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Cinnamon contains a number of significant antibacterial and antifungal properties.

In fact, cinnamon oil has been found to effectively kill E.coli.  This bacteria normally lives in the intestines of people and animals, and is found in contaminated foods and on surfaces.

A study carried out by doctors in a number of hospitals, has found that cinnamon oil kills various common hospital-type infections.  In fact, they found that cinnamon oil was just as effective as many of the antiseptics commonly used in hospitals.  Other studies showed similar results, with even low concentrations of cinnamon oil — 10 percent or less — being effective against E. coli, staphylococcus, and many other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

With studies showing how effective cinnamon oil is as a disinfectant, there is an opportunity for you to make your own disinfectant spray.  As it is plant based and completely non-toxic, it can be used on all surfaces, even cutting boards.  Further studies have also shown that cinnamon oil is great at keeping ants, mice and cockroaches away.

How to make your own spray:

Add 24 drops of Ceylon cinnamon oil to 1/2 cup water.  Put this mix in a 4 oz  glass bottle with an atomizer.  With the cap on shake vigorously to combine the oil and water.

To use:

Spray the area and leave on for 30 seconds before wiping clean with a damp cloth.

Be sure to shake the bottle before each use as the oil will tend to settle out.  For best shelf life keep it in a cool, dark space away from the sun.

Cinnamon has many uses in the home especially in cooking and spicing food. However, there is a more important use of cinnamon – it can be used as a form of alternative treatment for certain diseases. The type of cinnamon used for this purpose is cinnamon oil.

This essential oil, as modern researchers and scientists have found, contains powerful chemical substances that can help in killing bacteria and fungus. It can also be used to improve our health, our immune system and our brain functions.

There is now a growing awareness about the benefits we can get from cinnamon oil. As more knowledge regarding cinnamon is disseminated, the demand for this product will also grow. Most of the cinnamon oil on the market is produced from the bark of the cinnamon tree which grows in Sri Lanka, India and other tropical countries. The price of this commodity ranges from $3 to $130 per bottle, depending on the company and the quality of the oil. The fact that it is imported can help justify its rather expensive price.

It might interest you to know you can make cinnamon oil on your own using very simple methods. If you are low on cinnamon oil, you can just make it yourself and save money.

Some Ways You Can Make Cinnamon Oil
Here are some simple ways to make cinnamon oil. You don’t need to have any specials skills or tools and you will only need a few items.

Method 1
Items you will need: cinnamon sticks, a glass jar, preferably amber or green with a wide mouth and straight sides (for ease in straining out the substances), and olive oil.

Steps:
1 – Get enough cinnamon sticks and stuff them inside the glass jar. Fill up all the empty spaces if possible.
2 – Pour the olive oil inside the jar until all of the cinnamon sticks are entirely covered.
3 – Place the glass jar in a warm place such as your window. Secure it so it won’t topple over. Leave the jar for about three weeks.
4 – Shake the jar daily. This will release the cinnamon oil from the base oil.
5 – After three weeks, the oil from the cinnamon sticks will be completely released and will be formed as cinnamon oil. Using a piece of cheese cloth or similar material, strain the cinnamon oil. You can also use your fingers to pull out the cinnamon oil from the sticks.
6 – Put the cinnamon oil in an amber bottle and store it in a cool, dry place.

Method 2
Items you will need: pure virgin olive oil, ½ cup ground cinnamon, cooking pan and gas stove or similar appliance.

Steps:
1 – Heat enough olive oil in a large sauté pan using medium-high heat.
2 – Add cinnamon and stir to mix with the olive oil.
3 – Simmer for about 3 minutes.
4 – Set aside and let it cool.
5  – After the liquid has cooled enough, strain the cinnamon oil using a fine-mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter.
6 – Pour the strained cinnamon oil into a sterilized airtight jar or bottle.
7 – Store the cinnamon oil in a cool, dry and dark place for at least one month.

If you don’t have virgin olive oil, you can substitute safflower oil.

