Few scents stir the senses like Cinnamon. Sweet yet spicy, warm yet invigorating, it’s a fragrance that can transport you to bustling spice markets, cosy winter kitchens, or perhaps, ancient temples. Cinnamon essential oil offers not just an evocative aroma but also a heritage stretching back thousands of years…
History & Folklore
Cinnamon has been treasured since antiquity. Ancient Egyptian texts dating back to 2,000 BCE mention a prized spice called ‘kinnamon’, used in sacred incense blends, embalming, and even love potions. In Greek and Roman times, Cinnamon was so valuable that it was considered more precious than gold, often gifted to monarchs and used in temples.
During the Middle Ages, Arab traders controlled the spice routes, weaving mysterious tales about Cinnamon’s origins to justify its high cost. In Europe, it was the jewel of the apothecary, revered for its warming and stimulating effects on the body.
Across cultures, Cinnamon has been linked to prosperity, protection, and passion. In Chinese medicine, the bark of the cinnamon tree (known as Rou Gui) has long been associated with warming the body’s vital energy, or ‘yang’, especially in colder seasons. In Western folk traditions, Cinnamon was often burned to purify spaces and attract good fortune, and was sometimes placed in sachets to encourage love and intimacy.
Today, Cinnamon retains that aura of ancient luxury - but thanks to modern trade and distillation, its essential oil is far more accessible. The association of warmth and vitality makes it a perennial favourite during autumn and winter, perfect for bringing comfort and energy to grey, chilly days.
The Art of Extraction
There are two primary botanical sources for Cinnamon essential oil: Cinnamomum verum (often called “true cinnamon” or Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia). Both belong to the Lauraceae family but differ slightly in aroma and chemical composition.
-
Cinnamon Bark Oil – Distilled from the inner bark of the tree, producing a warm, intensely spicy oil.
-
Cinnamon Leaf Oil – Distilled from the leaves, yielding a softer, more herbaceous scent with less intense top notes.
Most Cinnamon essential oils are produced by steam distillation, a time-honoured method in which plant material is exposed to steam. The heat releases the aromatic compounds, which then condense into a liquid that separates into essential oil and hydrosol. Bark oil is usually deeper and richer due to its higher cinnamaldehyde content, while leaf oil tends to be milder and higher in eugenol.
Best Use
Cinnamon essential oil is pretty potent, both in aroma and effect. The stimulating aroma can help banish mental fatigue, promoting alertness and focus. Many people find it energising in the morning or during a mid-afternoon slump.
Here in the UK, where the autumn and winter evenings grow dark early, diffusing Cinnamon essential oil can bring instant cosiness.
Botanical Notes
Cinnamon essential oil is beloved for its complex, multilayered fragrance profile.
-
Top Notes: Bright, spicy, and slightly sweet with a quick spark of warmth.
-
Middle Notes: Rich, resinous spice with hints of clove and nutmeg.
-
Base Notes: A deep, sweetly balsamic undertone that lingers long after application.
This versatility makes Cinnamon essential oil a superb companion for blending. We blend it with Frankincense and Sweet Orange. It’s the ultimate fragrance to bring instant joy. Inspired by warm festive spices, mulled wine and baking, it brings a grounding, festive atmosphere to any space. We love it in our new, limited edition candle, the perfect festive gift, or just because!