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.