Method 3
This method is used for making cinnamon scented oils which have a good scent and will help you relax when you inhale it. The items you will need are: cinnamon extract, dipropylene glycol, water and a clean bottle.

Steps:
1 – Measure 3 ounces of cinnamon extract and 3 ounces of dipropylene glycol.
2 – Mix the two together thoroughly in a clean bottle.
3 – Cover the bottle tightly with its cap and shake it well to obtain the scented mix.
4 – Measure 1 ½ ounces of the scented oil mix and dilute it with water. This will soften the strong scent of the oil mix.

Be careful not to get skin contact with the raw scented oil. If your skin is sensitive, it can cause some skin problems.

The best part of cinnamon is its unique taste. It can transform bland food into fine cuisine. Its sweet scent and aromatic taste can transform an ordinary recipe into fine food served in fine restaurants. This is all through the courtesy of cinnamon’s superb taste and smell.

It would be wonderful if you could always have this distinct quality whenever you need it. Unfortunately, as all natural spices do, cinnamon also looses its taste and aroma over time. It is therefore necessary to find ways to store cinnamon so that its fine qualities will be preserved.

Selecting The Right Type Of Cinnamon
A substandard product, no matter how well you take care of it, will easily deteriorate. Therefore the first step in storing your cinnamon is to select high quality cinnamon products. Smell the scent of the cinnamon that you are buying to see if it is fresh. Look for the distinctive sweet and fragrant smell of cinnamon. You should easily discern it and it would tell you if the cinnamon is fresh or not. Let your sense of smell guide you.

Although there are different forms of cinnamon sold in the market, the process by which they are produced are all the same. The barks are stripped from the cinnamon tree, then processed and dried. When dried it is rolled into long, thin quills called cinnamon sticks. These quills are about 30 inches long. Some of them are grounded into powder turning them into what we call cinnamon powder.

Buy Cinnamon Only In Small Amounts
Cinnamon, as with all other spices, is adversely affected by light, heat and oxygen. In this regard, it would be advisable to buy cinnamon only in reasonable amounts and not in very large quantities. All spices, including cinnamon, lose their flavor given enough time, whether they are bottled or dried. Therefore, have in stock only the amounts that you can consume within a reasonable period.

Cinnamon sticks tend to keep the aroma and taste of cinnamon longer than cinnamon powder. Ground cinnamon deteriorates faster in storage therefore don’t buy too much of it. Usually, cinnamon sticks lasts for a whole year, while cinnamon powder only lasts for six months or so.

How To Properly Store Cinnamon
After you have selected the right type and quantity of cinnamon, find the correct container that will completely seal in its freshness, aroma and taste. Cinnamon sticks are better kept in mason jars that can be tightly sealed – or in similar containers. Then put the container in a cool dark place, free from heat and direct sunlight. If you will buy cinnamon powder, it will probably be in a sealed container. So all you have to do is re-seal it every time you use it and store it in a cool, dark place.

You can also store it in your refrigerator to keep its freshness. But you have to smell it periodically to see if its freshness is still retained. If not, you need to discard it and buy a fresh supply.

Things You Need To Consider When Storing Cinnamon
You can assure the freshness of your cinnamon stock if you keep the following in mind:

• In storing cinnamon, a screw-cap container is better than a flip-top one. You can tighten the screw-cap but you can only open and close the flip-top one.
• Store cinnamon away from heat or any appliance that generates heat such as refrigerators, heaters, cooking ranges, etc. Heat, light and air will cause the aroma to evaporate hence losing its flavor.
• Don’t store cinnamon in damp and moisture prone places. It will cause the powder to cake and the sticks to be soggy. If your area has high humidity, ensure that your storage places and your storage containers are completely dry.
• Store your cinnamon in a cool, dark place, far from any light source, never near windows or under sunlight.

