This autumn, give cinnamon time to shine! It’s a major player in the delicious pumpkin spice we’ve grown to love, and it can stand on its own as a scent and seasoning packed with health benefits. Grab
cinnamon essential oil and you’ll be surprised at its many unique uses.
Cinnamon Essential Oil Benefits
Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant that can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and may help support healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.† It’s also been studied for its impressive
antibacterial properties.†
If you do invest in cinnamon essential oil, there are a few precautions to take. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before incorporating cinnamon oil into your routine. It may interfere with medications, especially if ingested. If you plan to ingest cinnamon oil, use a product made for ingesting and not a homemade formula. If you plan on using the oil on or around your skin, dilute it with a
carrier oil. Using a 1-to-10 ratio is a safe place to start. Cinnamon oil is strong and can cause burns.
There are two types of cinnamon oil: cinnamon leaf and cinnamon bark. While they’re similar, they have unique properties. Cinnamon leaf oil is higher in eugenol, making it best for analgesic uses. Cinnamon bark oil is higher in cinnamaldehyde, making it best used as an antimicrobial agent. Before buying one or the other, figure out which is best for your needs.
8 Unique Cinnamon Essential Oil Uses
1. Aromatherapy
Probably the most well-known way to use essential is adding it to a
diffuser. This spreads the warm, relaxing scent throughout your home. Use cinnamon oil on its own or combine with other oils for even more benefits. If you’re new to the practice, consult an
aromatherapy for beginners guide for more ideas.
2. Body oil
For a deeply moisturizing and smoothing body oil, mix one to two drops of cinnamon oil with 10 mL of
coconut or
olive oil. Massage this mixture over dry skin and watch it come back to life. Cinnamon leaf oil can also provide relief from mild aches and pains.
3. Lip plumper
Combining cinnamon and cassia oils creates a natural lip plumper. Add one drop of cinnamon oil for each tablespoon of
petroleum jelly or half a drop of cinnamon and half a drop of
cassia for a simple moisturizing lip plumper.
4. Mouth wash
The antibacterial properties of cinnamon can help with oral health. Make a simple mouth wash by adding six drops of oil to eight ounces of water and swish (don’t swallow!). Shake the mixture well before each use to break up the oil molecules as best as possible. For an even more powerful cleanser, use two drops clove oil, two drops peppermint oil and two drops cinnamon oil in eight ounces of water.
5. Hair growth stimulator
Add a drop of cinnamon oil to your pat of shampoo or conditioner right before lathering. This could help achieve fuller, healthier hair.
6. Linen spray
Get your sweaters and pillowcases in the fall spirit with this natural cinnamon-scented
linen spray. It’s also great for outdoor furniture and can double as an insect repellant.
7. Insect repellant
While cinnamon smells lovely to us, it can repel most bugs. Simply diffuse the oil or use the linen spray above as insect repellant.
8. Disinfectant
Capitalizing on the antibacterial powers of cinnamon, this natural disinfectant is easy to make and works on almost all surfaces. Shake together two teaspoons of cinnamon leaf oil into 24 ounces of
hydrogen peroxide or distilled water. Store in a spray bottle and start disinfecting!
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†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.