DR. WALKER

Cinnamon Leaf oil

What is cinnamon leaf oil?

Cinnamon is said to be the world’s most valuable spice known for its aromatic properties. Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil is derived from Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree leaves, also known as Cinnamomum vervun tree, native to Sri Lanka from the Lauraceae family. Cinnamomum zeylanicum trees grow in tropical areas characterized by a thick rust-colored bark that rolls back when dry, glossy oval-shaped leaves, small white flowers with purple berry-shaped fruits.¹

Cinnamon Leaf Essential oil has a strong aroma and a warm spicy scent processed by steam distillation where the leaves of a mature tree are clipped off when they turn dark green and dried after a while. The dried leaves are then crushed to enable the extraction process. The leaves are then boiled in water for several hours, where the necessary phytochemicals are filtered out in the stream through evaporation. The steam will then cool down to form droplets of Cinnamon Leaf Essential oil. The extract appears to be a brownish yellow color which is lighter than the extract from the bark, which is darker in color.²

What is Cinnamon Leaf oil used for?

Famed to be the oldest spice in existence after evidence for use by ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Ayurvedic medical practitioners, the Cinnamomum zeylanicum plant is tied to prosperity and protection.³ Cinnamon Essential oil has been used medicinally for various uses over time; to alleviate joint and muscle pain by reducing the inflammation, strengthening immunity, and fighting viruses. It improves metabolism functioning by enhancing blood circulation facilitating pain relief. Its coagulant properties are exhibited when applied to cuts promoting faster healing. Cinnamon Leaf essential oil was used as a sedative during childbirth.

Cinnamon Leaf Essential oil is used in aromatherapy to alleviate feelings of stress, depression boosting the mood and consequently energy levels by bringing about relaxation, thus used as an aphrodisiac. The scent, when diffused, has been reputed to address lethargic feelings, overeating habits, irritable mood, and unhealthy food cravings by bringing a sense of being full. Cinnamon Leaf Essential oil has been used in the cosmetic industry as face creams for its moisturizing properties, massage oils for its relaxing properties, in shampoo where it is known to stimulate hair growth by reducing hair thinning and fall, in perfumes and candles for its distinct fragrance, in lotions, soap and hair oils. Cinnamon Leaf Essential oil moisturizes dry skin and is used to treat skin rashes and infections when applied to the skin. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidants, which slows the aging process by eliminating the free radicals that would cause cell damage.

Health Benefits:

• Relieves inflammation due to the anti-inflammatory properties of Eugenol present in Cinnamon leaf essential oil hence used in the treatment of Stimulates libido by causing muscular relaxation; hence, Ayurvedic medicine recommends addressing sexual dysfunction using Cinnamon Leaf oil as a natural aphrodisiac.
• Boost’s immunity hence helping reduce symptoms of cold and flu.
• Boosts the body’s metabolism by activating the thermogenic and metabolic responses hence aiding in weight loss.
• Improves digestion by alleviating intestinal gas and bloating.
• Improves and moisturizes the skin by slowing the aging due to the antioxidant properties which protect the skin from cell damage.
• Boosts memory by enhancing information retention and extending the attention span by reducing nervous tension.
• Stabilizes the blood sugars by boosting the insulin levels, thus preventing unhealthy cravings, overeating, and chronic fatigue.

Nutrition

The main constituents of cinnamon leaf essential oils are:

• Eugenol-76%
• Linalool-3%
• Cinnamaldehyde-3%
• Caryophyllene-4%
• Benxylbenzoate-4%

Other constituents include cinnamyl acetate, terpinene, cymene eugenyl acetate.⁴

Toxicity:

Its Emmenagogue properties may directly cause embryotoxicity; hence not advised for pregnant and nursing women. May cause allergic reactions when used by sensitive skin; therefore, a skin test is always essential before use.

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