Cinnamon has an exotic reputation as one of the world’s most coveted spices. It was the center of the spice wars in early Europe, when Arabia was the only distributor. Intent on keeping their monopoly, the Arabs hid the origin of the spice and created eccentric harvesting tales. Herodotus (484BC-425BC) believed that cinnamon could only be collected from the clay nests of large birds hidden in rocky cavities. The Arabs told him that to retrieve the cinnamon, they left dead oxen near the nests to entice the birds out. They would then seek out the nests and retrieve the cinnamon. Of course, cinnamon did not grow in Arabia at all, but is native to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In 1505 the Portuguese explorer Lourenço de Almeida stumbled onto Ceylon and created a direct route to its supply.
While essential oil can be extracted from both bark and leaf, cinnamon leaf oil has a gentleness to it that widens the range of applications. Cinnamon leaves have been used as a bay leaf substitute in some recipes, including to flavor cornmeal porridge in Jamaica and in curries. It is said that Egyptians used cinnamon leaf extracts in anointing oils, perfumes, and incense as early as 2,000 BC.
Cinnamon leaf oil has been known to elevate vitality, increase motivation, spark creativity and energize the spirit. Its chemical composition, when compared to bark oil, make it ideal for treating nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches, and as a general pain-killer. It has most of the same benefits as bark oil – including fighting against inflammation and for scented air purification – but bark oil may have stronger effects for these purposes. Unlike bark oil, which can irritate the skin, cinnamon leaf oil is considered gentle enough to apply to the skin when diluted.
Organic cinnamon leaf essential oil from Prana Organic Plant Oils is an aromatherapy staple. You will absolutely love the complex spicy scent of this oil.
- Common Name: Cinnamon Leaf
- Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
- Country of Origin: Sri Lanka
- Extraction Method: Steam
- Plant Part: Leaves
Do not apply undiluted to the skin. If pregnant, breast feeding or under the care of a physician consult your doctor. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.
Product statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.