The benefits of cinnamon and cinnamon oil are numerous. Cinnamon is found in commercial and homemade skin care products such as soaps and topical treatments. It is found in medicines, foods, perfumes, room fresheners, mouth fresheners, pest repellents and more. This natural substance has a variety of healthful benefits and is used in many different ways. Where does it come from?

Cinnamon comes from the bark and leaves of a shrub named, Cinnamomum zeylanicum. This shrub originated in the tropical regions of Asia, around Sri Lanka and India. Today, this shrub can be found in many tropical areas around the world. Why is cinnamon so popular? It provides numerous healthful benefits!

Medicinal and topical benefits include having antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It helps a variety of conditions including: skin infections, respiratory problems, heart disorders, boosts brain activity, removes blood impurities, aids in blood circulation, reduces inflammation of sore muscles and joints, relieves headaches, helps to control blood sugar, improves colon health, aids in digestion and much more!

Cinnamon oil is used for aromatherapy benefits. It blends well with other natural essential oils, such as: lemon, lavender, geranium and rosemary. It has a strong, stimulating, refreshing scent and is, often, found in room fresheners or potpourris.

Cinnamon or cinnamon oil can be used for making homemade soap, but it should be used with extreme caution. It can be very sensitive to skin. It may cause adverse skin irritations or allergies. It should never be used directly on the skin, especially in sensitive areas or on the face. A very small amount should be diluted and, perfectly, blended with other soap making oils to promote healthful skin care.

If you are learning how to make soap, do not attempt using cinnamon or cinnamon oil, without the help of a master soap maker. A master soap maker can guide you through the soap making process, with easy soap making instructions. Consider taking soap making classes using, good quality, homemade, soap recipes.

Research has shown that cinnamon oil kills mosquito larvae. It is a natural mosquito repellent! So, when you are outside in the hot summer weather, swatting at pesky mosquitoes, consider setting a pest repellent with cinnamon or cinnamon oil nearby.

Cinnamon is found in mouth fresheners, such as oral sprays or chewing gums. It helps to remove and prevent bad breath. Just one squirt of oral spray or one stick of gum, can provide a burst of warm, stimulating and invigorating flavor!

It is used as an additive in foods or food preparations, but again, heed caution and be careful of any adverse reactions or allergies. Many ethnic cooking recipes use cinnamon or cinnamon oil. Cinnamon is, also, found in small round tasty candies or sticks that provide a burst of warm, stimulating, flavor!

Cinnamon or cinnamon oil is a stimulating, healthful, refreshing and invigorating, natural, substance. There are certain cautions to be heeded when using it, especially when making homemade soap, using it in any commercial or homemade skin care product or ingesting it in anyway. Overall, it provides a multitude of healthful benefits and is used in a variety of ways!