Cinnamon has been around for centuries, even being mentioned in the Bible. Grown mainly in Sri Lanka and India, this fragrant spice is a staple in kitchens worldwide, especially during winter for cooking and baking. But did you know that cinnamon, particularly in its oil form, boasts numerous health benefits?
### What is Cinnamon Oil?
Cinnamon oil comes from the leaves and bark of the cinnamon plant. It’s rich in antioxidants like catechins and contains essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, manganese, and fiber. This oil has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to help with various health issues, including digestion, circulation, blood sugar levels, and menstrual regulation.
### Major Health Benefits and Treatments
Let’s dive into some of the most significant health benefits of cinnamon oil:
– **Stabilizes Blood Sugar**: Research indicates that cinnamon can help manage type 2 diabetes by stabilizing glucose and improving insulin sensitivity. Diabetics often add it to their diet or take it as a supplement, leading to a reduced need for insulin.
– **Reduces PMS**: The high manganese content in cinnamon can naturally lessen PMS symptoms like mood swings and cramps. Cinnamaldehyde in the oil also helps balance hormone levels.
– **Eases Pain and Inflammation**: Thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamon oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s commonly used to relieve sore muscles, joint pain, and even headaches and migraines by improving blood circulation.
– **Boosts Brain Function and Mood**: Studies have shown that inhaling cinnamon oil can enhance memory, alertness, and overall cognitive function. It may even help in delaying cognitive decline in conditions like Alzheimer’s.
– **Relieves Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)**: High in fiber, cinnamon oil helps alleviate symptoms of IBS by treating bacterial infections in the intestinal tract, thereby reducing diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
– **Lowers Cholesterol**: Cinnamon oil can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides without affecting good cholesterol (HDL), potentially lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
– **Increase Anti-Microbial Activity**: Cinnamon oil is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It’s used to treat various infections and can even be added to food to prevent bacterial growth. It’s also effective against oral bacteria, offering protection against tooth and gum disease.
– **Treats Food Poisoning**: Due to its antibacterial properties, cinnamon oil can help combat foodborne illnesses like E.coli and Salmonella, often added to tea to alleviate symptoms.
– **Acts as an Antioxidant**: Cinnamon oil is loaded with antioxidants that combat free radicals, helping to prevent cancer and other age-related damage across the body.
– **Alleviates Depression**: Preliminary evidence suggests that the antibacterial properties of cinnamon may improve gut health and, by extension, mood, potentially reducing symptoms of depression when inhaled.
– **Reduces Blood Pressure**: Cinnamon oil improves blood circulation and contains a natural blood-thinning agent, which can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart attacks.
– **Promotes Weight Loss**: By stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving circulation, cinnamon oil helps control food cravings and boosts metabolism.
### How to Use Cinnamon Oil Safely
While cinnamon oil is incredibly effective, it’s also potent and can cause skin irritation. Avoid consuming it undiluted. Test it on a small patch of skin first. When consuming, it’s best to mix it with other oils or inhale it.
Diane Rennison, a certified personal trainer at MotivatePT, helps clients adopt healthier lifestyles, including incorporating beneficial elements like cinnamon oil into their routines.