posted July 24, 2004 02:57 PM
As an aromatherapist and one who has had a long history with essential oils. I'd like to share my thoughts on the topic of Cinnamon Oil.Cinnamon Bark oil is often processed with Cinnamon Leaf oil. There is a profound difference in the two. Interesting isn't it same plant and all?
The bark contains mainly Cinnamaldehyde whilst the leaf resembles Clove bud oil in many ways containing Eugenol.
Cinnammon oil has a spasmoylic action in vitro, however it also has amazing antibacterial action too. Cinnammon leaf oil on it's own, in pure form has also tested very high in it's antifungal actions.
It is also a great antioxidant in food along with curry and other spices. Get that Indian cook book out guys and start baking those yummy cinnamon buns. Mmmm..... perhaps I could offer my services as quality control on those?
Of course Cinnamon oils have been used for years in dental medicine as a germocidal agent, and also as a treatment for dirrahoea. In soaps, shampoos and a million other things that contain Eugenol.
In aromatherapy it is often used for digestive disorders. However one must go to a very experienced therapist because it is also a very powerful skin irritant and must never be used when certain other conditions are present.
As a room fragrancer though it's fabulous blended with orange and cloves. I do that during the holidays and it smells wonderfully warm and festive. I also mix it and put it in gift baskets for friends and family. One year I decided to do something different and they all complained bitterly. Most charming I thought as it was a gift after all !
Anyway I won't ramble on, just some info to make sure you guys didn't run off and swallow a whole load, or decide to rub it all over before a hike in the woods.
Gia