For Your Guidance
Below is a list of the average shelf life of spices, including cinnamon:

• Powdered spices – can last from 6 months to 2 years
• Leafy herbs – can last from 3 months to 2 years
• Whole spices – can last from 2 to 5 years
• Dehydrated vegetables – can last up to 6 months

Cinnamon is a substance derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree. The species of this tree ranges from 50 to 250 but the two main varieties are Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

The C. zeylanicum also known as Ceylon cinnamon is the source of its Latin name and is considered as the true cinnamon. It has a lighter color with a flavor that is sweeter and more sophisticated. The cinnamon tree grows up to 50 feet tall and is native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and the best trees grow along its shores near Colombo. But it also grows in India and other tropical countries such as Vietnam, Java and the West Indies.

A Short History Of Cinnamon
The use of cinnamon goes a long way back in history. It was used for flavoring in beverages and as a medicine in ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians also used cinnamon together with other spices in embalming their dead. During these times, cinnamon was regarded as more precious than gold. Records showed that Nero spent a whole year’s supply of cinnamon on the funeral pyre of his wife – to express his great loss.

Cinnamon as a spice was so highly prized that Sri Lanka was invaded by the Portuguese, whereby the King of Sri Lanka was forced to pay them 110,000 kilos of cinnamon annually just to maintain peace. In 1636, the Dutch captured Sri Lanka and established a system of cinnamon cultivation which persists up to the present. These days, our present supply of cinnamon in all forms comes from Sri Lanka, India and other tropical countries.

Taste And Color Of Cinnamon
You can get cinnamon in barks rolled into one another, sticks, powder and in liquid (oil) form. The barks are typically thin, with pale to dark brown color. Choose those with parchment-like appearance and pale color since they are of the best qualities. Cinnamon sticks and cinnamon powder are of the same brownish red color while cinnamon oil can go from pale yellow to brown. Cinnamon has a sweet and fragrant odor and its taste is warm and aromatic. It is somewhat peppery but not as hot as pepper, with a hotness scale of only 3.

Why Cinnamon Is Valuable
Cinnamon is highly valued for its taste, sweet scent and medicinal properties. The taste and scent of cinnamon was so highly valued in ancient times that its source was kept secret by its traders in order to monopolize its supply and marketing. These days, cinnamon’s value in the medical field is gaining recognition. It has been recently found by modern research that cinnamon can be an effective treatment for many diseases. The chemical substances contained in cinnamon can be used as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents. Its antiseptic properties are valuable for commercial operations like the cosmetic and food industries.

Modern Uses Of Cinnamon
These days, cinnamon is not just used for food flavoring and perfume making but more importantly as a form of treatment for certain diseases. The anti-microbial qualities of cinnamon are so effective that many medical practitioners are already using it to treat a number of diseases. It is used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent because it contains substances that inhibit the release of certain acids in the body that cause inflammation. Cinnamon is also used to help those who are suffering from Type 2 diabetes because it stimulates insulin receptors and inhibits the enzyme that inactivates them. It is also used to treat those with fungal and bacterial infections.

How You Can Benefit From Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a natural substance therefore taking a reasonable amount of it to improve your health will not pose any adverse side effects. Recent studies have shown that an intake of one-half cinnamon every day may help reduce your blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels to as much as 20%. Chewing a small amount of powdered cinnamon can also help relieve you of coughs and colds. It is even recommended for those who are suffering from indigestion and loss of appetite. These are only some of the benefits you can get from cinnamon. But they are enough to show how valuable this substance is.

Although more popularly known as a food spice, cinnamon oil is also used extensively for the treatment of a number of diseases. It contains powerful substances that can kill bacteria and fungus. It is also proven to inhibit certain types of cancer cells.

This essential oil has medicinal properties because of the chemical substances it contains. The main component of cinnamon oil is cinnamaldehyde, which comprises 60% of the substance. The rest of the components are phenols and terpenes, like trans-cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, coumarins, eugenol, hydroxycinamaldehyde, O-methoxycinnamaldehyde, procyanidins, tannins and a-glucoside.

