Happy October!
Since I have declared October as Halloween month, I thought this month’s oil should be one that brings to mind all things fall – Cinnamon Bark!
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cinnamon Bark essential oil is steamed distilled using the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. It is a middle note that has a warm, sweet, and spicy aroma. Cinnamon Bark blends well with other spicy oils such as cardamom, clove, and ginger; as well as citrus oils, pine, vanilla, and some florals.
A bit of chemistry…
Cinnamon Bark essential oil is high in aldehydes. While most aldehydes are considered cooling, cinnamon bark’s main chemical component is (e)-cinnamaldehyde which is actually quite hot. It can have a burning effect on the skin and is not recommended for topical use.
*That’s not to say cinnamon cannot be used safely on the skin, because it can. For example, it is wonderful in perfume blends. But, as it has more safety concerns as other oils, I am not comfortable sharing recipes where I can’t monitor how they are being made and used. For this reason, this month will not include any topical recipes.
Physical Benefits:
- Supports immune health.
- Helps reduce bacterial, viral, and fungal activity, making it a great choice to ward off a cold or flu.
Emotional/Energetic Benefits:
- Uplifting.
- Increases self-confidence.
- Inspires feelings of courage.
Safety:
- Use with caution!
- Do not use during pregnancy or while breast feeding.
- Do not use with children under the age of 5.
- Use caution while diffusing. Do not diffuse by itself. May cause eye sensitivity in certain individuals.
- Not recommended for topical use.
Quick Use:
To cleanse and purify the air, add 1 drop of cinnamon bark oil, 3 drops of sweet orange oil, and 2 drops of lemon oil to your diffuser. This combination is especially helpful during cold and flu season! Bonus – it smells like autumn.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more about cinnamon and a month full of Halloween fun!!