The Benefit of Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon’s warm, spicy scent can be comforting and uplifting, but the benefit of cinnamon essential oil can be transforming for your health in many ways! The oil, which is extracted from the leaves or bark of cinnamon trees, contains health-promoting phytochemicals and compounds. If you’re thinking of adding this oil to your care routine, here are seven benefits of cinnamon essential oil to consider.

7 Benefits of Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon essential oils are generally safe and are known for their effectiveness in helping fight parasites, reduce ulcers, improve heart and oral health, and even for their antibacterial properties. There are many benefits of this essential oil, but some of the most promising are:

1. Antibacterial Properties

In the fight against bacterial infections, cinnamon essential oil may be a natural ally. Research has found that this essential oil has potent antibacterial properties.

• One study found that cinnamon oil had the strongest antimicrobial activity against P. Aeruginosa compared to other essential oils. P. Aeruginosa is a drug-resistant and potentially deadly bacteria that affect humans, animals, and plants.
• Another study found that cinnamon oil can be an effective preservative in cosmetics and disinfectants.
• Researchers in one study found that cinnamon bark essential oil had excellent activity against several strains of pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella paratyphi A, and Bacillus licheniformis.
• Another study found that cinnamon bark essential oil was effective against 50 strains of Mycoplasma hominis, which is responsible for pyelonephritis, vaginosis, and pelvic inflammation.
• Cinnamon may also be effective against acne-causing bacteria. Researchers believe the antibacterial effects were due to the eugenol and cinnamaldehyde phenolic compounds in the extracts.

Many DIYers add cinnamon essential oil to their homemade cleaners and disinfectants to boost their antibacterial effects. Not only does it add a warm, spicy smell to your home, but it also helps keep bacteria at bay.

2. May Improve Blood Circulation

Cinnamon oil is commonly used in massage oil blends. Sure, it smells great, but it can also help improve blood circulation to make your massage more effective. 

Better circulation also means that your organs, muscles, and cells receive more oxygen.

According to research, cinnamon oil can boost circulation and can even help with tissue regeneration.

3. Promotes Oral Health

Thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, cinnamon oil can also help promote oral health. 

In fact, studies have found that this essential oil is effective against Candida ssp and Streptococcus mutans.

Another study looked at the antibacterial effects of cinnamon and clove essential oils against cavity-causing bacteria. Researchers found that cinnamon oil was more effective than clove oil at inhibiting bacteria.

If you plan to use cinnamon essential oil in your oral health routine, make sure that you don’t swallow it. Try adding a few drops to your mouthwash or toothpaste. 

4. May Help with Ulcers

Ulcers impact millions of people worldwide every year. If the H. pylori bacteria are responsible for the type of ulcer you have, cinnamon oil may help. One study of interest included 15 human participants who took 40mg of cinnamon oil twice a day for four weeks. The patients were all suffering from H. pylori infections.

Researchers clearly state that the oil didn’t eliminate the bacteria completely, but it was:

• Tolerated well by all participants
• Reduced bacteria colonization

A study from 2000 found that cinnamon essential oils were able to help with ulcers, especially ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The researchers believe that the eugenol in the essential oil can reduce these gastric ulcers and lower their severity.

5. Promotes Heart Health

A healthy heart is a good thing. Exercise can help improve heart health, but so can essential oils. A 2014 study examined aerobic training and the use of cinnamon bark extract to improve heart health.

The study found that:

• Heart health improved
• LDL cholesterol fell
• HDL cholesterol rose (the good kind of cholesterol)

For individuals who have suffered from stroke or heart attack, cinnamon may also be beneficial. Nitric oxide production was promoted in one study. Nitric oxide is beneficial for people who have had heart attacks.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties can further improve heart health.

6. Can Help Fight Parasites

Parasites can enter and grow in the body. Traditional treatment options are often filled with side effects, but a study from 2014 sheds some light on the potential of cinnamon to help combat parasites.

The study examined both ginger and cinnamon essential oils as a natural treatment against giardiasis. Giardiasis is an infection of the intestines that is a result of the giardia parasite.

Researchers found that cinnamon was an effective alternative therapy that can be used alongside antigiardial drugs to help treat the parasite. Primarily, fecal cyst and trophozoite counts were lower.

Other studies on the parasite that causes malaria in humans were also the focus of a parasitic study involving cinnamon essential oils. The study found that the oil could interrupt the parasite’s biosynthesis of amino acids, which is necessary for parasites to survive.

Finally, there is some evidence that cinnamon oil may help kill larvae and prevent larvae from moving to other areas of the body. Researchers believe that the oil damaged the gut of the larvae, leading to their death.

Note: Parasites can have significant consequences if left untreated. Traditional and alternative treatments should be sought to reduce your risk of severe health consequences.

7. Promotes Healthy Skin

Do you want to have impeccable skin? If so, cinnamon bark essential oil may help. A study from July 2017 found that this potent essential oil:

• It contains natural anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduces inflammation from acne and rashes
• Contains antimicrobial properties

When you apply the oil, be sure to add in a carrier oil that will maximize effectiveness.

Cinnamon oil can improve blood flow to the areas applied, reducing blemishes, too. With high antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties, this oil promotes all-around beautiful, healthy skin.

There are many benefits of cinnamon essential oil that make it a staple in many natural remedy cupboards. You can add the oil into a diffuser, spritz it into the air or add it in with a carrier oil or other ingredients for topical application.