Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon bark
Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
Spicy • Warm • Invigorating
Cinnamon Bark essential oil comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree (also called “true cinnamon” or Ceylon cinnamon). When steam distilled from bark, it yields an oil with a rich, warm aroma marked by spicy sweetness, woody depth, and a long, lingering finish. For many, its scent evokes comfort, spice markets, and seasonal warmth.
Extraction and Aroma
To produce Cinnamon Bark oil, the bark is harvested, often from younger branches or inner bark strips, and subjected to steam distillation. The resulting oil is usually a pale yellow to amber liquid with a powerful aroma. The dominant scent is that of cinnamaldehyde, which gives the spicy “cinnamon” note, often softened by woody and resinous undertones. Some batches may also carry faint hints of clove or herbal spice depending on origin and quality.
Historical and Botanical Significance
True cinnamon has been used for thousands of years in cuisine, perfumery, and in traditional wellness systems. In Sri Lanka, for example, growing-region studies show that the oil content in Ceylon cinnamon bark varies broadly depending on the climate, harvest methods, and bark thickness. Historically valued for both its aroma and flavor, cinnamon was once more precious than many spices and often traded along ancient spice routes.
Chemical Composition
The chemical profile of Cinnamon Bark oil is quite distinct. Major constituents include high levels of cinnamaldehyde (often 50–75% or more in quality Ceylon cinnamon), along with smaller amounts of eugenol, cinnamyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalool, and β-caryophyllene. According to the botanical literature, the bark of Ceylon cinnamon typically yields about 0.5-2.0% essential oil by weight, with cinnamaldehyde being the primary aromatic aldehyde in that fraction (CABI compendium summary).
Uses in Aromatherapy and Blending
Because of its strong warm spice profile, Cinnamon Bark oil is used sparingly in aromatherapy. It works well in blends for seasonal warming, spicy orientals, and with woods, resins, and citrus top notes. For example, a drop in a diffuser paired with orange or clove can enrich the depth of a blend. In perfumery, it often acts as a middle note with excellent tenacity.
Safety and Precautions
Cinnamon Bark essential oil is potent and is considered a strong skin irritant. It must always be diluted before topical use. Studies and regulatory reviews (for example, by the European Food Safety Authority) have noted that compounds of concern in some batches—such as styrene, safrole, or methyleugenol—may occur, particularly if the oil is oxidized, impure, or improperly stored (EFSA safety evaluation for cinnamon bark oil). Always patch test, avoid use near mucous membranes, and consider avoiding use during pregnancy unless under expert guidance. Ingesting essential oil is not recommended without professional direction.
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