Cinnamon Leaf MNB

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Hoja de canela

Botany and origins

Cinnamon is a bushy, evergreen tree up to 15 m. The bark and leaves are strongly aromatic. Three distinct essential oils (bark, leaf and root) are produced from the cinnamon tree.

The bark of young shoots is preferred. Once the bark is removed, it is dried and becomes the cinnamon quills of commerce. Commercial cinnamon bark is a dull brown, up to 5.5 mm thick, with thei nner surface somewhat darker and finely striated longitudinally. The finest quality has a delicate fragrance and tastes warm, sweet and pleasant. The presence of calcium oxalate cyrstals indicates low-quality bark.

The species name verum refers to ‘true’ cinnamon.

Cinnamon is often confused with Cinnamomum cassia, which is known as cassia. Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, India and South East Asia. It has been introducec the Seychelles, Zanzibar and Indonesia. Cinnamon produces the finest bark in sunny regions with an average temperature of 27-30 grade C.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

The leaves allow the plant to breathe. They also protect the plant from water loss and support photosynthesis.  We can use oils made from leaves to support respiration and deeper breathing. These oils can also protect us from infection.  They can help us breath when we feel stress and anxiety, while supporting expansion and creativity. Leaf oils can also support us when we get into over-thinking and need a calm, clear mind

Cinnnamon bark essential oil is obtained by steam or water distillation with cohobation. Cinnamon bark contains water-soluble volatine aromatic components, which can be recovered by extracting distillation water and adding the extract to waterdistilled oil. Cinnamon leaf essential oil is obtained by similar methods.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

General Properties

  • Essential oils containing a significant percentage of thymol or eugenol are the most powerful, stimulating, and anti-infectious agents found in Aromatherapy
  • Highly anti-infectious, strong immune stimulants stimulating to body systems
  • Very active anti-infectious agents, used in acute situations (use alcohols for long term infections). Thymol is used in inhalation mixtures for nasal congestion and colds, and in antiseptic mouthwashes.
  • Antioxidants. Carvacrol, thymol and eugenol are shown to be a potent antioxidant and radical scavenger.
  • Analgesic
  • Rubefacient, used to stimulate blood and oxygen circulation, creating warmth
  • Anti-inflammatory, used in conjunction with other, less harsh oils in a blend. 
  • Used in acute illnesses and infections to stimulate the immune system.
  • Oils rich in phenols are aggressive and strengthening.

Safety Concerns

  • They have significant safety concerns
  • They are very irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Must be used carefully
  • Should be diluted at no more than 1% (5-6 drops per ounce of carrier) and use along with skin nourishing oils.
  • Phenol rich oils should not be sued on people with skin issues such as dermatitis, or on babies or on children.
  • Oils high in eugenol, thymol or carvacrol inhibits platelet aggregation, and are not to be used by people with blood clotting disorders, by people taking anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin or Warfarin, or before surgery.
  • Suggested maximum topical use of eugenol is 0.5%. (2-3 drops per ounce of carrier).
  • In small doses eugenol can be liver-protective, however, in high concentrations, it is hepatotoxic and can cause tissue damage.
  • Phenol high oils are aggressive and active – just what you want for dealing with an infection.
  • They tend to have harsh aromas that match their harsh activity.
  • They don’t evaporate quickly, which means they have a stronger chance to penetrate (and irritate) the skin and mucous membranes. 
  • Phenols are reactive- they release their hydroxyl hydrogen and bind with other positively charged molecules, including the protein molecules of the skin, causing damage to the skin in the process.

Eugenol 78.21%

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticoagulant, anticonvulsant, antifungal (candida) antihistaminic, antithrombotic (agent is a drug that reduces the formation of blood clots (thrombi), antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, antiviral, hypotensive, liver protective, neuroprotective, vasodilator, calming

cinnamon-leaf

Bacterial and viral infections, parasitic infection, intestinal infection, fungal infection, respiratiory ifnection, fevers, coughs, flu, muscular injury, aches and pains, rheumatism, arthritis, cold limbs, general physical debility, exhaustion, fatigue, tired all the time.

Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antipruscent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, circulatory, depurative, immunostimulant, stimulant, tonic.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.

Antimicrobial : Cinnamon bark oil is regarded as one of the strongest antibacterial agents known, It is useful for treating viral infections and contagious diseases.