With this potent combination of chemicals, it is no wonder that cinnamon oil can be used in the treatment of a wide array of diseases. There is research that showed cinnamon oil can be used as an analgesic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. It can treat digestive disorders, chronic diarrhea, colds, rheumatism, hypertension, kidney disorders, chest pain and many more. It can even help improve the conditions of women with reproductive disorders. Cinnamon oil indeed contains powerful substances that we can use to improve our health. Yet, these same substances can do us harm if we take cinnamon oil in excessive amounts.

Unwanted Side Effects Of Cinnamon Oil
Since cinnamon oil is a natural product, it can be considered as a food and not a medicine. As such, it should not give us any negative effects if taken in the right amounts. Because cinnamon is not harmful, people tend to take more of it than what is required. Still, cinnamon oil is only toxic when taken in large doses. There are also individuals who can experience adverse side effects when taking cinnamon oil due to their highly sensitive systems. This does not affect every single person but only those who have medical conditions which result in them having highly sensitive immune and body systems.

Here are some side effects that you should be aware of:

• Allergic reactions – highly sensitive people can develop allergic reactions when cinnamon oil is taken. It shows as skin irritation such as itching and rashes spreading on the body.
• Burning sensation and pain – people who have ulcers in the mouth will feel a burning sensation and pain right after consuming cinnamon oil.
• Increased heart rate – for highly sensitive individuals. In relation to these, they can also experience dyspnea.
• Stomach irritation – cinnamon oil can irritate your digestive tract. You may experience nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea. This may result immediately after taking cinnamon oil, but will subside thereafter. If the problem persists, seek the advice of a medical professional.
• Breathing problems – if you are a highly sensitive person, your respiratory tract may be irritated by cinnamon oil. You can experience shortness of breath, chest pains and wheezing. Seek the help of a medical provider. Lack of intervention may cause loss of consciousness.
• Adverse drug interactions – if you are taking certain medications and you take cinnamon oil, it may result in adverse drug interactions. You may experience dizziness, headache, fatigue and hunger.

Most of the above side effects have no long term effects and will vanish given sufficient time. You should however stop consuming cinnamon oil in excessive amounts or the consequences may be very unpleasant and can have long term effects.

For people who have existing medical conditions and highly sensitive immune systems, here are some of the more serious side effects of cinnamon oil.

• Shutdown of the kidneys – a person with kidney problems can experience this if he consumes excessive amounts of cinnamon oil.
• Uncontrolled bleeding – cinnamon oil has anti-clotting properties, therefore, for persons who are taking blood thinners, taking cinnamon oil is prohibited. It may result in excessive bleeding.

What Is The Toxic Level Of Cinnamon Oil?
Cinnamon oil is classified as a food therefore consuming it in right amount shouldn’t give you any problems. However, it can be toxic to your system if you take it in large doses. There are reports which say that it is unsafe to have 0.7 mg/kg levels of cinnamaldehyde in the blood. This substance is the main component of cinnamon oil. Large doses of cinnamon oil, in the range of ½ to 1 ounce daily should be used with caution and only with the approval of your doctor. If you experience any adverse effects, stop taking cinnamon oil at once and consult your medical provider.

In view of all this information, it is also good to consider that cinnamon oil’s benefits far outweigh its adverse side effects. If you take the necessary precautions, you shouldn’t experience any adverse side effects at all.

Discover How Cinnamon Can Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Cinnamon has a very long history going back to biblical times, when it was used in rituals and ceremonies as an anointing oil. It has a pungent and spicy taste. Back then only the privileged were able to use it because of its very high cost. The true cinnamon spice, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, comes from Sri Lanka. There is another cinnamon, which is called Cinnamomum cassia, but it is thought to be inferior to true cinnamon.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon
This spice is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tropical evergreen tree. It is now available to us in dried tubular form (quills or sticks), powdered, liquid (oil) and in extract form. Because of the many studies that have validated its medicinal capabilities, cinnamon is now being used as an alternative treatment for diarrhea, stomach disorders and nausea. It can also improve brain function and circulation. It can also increase energy and vitality. But most recently, it was found to help those afflicted with diabetes.

