With its warm and spicy aroma cinnamon essential oil recalls holidays, family warmth and serenity. This essential oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the bark of the cinnamon tree, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum of the Lauraceae family. Its main active ingredient is given by the substance called cinnamaldehyde, then followed by eugenol. These substances give the essence its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and blood flow stimulating properties (Rao et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2014). Cinnamon essential oil should never be used pure on the skin but always diluted in small doses, it should be avoided in pregnancy and in small children. Let’s see its uses and applications.
Cinnamon essential oil for face and body
Cinnamon essential oil is considered an aid in case of acne since it is antimicrobial and is active against different types of bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, which plays an important role in the development of this skin disease (Rao et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2014). Indeed, among the various essential oils tested, cinnamon showed the most effective action against Propionibacterium acnes, even in the most drug resistant cases (Veerasophon et al, J Adv Pharm Technol Res, 2020). Not only that, cinnamon oil is healing and antioxidant, promotes the formation of collagen, improves skin hydration and elasticity (Han et al, Phytother Res, 2017). You can add cinnamon essential oil to your cosmetics, such as serum oil or cream. The important thing, however, is to maintain a low concentration of this essential oil, the advice generally is a drop every 30-40 ml of product. Cinnamon essential oil, thanks to its action capable of stimulating blood circulation, is also useful against cellulite and the accumulation of toxins. You can perform on legs massages by adding 3 drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml of sweet almond oil.
Cinnamon essential oil for mood
Cinnamon essential oil, thanks to its cinnamaldehyde content, has an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety action (Sohrabi et al, Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2017). You can diffuse cinnamon essential oil in the room, perhaps combined with sweet orange essential oil, with a calming and soothing action.
Cinnamon essential oil for the health of the respiratory tract
Cinnamon essential oil has been shown to be effective in fighting different types of bacteria responsible for respiratory tract infections, such as Haemophilus influenzae, but also Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes (Inouye et al , J Infect Chemother, 2001). Not only that, cinnamon is antiviral and scientific studies have shown its ability to inhibit viruses such as H1N1, the influenza A strain (Brochot et al, Microbiologyopen, 2017). You can spread the essential oil of cinnamon in the room, combined with the essential oil of eucalyptus, capable of working in synergy with cinnamon and maximizing the antiviral action.
Cinnamon essential oil for oral health
Cinnamon essential oil is one of the essential oils with the most powerful action against the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, the main cause of tooth decay (Chaudhari et al, J Contemp Dent Pract, 2012). You can add 3 drops of cinnamon essential oil to a glass of water and rinse.