Digestive system: Cinnamon bark oil is regarded as an excellent gastrointestinal stimulant. It calms spasms of the digestive tract, and relieves conditions such as dyspepsia, colitis, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It stimulates secrations of gastric juices and is recommended for loss of appetite.

The strong antimicrobial properties of cinnamon bark and leaf oil are qute effective in cleansing the intestinal tract of pathogenic bacteria. The phenylpropanoid compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol act against the pathogenic bacteria and at the same time support the intestinal floral.

Nervous system: Both cinnamon bark and cinnamon leaf oils are very warming;therefore, they can be used to relieve aches and chills in the early stages of colds and flu, and the feeling of debility that often remains after the initial stage of a fever. The oil is also benficial during convalescence.

Valnet recommends using cinnamon oil for general debility, and for older people during the winter months as a tonic. It is recommended for people who are devitalised, emaciated and suffering from nevous depession

Actions commonly cited in aromatherapy: Anasthetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, cardiac, carminative, emmenagogue, haemostatic, insecticide, stimulant, stomachic, vermifuge.

Actions supported by clinical studies: Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, carminative, insecticide.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Anti-oxidant, analgesic, rubefacient (counter-irritant), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal (yeast).

Musculoskeletal (inflammation, pain), circulatory (poor peripheral circulation), skin (superficial infections), psyche (restorative, aphrodisiac).

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016

Uplfting, motivating. Promotes memory recollection.

It has been describied as a physical essence, which resotres a taste and vigour for life to the depressed, and the fire of courage to the belly of those who may have lost in the maze of melancholia.

Worwood states that cinnamon invites love from the higher realms into our heart. She explains that the warmth of cinnamon radiates through all space and time, transforming sorrow into love.

Zeck recommends using cinnamon bark oil when we are feeling emotionally withdrawn and living in a state of separation. She claims that cinnamon bark will bring warmth, energy and a sense of connection to the present moment.

One aspect of the spiritual journey is rememebering past experiences. Those memoories might be painful ones that are coming forward to be tended to and healed, or positive ones that hold forgotten, emotional gifts.

Cinnamon leaf helps in the recovery of memories, both pleasant and unplesant. It promotes theemotional strength and confidence neede to process them, and to inegrate them into our body, mind, heart, and spirit. This can hlep bring us to a place of wholeness and well-being. Cinnamon leaf also supports our intuitive abilities, opening our human capacity to skillfully access information from the non-matrial realms.

  • General: Strengthens, invigorates, and motivates.
  • 7th: Helps to strengthen our spiritual resolve.
  • 6th: Helps to strengthen and support the mind and, specifically intuition. Helps to recover memories.
  • 5th: Helps to strengthen our ability to verbally communicate. Promotes assertive communication.
  • 4th; Helps to strengthen the sensitive heart. Promotes generosity and selfessness.
  • 3rd: Promotes willpower, self-control, courage, and confidence. Encourages Perseverance and action. Appropriately strengthens personal power.
  • 2nd: Promotes emotional strength.
  • 1st: Grounds and strengthens. Promotes vitality.
  • When we want to access memories
  • When we want to heal and integrate memories.
  • When we need strength and confidence.
  • To be more assertive in our verbal communication.
  • When we are feeeling selfish.
  • When we feel low in energy.
  • When we want to accomplish a specific task
  • To support our intuitive abilites.

Worwood describes the cinnamon character as being a larger-than-life, likeable person. They are very practical, intelligent and have a strong personality. Whether male or female, they can be aggressive ; however, they like to trea all people as equal. They take life very seriously and do not like being criticised.

Peple percieve them as being in control of their life and that everything is running, smoothly even though this may not be the case. While a cinnamon personality may always put themselves first, they take theri home life seriously and will defend their family members at all cost.

They love competition. They believe that material wealth is important for their happiness. As a result, Worwood explains, they may often find themselves in jobs that are not really suited to their character. Although they may not be entrepreneurial, they are happy wehn they are self -employed in service-related businesses that are steady and always in demand.

Worwood also explains that they do like law and order. They consider themselves fair-minded and despise lawlessness, lying or cheating. However, they can be direct and forceful and too opinionated for their own good.

