This or That: Cinnamon Bark versus Cinnamon Leaf

Which Cinnamon is Better?

Fall is in the air, and Amrita's bringing out our coziest oils to diffuse. One oil that can't be stopped lately has been none other than Cinnamon Essential Oil — warm, wonderful, spicy! The classic aroma of this season's favorite spice brings an autumnal mood anywhere you go with its inviting fragrance. So, whether it’s for a Fall Day or just because you're wanting soothing warmth at home (or both!), come find out which scent suits best by reading on...

Cinnamon Bark versus Cinnamon Leaf.

What is Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil?

Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil is spicy and warm. This oil will flood your senses with its fiery and infinitely sweet aroma. Reminiscent of cinnamon hard candy, but definitely not artificial!

The warm and intense aroma of Cinnamon Bark Oil stimulates the appetite and ignites the senses.* When you are pursuing creativity, softly inhaling Cinnamon Bark can usher in inspiration and clarity.*

Cinnamon is more than just a reddish-brown powder or a jar of sticks in your spice drawer. Deep in the forests of Madagascar surrounded by tropical trees of every shape and size, the 45-foot-high Cinnamon tree will be among them. Cinnamon Bark Oil is derived from the thick bark of tropical evergreen trees through a steam distillation process. Use this essential oil sparingly; one drop goes a long way.

Benefits of Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

There’s no other essential oil that tingles our senses quite like Cinnamon Bark does. Diffusing this into your home can help energize and stimulate your senses, especially during moments of worry or fatigue.* Using Cinnamon Bark can help during times of seasonal illnesses like the common cold.* When pursuing creativity, softly inhaling Cinnamon Bark can usher in inspiration.* It has a sweeter aroma than Cinnamon Leaf and is also a pleasing addition to natural household cleaners.

This rich essential oil can be used as an effective massage oil to ease discomfort in stiff muscles when applied topically.* Please note that blending is the key to leveraging Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil benefits in aromatherapy, as this oil may slightly irritate the skin. It is best experienced in combination with oils that are known for their soothing touch, such as Sweet Orange, Patchouli, or Geranium Rose. A gentle carrier oil, such as Golden Jojoba or Hazelnut, is also recommended to bring out the best from Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil. Use this essential oil sparingly; one drop goes a long way!

What is Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil?

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil is the perfect escape from winter's chilly air. This aroma fills your space with cozy warmth and comfort, like snuggling up by a fire while drinking a tasty mug of spiced hot cider!

Keep that coziness in your laundry and bathroom by using Cinnamon Leaf Oil. A few drops in bath water can create a calm feeling...or add to wool dryer balls to help fluff damp fabric; both support positive thinking!*

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the same tree that produces Cinnamon Bark Oil. Although both are similar in usage, Cinnamon Leaf Oil is chemically closer to Clove Bud Essential Oil; this is why the aroma is more like Clove.

Benefits of Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

Bring home the smell of grandma’s kitchen anytime with Cinnamon Leaf! It imparts a warm, welcoming scent to your space. Cinnamon Leaf promotes warmth when properly diluted and applied topically to the skin.*

A natural botanical ‘energizer,’ Cinnamon Leaf Oil helps create an atmosphere of joy.* Diffusing Cinnamon Leaf or adding it to a potpourri mix can enliven your space with a pleasing scent. Some soap brands add in blends of Cinnamon Leaf and Sweet Orange Essential Oils to create a captivating aroma.

Cinnamon Leaf Oil has a higher eugenol content than Cinnamon Bark Oil and a much lower cinnamic aldehyde content (this is what makes the bark irritating). That makes it less irritating to the skin, and combines very well with Cardamom, Pink Grapefruit, and Peppermint Oils for a fuller blend and aroma-therapeutic experience.

This essential oil softens the nasty side effects of a cold like shivering and painful joints.* People who tend to chill easily during cold winter months could benefit from using the warming properties of Cinnamon Leaf. Similar effects may be noted for psychological symptoms. Emotional coldness, isolation, tension, and fear can be lessened by the therapeutic use of Cinnamon Leaf.*

And the Clear Winner is…

Cinnamon Oil can help strengthen the heart and nervous system.* It is known for having strong antiseptic and astringent properties.* When applied externally, cinnamon helps warm and stimulate the circulatory system and may be used to relax tense muscles.*

No matter which Cinnamon Essential Oil you choose, both will be helpful to your health and aromatherapy experience.

Happy Blending!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.