Cinnamon

Safety data -- 1. Leaf oil is relatively non-toxic; possibly irritant because of the cinnamaldehyde. Eugenol is irritant to the mucous membranes: use in moderation.  2. Bark oil is a dermal toxin, irritant nonsensitizing; also irritant to the mucous membranes.

Family -- Lauraceae

Synonyms -- Ceylon Cinnamon, Seychelles Cinamon, Madacasgar Cinnamon, True Cinnamon

Herbal/folk tradition- The inner bark of the new shoots from the cinnamon tree are gathered every two years and used in the form of sticks as a domestic spice.  It has been used for thousands of years in the East for a variety of complaints, including colds, influenza, digestive and menstrual problems, rheumatism, kidney troubles and as a general stimulant.  Current in the British herbal Pharmocopoeia as a specific for flatulence colic and dyspepsia with nausea.

Aromatherapy/home use

Cinnamon bark oil -- none - should never be used on the skin -  one of the most hazardous oils

Cinnamon leaf oil :

Skin care -- lice, scabies, tooth and gum care, warts, wasp stings.

Circulation, muscles and joints -- poor circulation, rheumatism.

Digestive system -- anorexia, colitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, intestinal infection, sluggish digestion, spasm.

Genito-urinary system -- childbirth (stimulates contractions), frigidity, leucorrhea, metorrhagia, scanty periods.

Immune system -- chills, colds, influenza, infectious diseases.

Nervous system -- debility, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

Other uses -- both bark and leaf oils are used for the fragrance of therapeutic actions in nasal sprays, coughs syrups and dental preparations.  The leaf oil is used in soaps, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes, both are used in food flavoring, especially alcoholic and soft drinks.

Distribution -- native to Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the Cormoro Islands, South India, Burma and Indochina.  It is also cultivated in India, Jamaica and Africa -- each region tending to have its own particular species.

Extraction -- essential oil by water or steam installation from the 1. leaves and twigs and 2. dried inner bark.

Characteristics -- 1.  A yellow to brownish liquid with a warm spicy, somewhat harsh odor.  2.  A pale to dark yellow  liquid with a sweet, warm spicy, dry, tenacious odor.  It blends well with olibanum, ylang ylang, orange, Mandarin, benzoin, Peru balsam and Oriental type mixtures.

Actions -- Anthelmintic, antidote to poison, antidiarrhea, and tie microbial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, hemostatic, antiparasitic,refrigerant, spasmolytic, stimulant (circulatory, cardiac, respiratory), stomachic, vermifuge.

EO134A   Cinnamon Leaf   1/2oz    $5.00

EO134B  Cinnamon Leaf  1oz         $9.00

EO134C   Cinnamon Leaf   2oz       $16.00

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