Studies on Cinnamon and Diabetes
There are scientific studies that show that cinnamon’s insulin-like properties enable it to reduce blood glucose levels, as well as cholesterol and triglycerides. These are vital in treating patients with Type 2 diabetes. They found that cinnamon contains polyphenols, active ingredients that can boost the levels of three key proteins. These proteins promot the normal processes of insulin signaling, efficient glucose transportation and healthy inflammatory response.

The test was conducted in Pakistan over a period of 40 days, involving 60 volunteers with type 2 diabetes. They were divided into six groups, with 10 people in each group. Three groups were given one, three, or six grams of cinnamon powder in capsules three times a day after meals. The other three groups were the control groups and were only given placebos. After a few weeks, those in the cinnamon group showed blood sugar levels 20% lower (on the average) than those of the control group. In some of the cases, the blood sugar levels even returned to normal. But their blood sugar levels started to increase again when the cinnamon capsule treatment were withdrawn.

The results of the tests convinced the scientists that taking cinnamon, even as little as 1 gram per day,will benefit people afflicted with Type 2 diabetes. In addition, they have also proved that cinnamon can also lower levels of bad cholesterol and fat. This is corroborated by a report published in New Scientist, in August 2000,which stated that the ability of fat cells to respond to insulin improved when cinnamon is taken. In addition, the glucose uptake of the cells also increased immensely.

This was made possible because of an active ingredient of cinnamon, a water-soluble polyphenol called methyl hydroxyl chalcone polymer (MHCP). This chemical compound showed its ability to mimic insulin’s capacity to activate the insulin receptors and enhance the positive effects of insulin on resistant cells.

Cinnamon Is Safe for Diabetes
Cinnamon is basically a food substance and not a drug,therefore it is safe for normal use. Different scientific tests have already proven its worth for diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2 diabetes. However, since this substance can lower blood sugar levels, take the necessary precaution if you are also using supplements or medicine that lower blood sugar levels. It is always wise to seek the counsel of your medical provider before taking cinnamon while taking other supplements. Also a word of caution to those who have liver problems aside from being diabetic: increased amounts of cinnamon in your system may further damage your liver. Again, it is better to seek your doctor’s approval first.

Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes. It accounts for about 85% of diabetics. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin – the hormone which signals the body to remove excess glucose in the bloodstream. However, in conventional insulin treatments, the cells that remove glucose from the blood usually become resistant to the effects of insulin – resulting in higher blood sugar levels. Since cinnamon is a natural substance, it does not weaken these cells but makes them even more effective.

Using Cinnamon in Lowering your Blood Sugar Level
A study conducted by the Department of Human Nutrition showed that the consumption of cinnamon can lower blood sugar from 18% to 29% for those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. But since most physicians have not acknowledged cinnamon as an effective treatment for diabetes, if you think you would like to try this substance, do consult your doctor to make sure that your blood sugar level does not go way below safe levels.

Here are some basic ways of using cinnamon for lowering your blood sugar level:

1)   Always use fresh cinnamon. It can be bought from your local health food store or your local grocery. There is traditional cinnamon powder, but there are also cinnamon capsules or pills which are more convenient to take. If you prefer cinnamon sticks, be sure that their aroma is still strong and sweet.
2)   Taking cinnamon powder is very simple. You can add it to your cereal, coffee, tea or toast. You can control your blood glucose levels by taking between ¼ and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day, as several studies suggest. If you are taking cinnamon capsule supplements, consume the amount as directed by your doctor, or as indicated on the bottle.
3)   Take your prescribed dosage of cinnamon every day and continue monitoring your blood glucose levels. Stop taking it when your blood sugar levels get too low.

