If I close my eyes and smell cinnamon, I instantly think of fall and winter. I envision the leaves changing colors, then snow coming down on the ground. I can smell cinnamon rolls and gingerbread cookies baking. All of it makes me smile because I feel like a little kid again. Do ya feel me?
This is one reason I really love cinnamon essential oil. As much as I love cinnamon essential oil in my diffuser, there are some cautions you need to be aware of when using cinnamon. You need to be aware of that there are three types of cinnamon: bark, leaf, & cassia. Although the first two’s therapeutic properties are similar, their safety concerns are a little different. Since cassia isn’t ‘real’ cinnamon (it’s from the bark of a different tree), I’m going to focus on the first two.
Benefits of Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon is a great oil to have around in the wintertime. Not only does the aroma help bring about holiday cheer, but it also helps to keep you and your family healthy when diffused. Cinnamon is anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. Maybe there’s a good reason all kinds of wintertime goodies have cinnamon in them! I like to add it to my homemade elderberry syrup for it’s immune support properties and because it’s tasty.
Another reason cinnamon is great to have around in winter is for it’s warm and stimulating properties. It can help to decrease worry or anxiety and provide that homey feeling you sometimes need when the sun is going down sooner. Warming oils are great because they also help to improve blood flow. Just as warmer muscles have better circulation, the same falls true for when you use cinnamon essential oil (DILUTED!) on your skin.
Caution with Cinnamon
I feel it’s important that people know that, although essential oils are great and I use them almost everyday, they can be used incorrectly and cause harm. This isn’t to discourage you from using essential oils, but instead to encourage you to use them to their max potential without harm! Two amazing resources I use when researching oils are Plant Therapy and Using Essential Oils Safely. Both also refer to Robert Tisserand’s research and recommendations, a reputable aromatherapist.
So a big thing to consider if you have children is cinnamon essential oil is not safe for use around young children. It is a hot oil, so it can cause irritation to children’s sensitive skin more easily. This means, when diffused, it can also irritate their mucus membranes more easily. Children are not little adults. Their body’s are more sensitive to things as the same ‘dosage’ of one thing can build up more easily within their body and on their skin. Cinnamon can also irritate mucus membranes. This is why it’s important not to diffuse cinnamon until a child can verbalize that they’re feeling discomfort. Here is where you will find the two websites I mention about recommend different things. One says do not use until you know the child can voice concerns, the other says it’s safe around children but doesn’t specify an age.
Now let’s get into the safety concerns with the individual oils.
Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon Bark (cinnamomum verum) has a maximum dilution rate of 0.1%. Keep in mind this is the max and, if used regularly, should be lower. Since it’s a hot oil you’re more likely to experience skin irritation with it. Both cinnamons are best used in a diffuser, not on the skin. Sometimes, when you diffuse an oil alone such as cinnamon, it can also be overpowering and cause irritation. So try and diffuse in a blend. Because it is likely to cause irritation, it’s not recommended for those with sensitive skin.
Cinnamon bark is also NOT safe for pregnancy. When you inhale things they can cross over into your blood stream. Cinnamon bark is embryotoxic, meaning it can cause harm to a growing baby. It’s also listed as use with caution during breastfeeding due to this.
If you have any bleeding disorders, are taking medication that disrupt bleeding (like aspirin), have diabetes and are taking medications, or are going to have or have had surgery, then cinnamon bark isn’t right for you. It is also not safe for use around or on your furry friends.
Cinnamon Leaf
Cinnamon leaf (cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a little more forgiving than bark, but those with skin sensitivities and small children still should proceed with caution. Once again, any bleeding disorders, medications that effect bleeding, diabetics, pre/post surgery, and those with sensitive or damaged skin should not use cinnamon leaf. It’s also not safe to diffuse around cats, but listed as okay with dogs.
This one is listed as okay to use when pregnant and breastfeeding per Using Essential Oils Safely. But, as mentioned above, I would still try and dilute it. When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding hormones can change how your body responds to things.
How do you use cinnamon this time of year? Let me know. I love hearing from you and am so appreciative of you!
Wanting to learn more about essential oils? Read up on how to use essential oils safely, lemon, and lavender!
Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed aromatherapist. This post is educational and I’m sharing what I have learned from other reputable aromatherapists. Always look for the research to ensure you’re using essential oils safely. I may receive a small commission from any links on my site. They’re used to keep this website up & running so I can share more information with you.
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