According to Myers-Briggs personality types, the cinnamon personality is likely to be an ESTJ. ESTJs love responsbility and control. They love to be in charge. They are good at making objective desicions. They love challenges and know how to get things done. They have an opinion for everything and are rarly at a loss for words. ESTJs like to spend their free time in ways that are productive. They are good at seeing what is illogical, inconsistent and impractical. They are willing to make sacrifices in order to honour their commitments. They tend to be workaholics and drive themselves and others very hard. They like to be involved in community service organisations and volunteer activities. They enjoy spending timewith thier friends and family.

It has been describied as a physical essence, which resotres a taste and vigour for life to the depressed, and the fire of courage to the belly of those who may have lost in the maze of melancholia.

Worwood states that cinnamon invites love from the higher realms into our heart. She explains that the warmth of cinnamon radiates through all space and time, transforming sorrow into love.

Zeck recommends using cinnamon bark oil when we are feeling emotionally withdrawn and living in a state of separation. She claims that cinnamon bark will bring warmth, energy and a sense of connection to the present moment.

In TCM, cinnamon bark oil is considered to be a hot and stimulating remedy. It will stimulate circulation, generate warmth, support the immune system, warm and invigorate the digestion and relieves pain.

According to the principles of the Five Elements, cinnamon bark oil is associated with the Fire Element; however, it can be used to manage excessive damp conditions associated with the Earth Element.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

One aspect of the spiritual journey is rememebering past experiences. Those memoories might be painful ones that are coming forward to be tended to and healed, or positive ones that hold forgotten, emotional gifts.

Cinnamon leaf helps in the recovery of memories, both pleasant and unplesant. It promotes theemotional strength and confidence neede to process them, and to inegrate them into our body, mind, heart, and spirit. This can hlep bring us to a place of wholeness and well-being. Cinnamon leaf also supports our intuitive abilities, opening our human capacity to skillfully access information from the non-matrial realms.

  • General: Strengthens, invigorates, and motivates.
  • 7th: Helps to strengthen our spiritual resolve.
  • 6th: Helps to strengthen and support the mind and, specifically intuition. Helps to recover memories.
  • 5th: Helps to strengthen our ability to verbally communicate. Promotes assertive communication.
  • 4th; Helps to strengthen the sensitive heart. Promotes generosity and selfessness.
  • 3rd: Promotes willpower, self-control, courage, and confidence. Encourages Perseverance and action. Appropriately strengthens personal power.
  • 2nd: Promotes emotional strength.
  • 1st: Grounds and strengthens. Promotes vitality.
  • When we want to access memories
  • When we want to heal and integrate memories.
  • When we need strength and confidence.
  • To be more assertive in our verbal communication.
  • When we are feeeling selfish.
  • When we feel low in energy.
  • When we want to accomplish a specific task
  • To support our intuitive abilities.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.
  • Kidney Yang deficiency with Shen weakness with low stamina, mental and physical fatigue, backache, weak knees and legs, low libido, fearfulness: Pine / Clove / Cinnamon
  • Large Intestine damp-cold with diarrhea, irregular bowel movement: Nutmeg / Myrrh, Cinnamon
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Worwood describes the cinnamon character as being a larger-than-life, likeable person. They are very practical, intelligent and have a strong personality. Whether male or female, they can be aggressive ; however, they like to trea all people as equal. They take life very seriously and do not like being criticised.

Peple percieve them as being in control of their life and that everything is running, smoothly even though this may not be the case. While a cinnamon personality may always put themselves first, they take theri home life seriously and will defend their family members at all cost.

They love competition. They believe that material wealth is important for their happiness. As a result, Worwood explains, they may often find themselves in jobs that are not really suited to their character. Although they may not be entrepreneurial, they are happy wehn they are self -employed in service-related businesses that are steady and always in demand.

Worwood also explains that they do like law and order. They consider themselves fair-minded and despise lawlessness, lying or cheating. However, they can be direct and forceful and too opinionated for their own good.