Using cinnamon is a very cost-effective way of treating health problems related to high blood glucose levels, such as type 2 diabetes. If you are diagnosed as having high blood sugar levels, you can use cinnamon to bring your sugar levels back to normal. It is available in many forms at your local health store and grocery. To be safe, seek the counsel of your doctor before taking it in place of, or in addition to, your current treatment.

The long history of cinnamon oil bears the fact that it is indeed very useful to man. Cinnamon was mentioned in many ancient texts dating as far back as 4,000 years ago as an important ingredient in making incense and perfumes.

It was also used in ancient China as early as 2,800 B.C. for culinary and medicinal purposes. Moses, in the Old Testament of the Hebrew Bible prescribed it for use in anointing, and a writer in Proverbs described its use as a perfume. Recent scientific research has revealed that cinnamon oil offers many health benefits and can be used to treat many ailments that plague the common man.

Where Does Cinnamon Oil Come From?
Cinnamon oil is the essential oil extracted from the bark and leaves of the cinnamon tree. This tree is indigenous to Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka but is now grown in many tropical countries around the world. The essential oil from the bark of the tree is prized more than the oil from the leaves because it is much more potent and effective. Cinnamon bark oil is extracted by first buffeting and pounding the bark and soaking it in sea water, then distilling the liquid immediately. The same process is done with the leaves in order to extract the oil.

What’s So Important About Cinnamon?
Cinnamon oil was able to establish its reputation as a very beneficial substance because it contains different active agents which can be put to use in many ways. The chemical components of this essential oil include linalool, eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, methyl chavicol and its signature chemical cinnamaldehyde. The cinnamaldehyde content is about 60% of the oil and is the reason for its aromatic scent. Apart from the aforementioned substances, cinnamon oil also contains ethyly cinnamate, anethole and cinnamyl acetate. The precise combination of these substances in cinnamon oil enables it to be used for medicinal as well as culinary applications.

Where Cinnamon Oil Can Be Used
With all these active components in cinnamon oil, it is only natural for it to be used in many different ways. Below are some of the practical uses of this powerful substance.

1) Medicinal Applications

• • As a strong and effective anti-bacterial agent and anti-cancer agent – cinnamon oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. A research study published in “Food and Chemical Toxology” in November 2010 identified nine active agents in cinnamon oil. The essential oil effectively hindered the activities of 21 species of bacteria and 4 Candida fungus species. Cinnamon oil also showed that it has direct toxic effects and encouraged the apoptosis or programmed cell deaths of cancer cells in tissue cultures. This research study demonstrated the capability of cinnamon oil in the prevention and cure of some infections and some types of cancer.
  • As an anti-inflammatory agent – a research study also showed the ability of cinnamon oil to prevent or reduce inflammation. The study showed the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon oil extracted from the leaves of the plant where the extract inhibited nitric oxide, the chemical substance that triggers inflammation. The essential oil also inhibited lipid oxidation and the immune system activity associated with atherogenic plaque formation. The study concluded that cinnamon oil has significant anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
  • As an acne treatment – cinnamon oil was shown to be the best anti-bacterial substance that can inhibit P. acnes – the bacteria that causes acne. This was published in the April 2010 issue of “Molecules”, a medical journal. At 5% concentration of cinnamon oil, all the P. acnes bacterial were killed in a span of 5 minutes. In addition, this study also showed that cinnamon oil has more toxicity to human prostate cancer cells than breast or lung cancer cells.
  • As a diabetes treatment – cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and can be very effective as part of a diabetes treatment plan.

2) Practical Uses in the Home

• • As a room freshener – the aromatic scent of cinnamon oil can be effective as an air-freshener. Place a few drops of this oil in a bowl and place the bowl on your coffee table to achieve the desired effect.
  • As a room spray – mix a few drops of cinnamon oil with water or vodka and put it in a spray mist. Spray it in the room where you want to dispel any strong odor.
  • Light bulb diffuser – by placing a drop of cinnamon oil on your light bulbs, every time you put the lights on, the aroma of cinnamon will be gently diffused in the room.
  • As a treatment for respiratory problems – you can use small amounts of cinnamon diluted in water as a relief from colds, flu, influenza and other respiratory problems.
  • As a treatment for digestive problems – a small amount of cinnamon oil diluted in water will also help solve your digestive disorders and diarrhea

Cinnamon oil is well known as a good food additive. It is now also becoming popular as a good health supplement and a substance that can be used for healing and medicine.

