Cinnamon Leaf Uses

These essential oils sound very similar, yet the leaf version is considered less toxic than the bark version. For any aromatherapy purposes, always use the less harsh Cinnamon Leaf oil.

The cinnamon powder that you use for cooking is from the inner bark of the tree. This bark is peeled and rolled and left to dry, and it is this that gets ground into a powder. You can make the powder yourself with a cinnamon bark roll that is usually found in supermarkets. Cinnamon is grown in India, Sri Lanka, the Comoros, the Seychelles and Madagascar. The use of Cinnamon is recorded from the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and highly valued in India and China.

The cinnamon leaf uses and properties include being a stimulant to a slow digestion, relieve flatulence and spasms and combat intestinal infection. Respiratory and circulatory stimulus is reported as well as aiding rheumatic problems and chest infections.

This aromatic oil also boosts the immune system against colds and infections and it has anti-septic and anti-microbial properties. This essential oil is a natural remedy for head lice, scabies and other skin infections.

Mentally, cinnamon is known to relieve mental fatigue, improve concentration, relieve nervous exhaustion and help to lift depression. Cinnamon is now being reported to be an aid in reducing diabetic symptoms.

Cinnamon Leaf essential oil can be harsh too, although not as harsh as the bark oil, and can cause skin irritation, even in low concentrations. Because of the natural strength of this oil, when making any essential oil blends and when blending with carrier oils, don't exceed 1%.

Cinnamon is a great room freshener. You can add a cinnamon stick to a simmering pot, along with orange (essential oil or dried peel) and basil, for a blend reputed to refresh the mind and soothe the nerves.

When using cinnamon essential oil to scent soap, you don't need a lot to make a good strong scent. We made a Christmas Spice, aka Orange Spice, soap that was very popular. It was a blend of cinnamon, cloves and sweet orange essential oils. It was tinted orange (for the orange) and with a medium brown swirl (representing the cinnamon and cloves).

Cinnamon leaf uses include being an anti-fungal, check out these other anti-fungal essential oils here.

And here are some free home care recipes where you could use cinnamon.

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