Cinnamon bark oil, derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, is celebrated for its rich, warm, and spicy aroma, making it a favorite in both aromatherapy and the flavoring of various culinary creations. Beyond its inviting scent and taste, cinnamon bark oil is prized for its potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It contains high levels of cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for most of its health benefits, including promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and aiding in metabolic function. However, due to its potency, it should be used with caution and diluted properly to avoid skin irritation.
Cinnamon leaf oil, extracted from the leaves of the Cinnamomum verum tree, is a versatile essential oil known for its distinct, spicy, and musky aroma. Less intense than cinnamon bark oil but equally aromatic, it is widely used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and as a flavoring agent. Rich in eugenol, cinnamon leaf oil offers notable antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for relieving muscle pains, improving digestion, and boosting immune health. Like its bark counterpart, it should be used with care, as it can be irritating to the skin if applied directly without adequate dilution.
Health Benefits
Above all the spices, True Cinnamon ranks number 1 in terms of its antioxidant content. It contains a range of protective antioxidants that reduce free radicals which are damaging your body, thus helps to slow down the aging process. It also helps limit nitric oxide buildup in the blood, and minimize the risk of brain disorders, cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Cinnamon is a good friend to your heart! Why? It reduces the 3 major threats to your heart, blood cholesterol level, triglycerides as well as high blood pressure. It also improves blood circulation and helps to regenerate cardiac tissues.
Research indicates that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, and keep blood sugar levels balanced. Patients with type-2 diabetes are highly benefitted by cinnamon as it can slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream.
Research shows that the antioxidants in Cinnamon can enhance brain function and protect the brain against the development of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Especially the substances in Cinnamon such as cinnemaldehyde and epicatectincan inhibit the accumulation of tau protein in the brain, minimizing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Owing to its rich content of antioxidants, Cinnamon can fight against DNA damage, cell mutation and cancerous tumor growth, especially in colon. Especially cinnamaldehyde, the key component of cinnamon bark oil has the ability to inhibit tumor growth and kill off cancer cells.
Thanks to its antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, cinnamon protects your skin from irritation, allergic reactions and bacterial infection. Research has proven that applying cinnamon essential oil on the skin can be helpful in reducing a variety of skin diseases such as inflammation, acne and allergies.