Cassia Essential Oil Its Uses And What It Is
Cassia Essential Oil comes from Cinnamomum cassia, also called Chinese Cinnamon and Chinese Cassia as it originates from Southern China. It is now grown throughout southern and eastern Asia. This essential oil is a natural immunity booster, which also acts as an anti-viral and anti-fungal. Properties for which the ancient Egyptians used it amongst others. There are many other properties, you can discover about Cassia Essential Oil Uses further below.
Plant
The tree can grow to around 15 meters in height, has greyish bark, and leaves which are initially a reddish colour when young turn a deep green later and are around 10 to 15 centimeters in length. It is widely cultivated for its bark, which is usually sold under the common culinary name of Cinnamon.
Essential Oil Characteristics
The essential oil is extracted from the bark, twigs, stems and leaves of the tree via steam distillation. It is reddish-brown in colour and clear in nature, with a medium viscosity. The aroma has a middle note, with a warm, spicy character.
Constituents
The principle constituents that yield healing and medicinal properties are cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, benzaldehyde, linalool and chavicol.
Safety Note For Cassia Essential Oil
The oil can act as an irritant, on the skin and mucus membranes. If applied directly a strong burning sensation is commonly felt. As such if used in massage it should be highly dilute, such that only a warming sensation is felt.
The Effects of Cinnamomum Cassia on Blood Glucose Values are Greater than those of Dietary Changes Alone.
"The subjects in the cinnamon group had an average overall decrease in their blood sugar levels of about 30 mg/dL, which is comparable to oral medications available for diabetes. All subjects were educated on appropriate diabetic diets and maintained that diet for the entire 12 week study. Greater decreases in blood glucose values were observed in patients using the cinnamon compared to those using the dietary changes alone."
Hoehn AN, Stockert AL.
Nutr Metab Insights. 2012 Dec 13;5:77-83. doi: 10.4137/NMI.S10498. Print 2012.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23882151
Cassia Essential Oil Uses
Cassia essential oil uses are very similar to those of Cinnamon due to the close relation of the plants which they each come from, it is preferred by many aromatherapists due to subtle differences in its chemical composition though. Its warming nature makes it good for rheumatic conditions such as arthritis, though when used in contact with skin it should be used in dilute form, maximum of 20% in relation to a carrier oil is the maximum that should be considered.
The Therapeutic Effects Of Cassia Essential Oil
Anti-Diarrhea
Anti-Emetic
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Microbial
Anti-Viral
Antibacterial
Anticoagulant
Antifungal
Antioxidant
Carminative
The anti-viral along with anti-microbial, antibacterial antioxidant properties make this oil very useful in dealing with infections, colds, flu and fevers. The combination of these things together help to elevate the ability of the body to deal with infections of a variety of natures. The antioxidant nature helping to boost the immune system and ability to heal as well, as such creating a synergistic effect with these properties working together to truly enhance immune function and health levels.
Conditions That It Helps With
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Bacterial Infection
Candida
Cataracts
Colds
Digestive Complaints
Fevers
Flu
Fungal Infection
Immune System
Inflammation
Rheumatism
Ringworm
Viral Infection
The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil make it useful in aiding with a variety of related conditions, from rheumatism through to other causes of inflammation. When tissue becomes inflammed it is a healing response by the body, generally it feels unpleasant and people attempt to “heal it” with other things. Cassia essential oil in dilute form, in topical application it should only ever be used in dilute form, can be used to help clear the unpleasant effects of the condition and aid in creating a more effective healing response, thus getting the body back to good health with greater speed and effectiveness.
Points To Note On Cassia Essential Oil Uses
It can cause dermal (skin) irritation, and as such when used in topical application it should be used in dilute form, a ratio of 1 part Cassia to 4 parts carrier oil is the strongest that should be considered. Its properties will come through well in lower concentrations though. Patch testing on skin is recommended prior to full usage as well due to the potential for irritation.
It can be used internally as well provided that it is of high grade and is certified for such usage, when used in this manner it can be more effective in treating various conditions.
The best results from Cassia essential oil uses, and all other oils, come when using high quality sources. Accessing a good quality and value is relatively easy and you can discover how to access a recommended source here.