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Culinary

What is Cinnamon Essential Oil?

Diane Goettel
By
Updated Feb 08, 2024
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Cinnamon essential oil is a product made by steam distilling the leaves of the cinnamon plant. Essential oil distilled from the inner bark of the cinnamon plant — the part that is harvested to create cinnamon sticks and cinnamon powder — is considered too potent for use as an essential oil. When cinnamon essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the cinnamon plant, the resulting product ranges from golden yellow to brown in color and has a very strong earthy, spicy aroma. The product is used in perfumes, body products, and massage oil blends. Those who are looking for the health benefits of cinnamon usually opt to incorporate the spice into their diets instead of using the essential oil.

In aromatherapy, cinnamon essential oil is used to treat depression and stress. When it is incorporated into massage therapy, the essential oil can be used to treat poor circulation. One of the benefits of using cinnamon in essential oil is that the product is known to be anti-bacterial. As such, it can help to cleanse and disinfect the skin during the massage process. There are even some applications in which cinnamon essential oil is used to treat pimples, blemishes, and acne.

There are a number of massage oil blends and aromatherapy oil blends that incorporate cinnamon essential oil. These blends are used to treat the ailments and issues described above but can also be used as aphrodisiacs. As such, massage oil that is meant for use by couples sometimes incorporates cinnamon essential oil. Scented candles that are meant to create a romantic or sensual atmosphere are also sometimes blended with cinnamon essential oil and other oils that complement the fragrance.

Some women use cinnamon essential oil to help east menstrual cramps. Adding a few drops of the oil to a hot compress and applying the compress to the abdomen can help to assuage the cramps and ease pain in the abdomen. Similar applications are used to help treat gas, indigestion, and constipation. Before using cinnamon essential oil in topical treatments, it is wise to first do a patch test to make sure that the skin will not react poorly to the product. Simply apply a small drop of the oil or the product that includes the oil to the wrist or inner arm area, massage it into the skin, and check the skin for reactions over a 24-hour period.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Diane Goettel
By Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane Goettel serves as the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. Over the course, she has edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter “Sapling,” and The Adirondack Review. Diane holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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Discussion Comments

By SarahGen — On Dec 25, 2014

I use cinnamon essential oil as an insect repellent. I rub it on cracks in walls and windows where insects may crawl through. It also works great for ants.

Overall, it's a safe, cheap and easy way to keep insects away. And like someone else mentioned, it makes the house smell great. So I guess I'm also getting aromatherapy benefits out of it.

I would like to use cinnamon essential oil for other things too though. A friend mentioned cinnamon toothpicks and I think that's a great idea. I could dip toothpicks in food grade cinnamon oil and I bet I'd save a lot of money too. Cinnamon toothpicks tend to cost much more than regular ones.

By serenesurface — On Dec 24, 2014

@fify-- No, cinnamon essential oil cannot be used internally, and certainly not cinnamon bark essential oil.

Yes, there is cinnamon bark essential oil on the market. I have a small bottle. But the manufacturer says clearly on the label that it is not to be ingested. Even though the oil is pure, natural and therapeutic grade, it is too potent to use internally.

I use mine for aromatherapy. I put some in my diffuser and the whole house smells like cinnamon. It's wonderful.

By fify — On Dec 24, 2014

The article says that cinnamon essential oil made from the bark is too potent for use but I have seen cinnamon bark essential oil at online stores. A customer even said that she uses it in homemade toothpaste.

So clearly, some cinnamon bark essential oil is safe for use right?

Diane Goettel

Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane Goettel serves as the executive editor of Black...
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