Cinnamon oil contains many powerful substances and there are countless ways that we can make use of them. Most people will know cinnamon as a food spice and also maybe as an ingredient in incense sticks and perfume. It is also used in some religious ceremonies and for anointing the sick. Cinnamon oil uses were confined in this manner for thousands of years, until now. Thanks to modern research, scientists have discovered that cinnamon contains potent substances that can be used for medicinal purposes.
The active agents contained in cinnamon oil were found to have positive effects on the human body. Here are some of the medicinal uses of cinnamon oil.
• As an anti-bacterial agent – its ability to inhibit over 20 species of bacteria and four species of Candida fungus, means it can be used to both prevent and treat infections.
• As an anti-cancer agent – in tissue cultures, cinnamon oil showed toxic effects and induced the death of cancer cells.
• As an anti-inflammatory agent – cinnamon oil effectively inhibits nitric oxide, a chemical substance that triggers inflammation. The oil also hinders lipid oxidation and reduces atherogenic plaque formation. This shows that significant anti-inflammatory substances are present in cinnamon oil sufficient to make it act like a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
The well-known antiseptic qualities of cinnamon oil are widely used in the cosmetic and food industries. In the commercial production of personal care products, cinnamon oil is used for making soap, detergents, astringents and mouthwashes. In food production, it is used as a food preservative because of its anti-microbial capabilities.
The potent chemical substances in cinnamon oil are indeed very useful in many ways. But these same substances can give you adverse side effects if taken excessively. You can experience a number of cinnamon oil side effects, such as nausea, dizziness or headaches, if you take it in large doses. These side effects will subside though given enough time because cinnamon oil is a natural substance. Normally, you can only take cinnamon oil if you dilute a small amount of it in water.
