Cinnamaldehyde

Article at a Glance:

What do you think when you hear the word “cinnamaldehyde?” There’s a good chance that you think of cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde is one chemical compound that contributes to the benefits of Cinnamon Bark and Cassia essential oils. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Cinnamaldehyde?

Cinnamaldehyde is a chemical constituent that adds a rich, spicy aroma and flavor to essential oils like Cinnamon Bark and Cassia. Cinnamaldehyde is an aldehyde. To form an aldehyde you need an oxygen atom double bonded to a carbon atom which then connects to the backbone of the molecule and another hydrogen. In the case of cinnamaldehyde, you also have a benzene ring—a hexagon shape formed by six carbon atoms. (To learn more, check out the doTERRA Chemistry Handbook.)

Benefits of Cinnamaldehyde

While there is more to be learned, emerging research has found that cinnamaldehyde has a lot to offer.

Internal Use Benefits:

• Internal use of essential oils with cinnamaldehyde may support a healthy stomach through its cleansing and soothing properties^1,2.
• Using essential oils with cinnamaldehyde internally may support cardiovascular and circulatory system function³.
• Using essential oils with cinnamaldehyde internally may support cardiovascular and circulatory system function⁴.

Topical Use Benefits:

(When applying Cinnamon Bark and Cassia essential oils topically, make sure to dilute using Fractionated Coconut Oil or another carrier oil.)

• Cinnamaldehyde in essential oils may have strong surface cleansing abilities^4,5.
• Cinnamaldehyde in essential oils may help reduce the appearance of aging⁶.

Using Cinnamaldehyde

With all of the potential benefits of cinnamaldehyde, you may wonder how best to add this constituent into your routine. You may want to give some of the uses below a try.

• Add Cinnamon Bark or Cassia essential oil when baking cookies, muffins, or bread.
• Try adding a few drops of Cinnamon Bark essential oil to apple juice, hot cocoa, or tea.
• Add a few drops of Cinnamon Bark essential oil to a DIY cleaning spray.

The Potential of Cinnamaldehyde

Cassia and Cinnamon Bark oil are rich sources of cinnamaldehyde. In addition to having a spicy, warming aroma, cinnamaldehyde has vast potential for use in your routine. To decrease sensitivity, be sure to dilute Cassia and Cinnamon Bark oil in a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. How will you benefit from cinnamaldehyde today?
 

doTERRA Science blog articles are based on a variety of scientific sources. Many of the referenced studies are preliminary, experimental studies and further research is needed to gain a greater understanding of the findings. Essential oils may have drug interactions, patient contraindications, or adverse effects that cannot be evaluated using experimental research results alone. If you are interested in using essential oils for any health concern, consult with your healthcare provider first.