Cinnamon oil is extracted from the leaves and bark of a cinnamon tree. Although most people are familiar with cinnamon, the oil contains unique nutrients not found in the spice. There are two types of cinnamon oil: Bark oil and leaf oil. The bark oil is from the outer bark of the tree, and it has the natural scent of cinnamon. On the other hand, leaf oil is lighter in colour and has a spicy and musky smell. Cinnamon bark oil is considered sweeter and stronger than leaf oil.
The oil is mainly known for its hair benefits. However, it has many benefits to your health and skin. Here are some of the benefits of using the oil.
1. Keeps the Heart Healthy
Cinnamon oil helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. It lowers harmful cholesterol levels while ensuring good cholesterol levels remain the same. The oil can also reduce blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. Different Types Of Heart Disease And Managing Them
2. Helps to deal with Ulcers
Ulcers are mainly caused by a bacteria known as H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori). Cinnamon oil contains a compound known as Eugenol, which helps reduce bacteria colonisation. Although it does not completely eliminate the bacteria, it helps reduce the symptoms. Health: H. Pylori – Symptoms, Treatment And Management
3. Soothes Sore Throats
Cinnamon oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe sore throats. While making the lemon, ginger and honey mixture, you can add cinnamon oil for better results. These mixed ingredients will help reduce the pain and boost your immune system.
4. Effective in Treating Fungal Infections
If you struggle with fungal infections, you can use cinnamon oil to help deal with the infection. The oil is known to be effective against different moulds and yeast. It also works against Candida albicans, the leading cause of toenail fungus.
5. Promotes Hair Growth
Mixing cinnamon oil with a carrier oil like almond oil or olive oil and using the mixture frequently on your hair can boost your growth and health. You can also choose to make a hair mask with cinnamon oil, olive oil and honey when choosing to wash your hair.
6. Helps to Manage Stress
There are so many factors that lead to stress. Cinnamon oil is amazing at relaxing the body and mind when diffused; however, studies show it is more effective when used during a massage.
7. Great for the Skin and Lips
Cinnamon oil contains inflammatory anti-inflammatory properties that deal with skin-related issues like rashes, acne and sunburn. The oil also helps to make your lips plumper by boosting circulation. For the skin, you can mix cinnamon oil with a carrier oil of your choice and apply the mixture to the affected areas or as a moisturiser. To make your lips plumper, mix the oil with coconut oil to achieve the best results. 11 Reasons You Should Be Using Coconut Oil
8. Promotes Good Dental Hygiene
Cinnamon oil’s antifungal and antibacterial properties also help to fight against agents that cause cavities and oral infections. Since coconut oil also works best for oral infections, you can combine the two and gargle the mixture or massage it on the gums to relieve pain.
Health: 7 Tips For Proper Dental Care
9. Natural Aphrodisiac
Aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire and pleasure. Studies show that cinnamon oil is a natural stimulant. Its fantastic scent helps to increase sexual desire between you and your partner. Furthermore, it can also help to manage mild erectile dysfunction. Adding a few drops of oil to your diffuser or on your bed sheets can improve your sex life.
10. Helps with Weight Loss
Cinnamon oil contains a compound known as hydroxy cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for lowering harmful cholesterol levels. It also contains essential minerals like vitamins, fibre and calcium, which help to boost your metabolism, meaning your body does not retain extra fat. The best way to ensure that you get maximum results from the oil is to pair it up with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
How to use Cinnamon Oil
There are three ways you can use oil to benefit your body. You can choose to use it.
Aromatically
To help your mind and body relax, add a few drops to your diffuser or on your bedsheets and sofas. Alternatively, you can also add some drops to a cotton ball and place them under your pillow or around the house if you don’t have a diffuser.
Internally
Cinnamon oil can be ingested; however, you should always look for a high-quality version of the oil from a well-known brand. When looking for the oil, check if it is organic and tested before purchasing to get pure oil. In terms of use, you can choose to add it to your recipes or mix it in juice/ fruit smoothies. Avoid using high temperatures when cooking because it might reduce the oil’s nutrients.
Topically
To deal with fungal infections or skin issues like acne or sunburn, you can mix cinnamon oil with a carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil. Stir the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
Potential Side Effects
Cinnamon oil is generally safe but might not work well with everyone. To know if the oil works for you, make sure you do a patch test before using it regularly. Apply a small amount of the oil to your skin and leave it for a couple of hours. If you experience itching or redness, stop using the oil.
Also, if you use the oil for cooking or fruit smoothies and experience diarrhoea and nausea, you should avoid using it. The oil might also affect you if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication for conditions like diabetes. To be safe, make sure you consult with your doctor before using the oil.
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