This oil has been used for thousands of years and has continued to be very valuable and useful to us today. It is not just tasteful, but it also contains many substances that can give us many health benefits. There is no doubt that there are many benefits of cinnamon oil that we can take advantage of. This is proven by the fact that it is used in making skin care products, soaps and detergents, and topical skin treatments. You can also find cinnamon oil as an ingredient in foods, perfumes, medicines, pest repellents, room fresheners, mouth washes and many more.

Substances Contained In Cinnamon Oil
There are three basic types of substance found in cinnamon oil. They are the active agents called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol. Aside from these three, there are still numerous volatile substances that the oil contains. Some of them are linalool, beta-caryophyllene, methyl chavicol and eugenol. This specific combination of substances can be of tremendous benefit to our health. This was proven over the many long years it has been used for both food and medicine.

Benefits We Can Get From Cinnamon Oil
Here are some specific benefits of using cinnamon oil:

• The scent of cinnamon oil can boost your brain function. Research done by D. P. Zoladz in 2004 revealed that smelling cinnamon or chewing gum flavored with it increased cognitive processing. The scores of the test participants significantly improved upon exposure to cinnamon odor. They were tested on virtual recognition memory, attentional processes, working memory and visual-motor speed while they were working on a computer-based program. They are now studying the effects of cinnamon oil to those who have diseases that lead to reduction in cognitive abilities.

• Research has also been conducted which showed that cinnamon may be of help in blood sugar control. The research showed that people with type 2 diabetes improved their capacity to respond to insulin. As a result, their blood sugar levels were normalized. Tests have also shown that there are substances in cinnamon that stimulates insulin receptors and at the same time inhibit an enzyme that deactivates them. This resulted in significantly increasing the ability of the cells to use glucose.

• Cinnamon prevents the clotting of blood. The effect of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon has been well-researched. It helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. During emergency situations, clumping of blood is necessary to prevent loss of blood. But in normal situations, it will result in an insufficient blood flow. Cinnamon has the capacity to prevent clumping of blood under normal conditions.

• Cinnamon can improve colon health and prevent heart disease. Cinnamon contains dietary fiber, calcium, iron and traces of the mineral manganese. This specific combination of substances aids in the lowering of high cholesterol levels, thus helping prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease. The fiber content of cinnamon can help those suffering from constipation and diarrhea.

• Cinnamon can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Cinnamon can inhibit the release of archidonic acid, an inflammatory acid from platelet membranes. As such, cinnamon will reduce inflammation and can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• Cinnamon can be used to fight pathogens. There are studies which proved the ability of cinnamon oil to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi, including the yeast candida. Some studies showed that yeasts that resisted fluconazole, an anti-fungal medication were eradicated by cinnamon oil.

This essential oil is therefore effective in preserving food and can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives.

• If you have indigestion and similar digestive problems, taking cinnamon oil will alleviate these conditions.

• Cinnamon can also help those who are suffering from colds, sore throat, influenza and other respiratory problems.

• Nursing mothers can also benefit from cinnamon. It induces secretion of breast milk.

• Couples can also benefit from cinnamon if they want to control their pregnancy. If you regularly consume cinnamon oil after birth, it will delay your menstruation thereby avoiding conception.

Cinnamon can help clear the skin conditions of those suffering from pimples.  The reason is that cinnamon is effective in blood purification.

When 26 spices were tested for antioxidant activity, cinnamon showed the highest activity, even higher than garlic and oregano.  This means that cinnamon is great to boost your immunity.

