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The Ultimate Guide: 3 Easy Ways to Make Cinnamon Essential Oil at Home

Instead of worrying about purchasing cinnamon essential oil from the market, which may be filled with artificial fragrances and harmful to your health, why not try making your very own cinnamon essential oil at home? It's a simple and safe process that ensures a pure and natural product.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Cinnamon essential oil is highly regarded in Eastern medicine and has numerous health benefits. In this article, Dr. Nguyen Thuong Hanh, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Emergency Resuscitation, shares her expertise on the wonders of cinnamon oil and provides simple ways to make it at home.

1. Benefits of Cinnamon Essential Oil

Reduces Cancer Risk

The compounds in cinnamon oil have anti-cancer properties, especially in reducing the risk of lung, breast, and prostate cancers. It also helps detoxify enzymes in the colon, preventing colorectal cancer.

Additionally, cinnamon oil contains “EGFR-TK,” a type of protein that fights against squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck.

Reduce Cancer Risk

Reduces Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is a contributor to various dangerous diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Cinnamon oil possesses similar activities to the enzyme superoxide dismutase, enabling it to combat oxidative stress naturally. This property helps prevent conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes while reducing the risk of early death.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Cinnamon oil can effectively reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

Antimicrobial Properties

The chemical constituents of cinnamon oil, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol, and eugenol acetate, are effective against bacteria, germs, and fungi. Using cinnamon oil for inhalation or topical application is a safe and efficient way to support antimicrobial and anti-infective actions.

Skin Care

The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon oil can stimulate the production of certain proteins beneficial for treating skin inflammation and disorders like acne. However, it is crucial to perform a patch test on a small area of the skin before applying it to inflamed areas to avoid adverse reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Skin Care

Weight Loss Aid

Cinnamon oil helps curb appetite, making it a valuable tool in weight loss journeys. It stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and supporting successful weight management.

Cosmetics and Skin Care

Products containing cinnamon oil are often favored by consumers due to their captivating fragrance and effectiveness. Cinnamon oil is a key ingredient in various cosmetic and skincare products, including perfumes, body lotions, hand creams, and lip balms, known for their moisturizing, long-lasting fragrance, and skin-rejuvenating properties.

Important Role in Cosmetics and Skin Care

Food and Beverage Industry

Cinnamon oil is commonly used in the production of food and beverages, particularly in the manufacturing of sugar-free drinks, chewing gum, and candies. It also serves as a flavoring agent in baked goods and is used in cooking various dishes. The FDA has approved cinnamon oil for food and beverage applications, but it’s essential to use it in moderation as excessive heat can diminish its beneficial properties.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Traditional and modern medicines for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases often contain cinnamon oil and compounds like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, and cinnamic acid. These substances exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.

Cinnamon oil also helps regulate blood sugar levels by mimicking the action of insulin, facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells. This property makes it valuable in diabetes treatment.

Important Role in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Additionally, cinnamon oil inhibits the secretion of digestive enzymes that stimulate appetite and slows gastric emptying. Cinnamon oil extracts also improve liver enzymes, reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, lower triglycerides, and positively impact C-reactive protein in treating fatty liver disease.

Treats Various Ailments

Cinnamon oil is renowned for its ability to alleviate stress and depression when used in aromatherapy or massage therapy. It also enhances libido and sexual performance by prolonging intercourse and reducing weak sperm count in men due to its potent antioxidant properties.

Treats Various Ailments

Furthermore, cinnamon oil excels in relieving joint and muscle pain and alleviating flu and cold symptoms. Its aromatic fragrance also helps deodorize and disinfect the environment.

2. Three Methods to Make Cinnamon Essential Oil at Home

Non-Heat Infusion Method

Ingredients

Cinnamon sticks
Glass jar, preferably green or amber-colored, with a flat and wide mouth.
Carrier oil

Carrier oils are essential to extracting cinnamon oil from the sticks. You can choose a carrier oil based on your preferences and intended use. Some suitable options include:

Almond Oil: Rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for moisturizing dry and sensitive skin.
Grapeseed Oil: Has a subtle scent and creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Provides the right amount of moisture for the skin without feeling greasy.

Non-Heat Infusion Method Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1 Fill the glass jar with cinnamon sticks, breaking them in half if necessary to fill all the gaps.

Step 2 Pour the carrier oil into the jar until the cinnamon sticks are completely submerged. Secure the lid and gently shake the jar to distribute the oil evenly.

Step 3 Store the jar in a warm, dry place for about 3 weeks. Shake the jar daily to encourage oil release and prevent a film from forming on the oil’s surface.

