Cinnamonononon: Here's How You Can Use Cinnamon Essential Oil

I'm going to write about another essential oil today. 

Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. People have been using it for millennia due to its medicinal qualities.

There are two main types of cinnamon:
Ceylon cinnamon: Also known as “true” cinnamon.
Cassia cinnamon: This is the more common variety today, what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Inflammation helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage, but sometimes the body has inflammation not related to these. Cinnamon may be useful in this regard, as the antioxidants in it have potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Cinnamon can lower bad cholesterol, improve good cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure. It can also improve how the body reacts to insulin. Some doctors suggest that individuals with diabetes or prediabetes take cinnamon to improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure or function of brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are two of the most common types. Cinnamon can help fight against these diseases. It may also fight against cancer growth. It acts by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors, and appears to be toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death.

Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection.

Cinnamon oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi. It can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella. The antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath, which is why so many toothpaste manufacturers flavor toothpaste with it.

A couple drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil feel great (and smell great) as a massage, especially if congested. It smells good in a diffuser too. It mixes well with peppermint and other "hot" oils such as eucalyptus. Like other hot oils, use extreme caution if using on or around babies and young children. It’s probably best to avoid it altogether, even diffused around them. 

I am not a healthcare professional nor do I play one on TV. These opinions are my own as well as from things I’ve learned along the way. 

Cinnamon or chocolate?