According to Myers-Briggs personality types, the cinnamon personality is likely to be an ESTJ. ESTJs love responsbility and control. They love to be in charge. They are good at making objective desicions. They love challenges and know how to get things done. They have an opinion for everything and are rarly at a loss for words. ESTJs like to spend their free time in ways that are productive. They are good at seeing what is illogical, inconsistent and impractical. They are willing to make sacrifices in order to honour their commitments. They tend to be workaholics and drive themselves and others very hard. They like to be involved in community service organisations and volunteer activities. They enjoy spending timewith thier friends and family.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Mojay, G. (2000). Aromatherapy for healing the spirit: Restoring emotional and mental balance with essential oils. Healing Arts Press.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Musculosketal: for inflammation and pain, and poor circulation, blend cinnamon leaf with non-irritant, anti-inflammatory oils such as geranium, lavender, basil, coriander seed, nutmeg, turmeric, myrrh, frankincense, mandarin, yuzu, orange blossom and rose absolutes, forse essential oil (ratio 1:9).

Skin: a lavender and cinnamon combination with a dominance of lavender may have synergistic activity against C. albicans; also additive activity against S. aureus, except when cinnamon is dominant (3:7) and synergy might be observed.

Psyche: for stress and feelings of discomfort and vulneratibility, combine with ylang ylang or rose, labdanum, vanilla absolute, cacao absolute.

Expanded practice: in ancient cultures, cinnamon was associated with power and wealth; it was considered to be both an panacea and an aphrodisiac. to replicate the early Arabic formula in the The Perfumed Garden of Sensual Delight, combine cinamon with cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, pepper and a floral oil such as rose (or carnation absolute if available)

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.

The following blends are best used in a vaporiser.

To create an invigorating, uplifting blend to alleviate fatigue and lethagy, consider blending cinnamon bark oil with essential oils such ginger, sweet orange, lemon or rosemary, tea tree or thyme.

Arctander describes the additoin of cinnamon bark to a perfume as follows:

The warmth and dry spiciness, the immediate sweetness and tremendous diffusive power induced by the addition of fractions of one percent of this oil in a perfume composition, is highly appreciated by certain perfumers.

In perfumery, cinnamon bark oil blends well with oriental-woody notes. It especially blends well with frankincense and other resins. Aftel describes spice oils such as cinnamon as a modifier for floral notes and givin definition to resins and softer notes. Cinnamon bark oil blens well with other spice oils such as cardamom, clove, nutmeg and pepper to give floral oils such as rose or jasmine abolute a rich warm deep floral intensity. However, Aftel warns us to use small doses as sinnamon can easily dominate a perfume.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

2 drops Nutmeg

1 drop Clove

2 drops Cinnamon

Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.

“The generic name is derived from the Arabic or Persian word mama via the Greek word amomum meaning spice. The prefix chini refers to its believed origins. “

Cinnamon has been used for several thousand years in Eastern and Western cultures in treating an extensive range of disorders.

In Ayurveda, the powdered bark is recommended for treating throat and mouth infections, urinary abladder diseases, haemorrhoids, womr infestation, rhinitis, sinusitis and heart disease. It is also used for treating, all thypes of poisons and toxins, dysentery, painful gastrointestinal disorders with indigestionk flatulence.

The oral use of cinnamon bark (essential oil, tea infusion or tincture) is approved by the German Commission E for loss of appetite and dyspepetic complaints such as mild, spastic conditions of gastrointestinal tract, bloating and flatulence.

Cinnamon has been traditionally sued for stomach cramps, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, infact colic and common infections, and for female reproductive problems such as dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, lactation and pain at childbirth. It is also commonly used as ingreditent in topical preparations for pain and inflammation.

The antidiabetic effects of cinnamon bark extract have been shown in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats. several studies have confirmed that herbal extracts of cinnamon bark not only lower blood glucose but also cholesterol levels. Several polyphenols isolated from cinnamon such as rutin, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin displayed insulin-like activity.

The approved traditional uses for cinnamon bark (as a herbal tea), liquid extract [1:1], or tinctufe [1:5] ) are for the symptomatic treatment of mild bloating and flatulence, and for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhoea. The essential oil in liquid dosage for oral use is approved for the same use as cinnamon bark as a herb.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Hazards : Drug interaction; may inhibit blood clotting; may contain safrole; skin sensitization (moderate risk); mucous membrane irritation (low risk).

Maximum dermal use level ( based on safrole content):

EU 1.0%

IFRA 1.0 %

Tisserand & Young 5.0 %

Maximum dermal use level (based on eugenol content):

EU no legal limit

IFRA 0.6 %

Tisserand & Young 0.6%

Our safety advise: We reccomend a dermal maximum of 0.6% based on 87% eugenol content with a limit of 0.5%

Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.

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