The essential oil made from Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia Oil) is a vital ingredient when making traditional Easter biscuits! It also offers a range of health benefits. Cinnamomum cassia is valued for its ability to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, especially by Chinese medical practitioners.

What is Cassia?

Cinnamomum cassia is a spice that is produced from the inner bark of the cinnamomum verum tree which is native to Sri Lanka. It is also known as true cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon, Chinese cassia or cinnamomum zeylanicum. It tends to be sold under the name Cinnamon when in the form of a spice, as powder or sticks of bark. However when it is sold as an essential oil it often has the name cinnamomum cassia.

How is Cassia Essential Oil Obtained?

Various methods are used to obtain cinnamomum cassia essential oil, such as drying and grinding the seeds and steaming the bark, leaves, twigs and flowers. Cassia produces a slightly sweet aroma, and it imparts a spicy taste that has a slight bite.

Health Benefits of Cassia Oil

Traditional practitioners use Cinnamomum cassia to treat a variety of maladies, including:

• blurred vision
• bloodshot eyes
• constipation
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• stomach and muscle spasms
• diarrhoea
• erectile dysfunction
• flatulence
• kidney disorders
• nausea and vomiting
• cramps
• bed wetting
• menstrual problems
• cancer
• to incite abortion
• depression

Cassia Oil Antimicrobial Action

Positive reports about the essential oil from the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirm that the Cinnamomum cassia tree contains cinnamaldehyde, a chemical that seems to counteract bacteria and fungi.

Cassia Oil for Killing Bacteria

The U.S. National Library of Medicine cites the early use of spices for antimicrobial purposes, in fact it is mentioned in one of the oldest known medical books, and is mentioned several times in the Bible Much more recently, around the year 1676, Van Leeuwenhoek described some effects of using spices.

Current interest in cinnamaldehyde is showing potential for development as an antimicrobial agent in food. Problems with adding a sufficient quantity of a flavorful spice such as cinnamon include the way that it alters the taste of food, as whilst some people like its taste, it is very much a sweet tasting spice so is less suitable as an addition to savoury foods.

Cassial Oil for Killing Fungal Infections

Cinnamomum cassia oil is used for athlete’s foot, a condition that can occur from walking on communal shower floors and saunas as well as swimming pools. Cinnamomum cassia is a well known and highly regarded anti-fungal agent.

Killing Viral Infections with Cassia Oil

A virus is smaller than a single cell bacteria, so small that ordinary microscopes cannot detect it. More difficult to eradicate than bacteria, viruses are hampered by the cinnamaldehyde in Cinnamomum cassia oil. Cinnamomum cassia is widely accepted as being an effective antiviral.

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Cassia Essential Oil Notes / Side Effects

Cassia essential oil is generally safe when used appropriately, but excessive use or sensitivity can lead to side effects:

Potential Side Effects of Cassia Essential Oil

Skin Irritation & Sensitivity: Cassia oil is highly potent and can cause skin irritation, redness, or burns, especially in those with sensitive skin. Always dilute it with a carrier oil before topical use.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic symptoms like itching, swelling, or rashes. A patch test is recommended before use.

Mucous Membrane Irritation: Due to its high cinnamaldehyde content, inhaling cassia oil in large amounts can irritate the nose, throat, or lungs, leading to coughing or shortness of breath.

Blood Sugar Interactions: Cassia oil may lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes or those taking blood sugar-lowering medications.

Liver Toxicity (With Excessive Use): High doses of cassia oil can stress the liver due to its strong compounds. People with liver conditions should use it cautiously.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Concerns: Cassia oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may stimulate uterine contractions and affect milk production.

Medication Interactions: Cassia essential oil may interact with blood thinners (like Warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding. It is best to consult a healthcare provider before use.

Safety Precautions
Dilute properly before applying to the skin.
Avoid direct inhalation of large amounts.
Consult a doctor if you have diabetes, liver conditions, or take medications.
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

References

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF CINNAMON OIL AND CINNAMALDEHYDE FROM THE CHINESE MEDICINAL HERB CINNAMOMUM CASSIA BLUME (LINDA S. M. OOI ET AL, AM. J. CHIN. MED. 34, 511 (2006). DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X06004041).

THE U.S. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE ARTICLE HTTPS://WWW.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV/PMC/ARTICLES/PMC522076/