Cinnamon Leaf

Cinnamomum verum leaf

Other Names : Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum See also : Eugenol

Special Precautions of Cinnamon Leaf

According to Tisserand & Young, Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil may (oral usage) inhibit blood clotting, cause drug interactions, cause skin & mucous membrane sensitization. Contraindications: May interact with pethidine, MAOIs or SSRIs, anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia & other bleeding disorders.

• Eugenol belongs to the Phenol chemical family. Phenols are potentially irritating components to the skin and mucous membranes, and they can cause dermatitis and sensitization. If phenols are present in high concentrations in the essential oil, the essential oil should be used in very low dilutions on the skin, diluted well in carrier oil, and only used for short periods of time. Phenol-high oils are skin irritating if used in a bath.
• Use in small amounts when blending phenol-rich oils for diffusing (no more than 10% of the pure essential oil blend). Phenol-rich oils should not be used on people with skin issues such as dermatitis, or on babies or 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. According to Tisserand, Holy basil may inhibit blood clotting, have skin sensitization effects & possible mucous membrane irritation.
• Suggested maximum topical use of eugenol is 0.5%. In small doses, eugenol can be liver-protective, however, in high concentrations, it is hepatotoxic and can cause tissue damage.
• Maximum dermal level 1.0% (based on 50.4% eugenol content with a dermal limit of 0.5%

Uses of Cinnamon Leaf

• Analgesic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-viral, Carminative, Energizing, Rubefacient, Warming
• Kills viruses, bacteria, and fungus : Very strong antibacterial oil, high eugenol content, similar to clove bud.
• fungal infections : Soaking the feet in warm water with a drop of cinnamon leaf essential oil can help fungal infections. This also works well in preventing odor if you use closed footwear throughout the day while altogether soothing tired and aching feet.
• Digestive blends : Add a drop of cinnamon leaf oil to a digestive blend consisting of sweet orange, German Chamomile, Cardamom, Ginger, and a carrier oil to help ease stomach pain caused by indigestion and other factors. Massage on the stomach several times throughout the day.
• to repel mosquitos and other insects : Commercially produced mosquito repellents contain hazardous (DEET). Cinnamon leaf essential oil is natural and ecofriendly. Its aroma is so powerful in deterring black ants, cockroaches, flies and mosquitoes. Use it in a diffuser, burner or spray around the house/furniture/mattresses to keep these insects at bay.
• Antiviral : Cinnamon essential oil is well acknowledged as an effective antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial. That makes it excellent for cleaning or diffusing around the home. It’s scent is pleasing and will help kill viruses quickly.
• Relieve inflammation : Cinnamon leaf oil’s anti-inflammatory property works well in relieving pain and inflammation/swelling/redness. When used in a massage oil, it helps warm and ease inflammation in swollen muscles and joints. Be sure to check and follow dilution guide before using - Cinnamon essential oil has a dermal maximum of .6%.

References

• Tisserand & Young Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Edinburg 2014
• Mojay, Gabriel. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT 1997
• Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Edition. Queensland, Aust. 200