Step 4 Use a coffee filter or cheesecloth to strain the cinnamon oil into an amber-colored glass bottle. Store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place.

Water Distillation Method

Ingredients

Cinnamon sticks
1 glass jar with a lid
Water
1 clean cloth

Instructions

Step 1 Wash the cinnamon sticks thoroughly and place them in a pot of boiling water.

Step 2 When the water starts to boil, turn off the heat and transfer the mixture to the glass jar. Gently shake the jar to allow the oil to escape, then tightly close the lid.

Step 3 Fill the pot with water again and place the glass jar inside.

Step 4 Continue the water distillation process until the water in the jar turns yellow. Then, turn off the heat and let it cool.

Step 5 Filter the water in the jar through a clean cloth to obtain the cinnamon oil. Store it in a dark-colored glass bottle.

Heat Infusion Method

Ingredients

5-10 cinnamon sticks
Olive oil
Pot
Dark-colored glass bottle
1 clean cloth

Tip: If you can’t find cinnamon sticks, you can substitute them with cinnamon powder.

Instructions

Step 1 Pour olive oil into the pot and heat it over medium heat.

Step 2 Add the cinnamon sticks to the pot, ensuring they are fully coated in oil. If using cinnamon powder, add it evenly to the oil.

Step 3 Simmer for 1-2 hours over medium heat, then turn off the heat and let it cool.

Step 4 Filter the oil through a clean cloth to separate the cinnamon oil.

Step 5 Store the cinnamon oil in a dark glass bottle and keep it in a cool, dry place to prolong its shelf life.

3. Ways to Use Cinnamon Essential Oil

Hang Cinnamon Oil Bottles in Your Home

This method not only effectively repels mosquitoes but also adds a decorative touch to your home. Simply fill small glass bottles with cinnamon oil and secure them with stoppers that allow the oil to evaporate. Hang these bottles around your home, especially in dark corners.

Hang Cinnamon Oil Bottles in Your Home

As the cinnamon oil evaporates, it will repel mosquitoes and fill your home with a pleasant fragrance. Remember to replenish the oil regularly, as it evaporates quickly.

Spray Cinnamon Oil Around Your Home

Dilute cinnamon oil with water and transfer it to a spray bottle. You can then spray it anywhere in your home to repel mosquitoes and create a natural, soothing aroma.

Spray Cinnamon Oil Around Your Home

Add Cinnamon Oil to Your Floor Cleaning Solution

To quickly and conveniently spread cinnamon oil throughout your home, add a few drops to your floor cleaning solution. Not only will it repel insects, but it will also help disinfect your floors thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

Add Cinnamon Oil to Your Floor Cleaning Solution

This method is commonly used in offices, hotels, hospitals, and schools as it is safe, natural, and leaves a pleasant fragrance.

Use an Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oil diffusers are popular for maintaining optimal humidity levels in the home. Using a diffuser with cinnamon oil creates a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere while keeping mosquitoes

Frequently asked questions

Cinnamon essential oil is an aromatic oil derived from the bark, leaves, and twigs of the cinnamon tree. It has a warm, spicy scent and is known for its various therapeutic benefits. These include improving blood circulation, reducing pain and inflammation, boosting cognitive function, and enhancing mood. Cinnamon oil also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it useful for skin and hair care, as well as for household cleaning and freshening.

There are three easy methods to create cinnamon essential oil at home. The first method involves simmering cinnamon sticks in water for several hours, then filtering and bottling the infused water as a hydrosol. The second method uses a slow cooker to heat cinnamon sticks in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, for a few hours, resulting in a cinnamon-infused oil. The third and most effective method is steam distillation, where cinnamon sticks are steamed and the condensed vapor is collected, separating the oil from the hydrosol.

The steam distillation process involves a few critical steps. Firstly, prepare a mixture of crushed cinnamon sticks and water in a still, ensuring the cinnamon is fully submerged. Then, heat the still over a low flame for about an hour, allowing the steam to carry the cinnamon’s essential oil. Next, collect the condensed vapor in a separate container, which will separate into two layers: the hydrosol and the essential oil. Finally, carefully extract the essential oil layer and bottle it for future use.

Store your homemade cinnamon essential oil in a cool, dark place, preferably in an amber or cobalt glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. The shelf life of the oil depends on the carrier oil used and the storage conditions. Oils infused in carrier oils typically last up to a year, while pure essential oils obtained through steam distillation can last for several years if stored properly.

Yes, cinnamon essential oil is potent and should be used with caution. It can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, so perform a patch test before full use. Avoid contact with sensitive areas like the eyes and mucous membranes. Additionally, cinnamon oil should be diluted before topical application, and it is not recommended for internal consumption without professional guidance.