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Aromatherapy is the art of using scent to promote relaxation, influence mood and, according to some, create a healing environment in the body. Aromatherapists diffuse volatile liquid plant materials called “essential oils” into the air, believing that the tiny molecules are absorbed in the nose and carried directly to the hypothalamus of the brain where they perform their healing works.

Though any scent–whether natural or synthetic–can promote relaxation, proponents of “true” aromatherapy insist on using only those fragrances taken from freshly harvested botanicals. Practitioners call those fragrant materials “essential oils”, believing that these materials contain the “essence” of the plant.

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Aromatherapy is a branch of herbalism that employs the use of essential oils for therapeutic use. Essential oils are highly aromatic distillations of flowers, roots, stalks, bark, seeds, leaves, gum or rind of plants, trees or fruit. This holistic practice is now well recognized and utilized for aid in bringing about physical, mental or emotional change within a person.

Used by the Ancients for thousands of years, precious oils were the first medicines and perfumes. Incenses utilizing the oils perfumed places of worship. This science is increasingly being used either in conjunction with allopathic medicine or alone to provide a natural alternative to treating common ailments. Essential oils contain chemical constituents that nourish, energize, heal and protect the living plant increasing its immunity. Over the years, practitioners used these extracted oils to stimulate the immune system, balance our central nervous system, increase blood circulation, relieve pain and treat viruses, infections, wounds and skin ailments. When pure oils are placed directly on the skin, they enter into our bloodstream and can often impact our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Applications of essential oils diluted in a carrier are ideal for use in massage, reflexology and bodywork. In fact, the best place to put oil is either the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. Inhale the fragrance from your hand. Rub it on areas where you have tension. It is possible to feel positive emotional and physical benefits from a single application of a few drops of oil.

Notably, mere inhalation of particular scents can also impact us in the same ways. In the emotional realm, essential oils were used to treat depression, anxiety, improve memory and promote self-confidence and a meditative state. Aromatherapy is the belief that certain scents trigger specific emotional or physical responses in people simply because the chemical constituents evoke them. Magical Aromatherapy is the practice of using the energies found within these same oils and floral waters or plant material to bring about a needed change. These energies are often focused for a specific intent by visualizing the intended goal. Aroma magick is created each time you use a particular scent for a particular purpose. Aromatherapists concern themselves with the effects of smell, magickal practitioners concern themselves with the energy of the plant.

Debbi Quinn is the owner of Blue Moon Herbals, the popular online retailer of chakra oils, perfume pendants, and other aromatherapy products. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1988 and has since turned to aromatherapy to help maintain a healthy body.

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Native to southeastern Asia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum is an evergreen tree with highly fragrant leaves and bark. Steam distillation of the leaves, bark and root yield three similar, but distinct, essential oils. Cinnamon bark oil and cinnamon leaf oil are thin yellow liquids with spicy, warm aromas. Cinnamon bark oil, which is considered “true” cinnamon by essential oil connoisseurs, is a brown, viscous liquid with a rich, powerful scent.

Cinnamon is used both in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. Its strong antiseptic properties make cinnamon bark oil the flavoring of choice for digestive aids, liniments and oral care products. Cinnamon leaf oil, which is less pungent than cinnamon bark oil, is used in the food industry to flavor candies, sauces and pastries. Cinnamon bark essential oil is also used extensively in perfumes, soaps and lotions.

Cinnamon in Aromatherapy

Cinnamon is used in aromatherapy for its ability to warm and stimulate the senses. Aromatherapists believe that cinnamon essential oil restores vigor and fights depression and melancholy. Its familiar, comforting scent is recommended for those suffering from anxiety and fear. Cinnamon essential oil is also diffused in sick rooms to strengthen the immune system. It’s a popular scent that’s used in the early stages of a cold or fever.

Thanks in part to its high eugenol content, cinnamon bark essential oil is a strong dermal irritant. And sensitization is common so cinnamon bark oil is never used topically or orally. Cinnamon leaf oil, which is a bit milder, is generally considered safe if properly diluted but irritation is possible with it, as well so cinnamon essential oils are used mainly through diffusion.

Choosing a Good Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon is an easily recognizable scent that should smell clean and full. It has an intense spicy aroma that feels full and warm in the nose. Cinnamon essential oils is always made of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and should never be confused with C. cassia, which is a completely different species.

Cinnamon leaf essential oil is considered a middle note while cinnamon bark oil is usually classified as a base note. And cinnamon enjoys the distinction of being one of the few essential oils that can “balance” a blend. Cinnamon essential oil can both lighten heavy, wood blends and deepen grassy, herbaceous blends. Cinnamon blends especially well with other wood oils like frankincense, sandalwood and patchouli.

Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specializing in natural health education. To learn more about Ms. Barger’s belief in “Empowerment through Education” or to take a free online natural health class see her website, http://www.LisaBarger.com

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