Cassia cinnamon essential oil is spicy, warm, and familiar to just about everyone all over the world — just like its close relative Ceylon cinnamon essential oil. Because of its close similarity to Ceylon cinnamon essential oil (which is frequently referred to as “true cinnamon”), it is often used as a more economical substitute for it. In fact, most ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks you see in the market are really cassia.
However, while the two types of cinnamon essential oils share many similarities, they also have some very notable differences.
For this article, we are going to look at the subtler of the two — cassia cinnamon essential oil — and we will be covering everything from its benefits to what other essential oils it is compatible with.
What is Cassia Cinnamon Essential Oil Made Of?
Cassia cinnamon essential oil comes from the Cinnamomum cassia tree — also known as Chinese cassia and Chinese cinnamon. Native to southern China, cassia cinnamon is also widely cultivated across Southern and Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
The cassia cinnamon trees are evergreen and can grow up to approximately 18 meters. The trees have shiny elongated leaves and tiny clusters of yellow flowers. Every part of the trees — bark, twigs, leaves, flowers, and roots — exudes that familiar spicy-sweet scent.
Chock-full of benefits, cinnamon (and its essential oil) has been extremely popular throughout history. Way back when, ancient Romans, Chinese, Greeks and Egyptians all considered the spice to be vital. In fact, it was even mentioned in the Bible.
How is Cassia Cinnamon Essential Oil Extracted?
The cassia cinnamon essential oil is derived via steam distillation of the bark of the tree. Aside from that, the essential oil can also be extracted from the leaves of the plant but this is much less common.
Here, the bark is subjected to pressurized high heat and moisture in order to draw out the oil. The oil and moisture mixture is then cooled down to help to separate the oil from the water, resulting in pure cassia cinnamon essential oil.
Benefits of Cassia Cinnamon Essential Oil
1. Relieves arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Suffering from stiff joints, aching joints, and swelling? Well, cassia cinnamon essential oil can help with that. A study by scientists showed that cinnamaldehyde, an active compound in cassia cinnamon essential oil, not only inhibits inflammatory mediators but also activates anti-inflammatory mediators.
Essentially, the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties naturally alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Besides that, its warming effect also helps to relieve pain and induce relaxation.
To use cassia cinnamon essential oil for this purpose, mix the oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba) and massage gently onto the joints and other affected areas using a circular motion.
2. Treats diarrhea
Cassia cinnamon essential oil can help with various digestive problems and one of them is diarrhea. Diarrhea basically is the body’s natural reaction to toxins that need to be removed from the body. Likely causes include stomach flu, infection, and dehydration.
As the essential oil is an anti-diarrhea agent, it helps to bind the bowels and to stop diarrhea. Besides that, its anti-microbial properties also inhibit unwanted microbial growth.
3. May help treat diabetes
It has been suggested that cassia cinnamon essential can naturally treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. A 2003 study published in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology investigated the effect of cassia extract on diabetic rats for 30 days. Results showed that the effect of the extract “was even more prominent than that of glibenclamide” — a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
In a different study in 2005, 15 people with diabetes were given either a cassia fiber supplement or a placebo. The study concluded that the group that was given the cassia supplements had decreased (and lower) levels of serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.
More research is needed for conclusive results as the sample sizes of the studies are too small. However, for now, the prospect of using cassia cinnamon essential oil to treat diabetes is extremely promising.
4. Boosts Immune System
Need overall protection for your body? Well, look no further than cassia cinnamon essential oil. Its antiviral properties mean that it is excellent protection against cold, cough, and influenza. Besides that, a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that the cinnamaldehyde in the oil is effective in inhibiting the growth of various bacteria, fungi, and molds. This includes Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida.
Plus, its antimicrobial and antiviral properties make it an excellent febrifuge to fight infections that cause fever. What a holistic essential oil, indeed.
To battle cold and flu, diffuse two to three drops of the cassia cinnamon essential oil. Alternatively, just inhale the oil once or twice every day until the symptoms are gone.
5. Encourages good circulation
Cassia cinnamon essential oil improves blood circulation throughout the body to facilitate the proper distribution of nutrients and oxygen. This is an extremely helpful benefit for overall good health.
With good blood circulation, the risks of stroke and heart attack are drastically lowered. Additionally, improved blood circulation also helps with things like naturally relieving muscle aches and reducing inflammation.
6. Works as an antidepressant
If you are suffering from depression or just having the blues, cassia cinnamon essential oil has the power to reduce those negative feelings courtesy of the cinnamaldehyde in it.
Multiple studies have shown that cinnamaldehyde can help to lift the heavy burden of depression. Apart from that, the cinnamaldehyde is also able to alleviate stress and anxiety for a better quality of life.
To use the essential oil as an antidepressant or to bust stress and anxiety, simply inhale the oil. Or, diffuse a few drops of the oil around the room.
7. A remarkable addition to your skincare routine
Cassia oil’s astringent properties also mean that it is an excellent addition to your skincare routine. What it does is that it not only treats acne but it also naturally heals any wounds and prevents scarring— such as those created from picking and popping pimples.
Besides that, it also diminishes the appearance of pores as well as lifts your face for a smoother and younger-looking complexion.
8. Natural bug-repellent
If you are in the market for a natural bug repellent, cassia cinnamon essential oil is it. A study published in Pest Management Science indicates that cassia oil is effective in warding off mosquitoes. Additionally, the oil may also be effective against other bugs like booklice.
To make use of the oil as an insect repellent, simply diffuse a few drops of the essential oil for approximately an hour once or twice a day.
Mixing Cassia Cinnamon Essential Oil With Other Essential Oils
Cassia essential oil’s familiar warm scent blends extremely well with cedarwood, lavender, lemon, neroli, ylang-ylang, geranium, and chamomile essential oils.
Other Good-to-Know Information
Cassia cinnamon essential oil contains coumarin — a compound found naturally in some plants — which can damage the kidney, liver, and lung if consumed in large doses. This is because the compound inhibits blood clotting. Hence, be cautious of how you use the essential oil.
Is Cassia Cinnamon Essential Oil Right for You?
Instantly recognizable by most people, cassia cinnamon essential oil is definitely a right addition to your collection of essential oils if you are in the market for something warm and comforting with just a hint of spice.
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