- Other Names
- Chinese Cinnamon, False Cinnamon, and Chinese Cassia
- Farming Method
- Certified Organic
- Plant Part
- Bark
- Country of Origin
- Vietnam
- Application Method
- Diffusion, Inhalation, and Topical
- Scientific Name
- Cinnamomum cassia
- Extraction Method
- Steam Distilled
About the Plant:
Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) is a medium-sized, aromatic evergreen tree that typically reaches 30 feet tall or more upon reaching maturity, which generally occurs after 8 years of growth. Its essential oil is obtained from the bark of the tree after at least three years of growth. While Cassia is closely related to Cinnamon within the Lauraceae family, it is a distinctly different species of plant even though it is commonly marketed as “cinnamon” and falsely labeled as such.
The Cassia plant displays long, green, slightly curved leaves which grow from 4-10 inches, and will seasonally bloom small white flowers, eventually followed by ellipsoid fruit which matures from green to dark black-purple.
Where It Grows:
Cassia is originally native to Southern China but is now commonly cultivated throughout Southeast Asia. Amrita is proud to source its Cassia Organic Essential Oil from the beautifully lush forests of Vietnam. It can also be grown in more temperate climates if protected from harsh winter conditions, then gradually reintroduced to the outdoors after springtime.
Traditional Uses and Lore:
Ancient Chinese Peoples used Cassia bark dating as far back as 2700 B.C. in a variety of ways. It was considered therapeutically beneficial for a broad range of conditions including diarrhea, nausea, and menstrual issues.* Today it is listed as one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Here are some other notable historical examples of Cassia use:
- The Ayurvedic healers of India used Cassia in similar fashion to the Chinese, likely after it was imported via ancient trade routes. By 500 B.C. it had found its way to Egypt and surrounding areas, eventually lending itself to a few notable Bible references. These include crediting it as an ingredient in holy anointing oil, as well as references to its perfumery applications and its role as a common product of trade and commerce.
- Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Hebrews provide us with the earliest evidence of Cassia bark being utilized in culinary applications, and by the 17th century A.D. it was also well-established throughout Europe. Inevitably, this consistent expansion of the herb led to its global recognition in modern times. Nowadays, as well as in the past, Cassia is and was the most common source of “cinnamon” products consumed throughout the world even though it is merely a close relative, demonstrating similar traits while proving to be a cheaper, hardier, and more accessible source than that of “true” cinnamon.
Other Facts:
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- Scent: Strong, Sweet, Spicy, Warm, Cinnamon, Resinous, and Balsamic Aroma
- Fragrance Note: Base Note
- Composition: trans-Cinnamaldehyde, trans-Cinnamyl Acetate, Coumarin, Benzaldehyde, and Benzenepropanal
- Family: Lauraceae Family
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*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.
- USDA Certified Organic
- Eases Muscular Pain
- Cleanses Lymphatic Detoxification
- Boosts Immune System
Cassia Organic Essential Oil has a warm, spicy, cinnamon-like aroma that can help to improve the mood, stimulate the mind, and arouse the senses in a powerful way.* Almost everyone will immediately recognize its scent, probably associating it with fond memories of cinnamon candies or cookies. This is why Cassia is widely utilized throughout the world for household spices, food flavoring, mouthwash, fragrance sprays, and perfumes.
Many studies have shown that Cassia Essential Oil consistently displays impressive therapeutic benefits. These include anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for easing pain in a variety of ways, as well as antibacterial and antiviral actions which help to rid the body of impurities and boost the immune system.* While it is also known to help improve circulation, it is additionally regarded as a carminative and tonic which helps to relieve flatulence and nausea.* More recent studies have even hinted that some compounds within Cassia might suppress tumor growth, quell symptoms of diabetes, and mitigate obesity-related factors, though more evidence will be necessary to confirm these findings.*
Cassia has an aroma that is quite reminiscent of its close relative, Cinnamon. In fact, it is often called “Chinese Cinnamon” even though they are two distinct species of plant. Often when people buy “cinnamon” products at the grocery store they are actually purchasing Cassia.
Cassia Essential Oil is generally not recommended for topical use because it is one of the most potentially sensitizing essential oil products. Amrita recommends Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil, properly diluted to no more than 0.6% (3 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil), as a relatively milder alternative to Cassia for purposes of topical use. However, it has been found that a Cassia Essential Oil dilution of no more than 0.3% (3 drops per 4 tablespoons of carrier oil) can be safely administered for most users. Professional consultation is strongly recommended before attempting topical applications of Cassia.
Topical Application (for use on the skin):
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Diffusion / Inhalation (add a few drops to a nebulizer or nasal diffuser):
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Blends Well With
- Clove Bud, Ginger, Lemon, Blood Orange, and Patchouli
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Safety Precautions:
- Cassia Organic Essential Oil is one of the most hazardous essential oils and severely sensitizing essential oils.*
- Please handle this oil with caution.
- You must highly dilute this oil before using it on the skin (0.3% dilution; no more than 3 drops per 4 tablespoons of carrier oil).
- Otherwise, it can cause severe skin irritation.*
- Avoid using Cassia during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.*
General Safety Precautions:
- Use essential oils only in diluted form on the skin and never internally.
- Always be careful when using essential oils with children.
- Give them only low doses, or better, consult a qualified aromatherapy expert before using.
- Use essential oils with care and only under the proper guidance of an expert while pregnant or if you have liver damage, epilepsy, cancer, or other serious health problems.
*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.
Cassia Essential Oil exhibits strong pain-tackling abilities in the form of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions.* This means symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, headaches, cramping, menstrual pain, sore muscles, and/or aching joints are all potentially mitigated with its use.* It also addresses a number of digestive issues, such as diarrhea, flatulence, and slow metabolism with its tonic and carminative abilities.* Additionally, Cassia can support the immune system and purify the body with its antiviral, antibacterial, and astringent properties, as well as improve circulatory function.* Its spicy-sweet, cinnamon-like aroma lends itself to mental stimulation, enhanced mood, and sensual arousal.*
While Cassia Essential Oil demonstrates qualities similar to Cinnamon Bark and Cinnamon Leaf, it is generally considered to be more potent. Therefore, it contains a higher content of potentially toxic and/or sensitizing compounds such as Cinnamaldehyde and Coumarin. For this reason, it is not recommended for topical use unless it is diluted to a very small concentration of 0.3% or less. That being said, Cassia is safe to use when properly diluted or diffused and demonstrates therapeutic qualities more powerful than those of its “true” cinnamon relatives.*
Some in vitro studies have suggested that Cassia Essential Oil could possibly help to inhibit growth of tumors in mice and rats, as well as potentially lessen symptoms of diabetes and obesity.* It should be noted, however, that these results are not yet regarded as definitive and more thorough studies would need to be conducted in order to validate such abilities. Therefore, Amrita will view these findings with cautious optimism while refraining from asserting any specific claims until more substantial data is available.*
The following is a list of conditions which Cassia Essential Oil addresses by category:
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*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.
Bottles are filled by volume. Some bottle sizes may not be filled to the top, but do contain the volume of oil specified.
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Click the links below to view GC Analysis:
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Click the links below to view CoA Analysis:
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Click the link below to view Safety Data Sheet (SDS): |
