Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon is the bark of the bushy evergreen Cinnamon tree. The oil of Cinnamon is extracted from Cinnamon sticks. This tree is a member of the laurel family, Lauraceae. It is indigenous to Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Malabar Coast of India (Kerala). This renowned spice is also cultivated in other parts of the world like the West Indies, Europe, Egypt, Vietnam, South America, Brazil, United States and many other. Cinnamon is the most celebrated culinary spice, especially for its unique flavor and pleasing aroma. Cinnamon is also called as true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon as there is false cinnamon as well known as Cassia or Chinese Cinnamon. True cinnamon is expensive and aromatic than the false cinnamon. Chinese cinnamon is often substituted or interchanged with the name of true cinnamon and is sold in the market. Many people fail to notice that the fragrance of Cassia is delicate than Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is very special because it is said to have a thin and smooth bark. This cinnamon has a light-yellowish brown color and is superior in aroma.
Latin name: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum
Alternative names: Dalcini, True cinnamon, Gui, Twak, Yueh-kuei, Ceylon cinnamon
Cinnamon tree is grown in many tropical parts of the world and is commercially cultivated in Sri Lanka, Java, Bangladesh, Sumatra, Vietnam, Zanzibar, Egypt, South India and West Indies. Cinnamon trees are found growing well in the high altitudes of 1500 ft or 500 meters of the tropical forests. It grows in wild in Sri Lanka and India. Cultivation of this plant is done by stem cutting method. For this purpose, cuttings from the plant are taken every second year during the rainy season. Harvesting is usually performed from the stump shoots. After the harvesting of the cinnamon bark, these barks are allowed to pass through a fermentation process at a stretch for 24 hours. As the outer bark is scraped and taken, the inner bark is revealed and is allowed to grow for the following season. Cinnamon oil contains cinnamic aldehyde, fiber, volatile oil, sugar, manganese, mucilage, iron, calcium and tannin. This essential oil also has antimicrobial, aphrodisiac, blood purifier, anti-bacterial, astringent, cordial, anti-clotting, local stimulant, antiseptic, aromatic, anti-fungal and digestive properties.
Uses: Cinnamon oil is often used for inducing sexual feelings in men and women with its characteristic aphrodisiac properties. This oil is used in inhalation process to relieve one from respiratory irritation and congestion. True Cinnamon oil is used in the treatment of nausea, stomach weakness, diarrhea, bloating, cold, flu, yeast infections, menstrual cramps, stomach chills, heavy menstruation and colic. It is also used as a rub for treating respiratory ailments and abdominal disorders. This oil also helps to put an end to womb hemorrhages and other urinary infections.
