamon essential oil is applied.
This essential oil is also known for its strong antibacterial properties. This quality is most commonly used to preserve food. Cinnamon leaf oil can also be evaporated to kill any airborne microbes, making it a popular choice for flu prevention.
More unconventional uses for cinnamon leaf oil include pest control and lip enhancement. The cinnamaldehyde, anethole and eugenol found in the oil are known to be very effective in killing mosquito larvae. However, more research is needed on the viability of oil as a pesticide on a large scale.
Some cosmetologists suggest mixing a few drops of cinnamon leaf oil with lip gloss. The oil will increase blood flow to the lips, as well as irritate the mucous membrane. The end result is fuller lips.
However, cinnamon leaf oil is a very strong irritant to the skin. When used in strong concentrations, applying the oil to the skin can cause redness, irritation, and a burning sensation. Also, pregnant women should not use cinnamon leaf oil, as the chemical compounds found in the oil can negatively affect the developing child. As such, use of the oil should be done only in very dilute concentrations or with the advice of a trained professional.
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