Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon's familiar aroma continues to warm kitchens throughout the world.  The spice was first used medicinally in ancient Egypt; we know now it has antiviral properties due to its volatile oil, which is extracted from both the bark and leaves of the cinnamon plant.  These oils emit a sweet scent that aromatherapists believe can provide warmth and a sense of security.  The aroma is thought to arouse the senses.  Used topically as a beauty aid, cinnamon-leaf oil is astringent, antiseptic and soothingly warm.  The warmth also soothes aching muscles due to cold symptoms.  Avoid skin irritation by diluting before use.  For the following recipes, I always use Livinity's Tru Bliss Essential oils.

Recipes

Gentle Strength for When You Feel Fragile - The aroma of cinnamon oil can calm your anxieties and strengthen self-confidence.  A few drops of the following blend in a diffuser or nebulizer has a soothing effect, strengthens the heart and may bring comfort in times of painful loss.
4 drops cinnamon oil
2 drops sandalwood oil
2 drops orange oil

For Head Lice - To repel head lice, add a few drops of cinnamon oil to 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil.  rub the mixture into your scalp daily until the parasites are gone.  Be extremely careful to avoid the eyes.

To Combat Chills - A warm bath with cinnamon, ginger and juniper oils may dispel the chills that accompany colds.  The bath stimulates circulation and warms the entire body.  Add 1 drop each of the oils to your bathwater and be sure to mix them well.

For a Warming Footbath - Fill a deep tub with 2 gallons warm water.  Add one drop of cinnamon oil, 2 drops of rosemary, 1 tsp of vodka and 2 drops of juniper essential oil.  Mix well, and submerge your feet in the mixture for a relaxing soak.

Daily massage with 3 tbsp of sweet almond oil mixed with 8 drops of cinnamon oil, 5 drops of orange oil and 4 drops of juniper oil to stimulate blood flow and help to firm up and tone the skin.  The mixture can also help you battle cellulite; Massage the oil into the skin with firm upward strokes toward the heart.  In addition, this oil blend works well as a foot massage.

Cinnamon oil strengthens and firms up gums and helps to prevent gum disease.  Add 1 drop of cinnamon oil to 1 tsp of vodka and 2 tbsp of water.  Shake the mixture well and swish your toothbrush in it.  Brush your teeth as usual.

In  room spray, cinnamon oil will refresh damp, mildewy areas.  Mix 2 ounces of vodka, 3 drops of cinnamon oil, 5 drops of bergamot oil and 2 ounces of water in a spritzer; shake the bottle well, and then spray the room.  You can add this mixture to a simmer pot or nebulizer for the same effect.

As a Custom Perfume - For an antiseptic perfume, a single drop of cinnamon oil may be added to 2 ounces of vodka for a warm spicy base.  Other essential oils like lavender, bergamot or ylang-ylang could be added - up to 10 drops total - to create your own personal scent.  Spray your hair or your clothes, but always avoid your eyes.  If you add bergamot, don't spritz your skin, as it's phototoxic.  Add jasmine oil for a rich scent; vanilla oil will lend an exotic edge.