There are many more benefits of cinnamon oil that we can take advantage of. But being a very potent substance, you should take it judiciously starting with small amounts. This is more important when applying it topically. Avoid using it in concentrated form because you may suffer skin irritations and allergies.

Cinnamon oil comes from the bark and leaves of the cinnamon tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum. This tree originated in Asian countries such as Sri Lanka and India. Now, it can be found in many tropical countries around the world.

This essential oil has a bright golden brown color with a taste that is somewhat spicy and peppery. The oil extracted from the bark is preferred over the oil derived from the leaves and is usually more expensive. It has a much richer and stronger aroma than cinnamon powder or cinnamon sticks. The essential oil is extracted by way of steam distillation.

How Cinnamon Oil Is Produced

The bark of the cinnamon tree contains about 0.5% to 1% cinnamon oil. This oil is extracted by pounding the brown bark of the plant. The bark is softened and broken down further by sea water and immediately distilling the extract. The oil extracted in the process contains cinnamaldehyde or aldehyde of up to 60%, thus making it aromatic. It is this bark oil that is more in demand because of it’s effectiveness in terms of its healing abilities. Yet it is the leaves of the plant which contains more of the oil, at about 1.6% to 1.8%.

When the oil is extracted from it’s source, it acquires a sweet scent and has a color that ranges from yellow to brown. In this form, cinnamon oil contains many chemical substances like linalool, eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, methyl chavicol and cinnamaldehyde. This mixture of substances makes cinnamon oil a potent agent that possesses many healing properties. It has acquired a good reputation as a cooking ingredient and a valuable health supplement.

Long History Of Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon has been used for more than 4,000 years, as proven by the records from ancient Egypt and China. It was mentioned in the Bible in the book of Psalms and Song of Solomon. This oil was regarded as a valuable substance that commanded a high price. It was so expensive then that the traders kept their source hidden to ensure the monopoly of the oil.

Cinnamon Oil Uses

Cinnamon can be used in various ways. It is generally used for food and medicine. It can be used in the following ways:

• It can be used as an anti-fungal and anti-skin disease agent. The substance cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon oil makes it act as an antifungal and the element diterpenes enables it to act like an antihistamine. If you have candidiasis, drinking one cup of water mixed with one drop of this oil will treat the disease.
• Cinnamon oil is known to have a warming effect therefore it can alleviate your rheumatic and joint pains.
• You can use cinnamon oil derived from the bark for killing harmful bacteria. Mixing it with your food will not only add flavor to it but will also kill the infectious germs inside your body.
•  Cinnamon oil can be used as a food preservative. If you add it to your food in diluted amounts, it will preserve its freshness because it works like a preservative and an anti-oxidant.
•  You can use cinnamon oil in controlling the spread of mosquitoes in your area. Dilute a small amount of cinnamon oil in water and sprinkle it around your house or bodies of stagnant water where you think mosquitoes hide and it will destroy their larvae.
•  Cinnamon oil will also deter mosquitoes from attacking you. Just dab a small amount of cinnamon oil in your body lotion or dilute the oil in water and use it for washing your clothes. Mosquitoes will stay away from you because of the cinnamaldehyde content of the oil which can kill them.
• You can also use it as massage oil if mixed with patchouli oil at a ratio of 1:50. It acts as a skin astringent and can improve your blood circulation.
• Cinnamon oil can be used as aromatherapy oil. It helps relieves stress and depression. It can improve your mental functions by soothing your mind and inducing sound sleep.
• You can also use cinnamon oil to treat your diarrhea and flatulence. It helps to normalize your digestive patterns.
• Use cinnamon oil with your hot compress and your menstrual spasms will be minimized.

Considerations When Using Cinnamon Oil

You must not use cinnamon oil topically in concentrated form or you may experience skin irritations. Always dilute it with water or other essential oils before applying it in your skin. Before applying it to larger skin areas, test it first in small amounts to determine if you have any allergic reaction. If you use it in excess you may suffer headaches or diarrhea. To be safe, check with your health provider before using it for treatment.