Cassia oil

Technical Data Sheets :

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum cassia

Common Method of Extraction: Cassia oil, which is extracted from various parts of the plant, is got using the steam distillation process.

Parts Used: Stalks, bark, leaves and twigs are the parts used to extract Cassia Oil.

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: Cassia oil has a pungent yet warm smell. The hot smell is also very stimulating.

Largest Producing Countries: Cassia bark is also known as Chinese cinnamon as it is a native plant of China. It is mostly grown in Southern China and also in Southern and Eastern Asia like Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, India and Indonesia.

Traditional Use: Traditionally this plant has been used to treat chills, fever and stomach disorders. The Hebrew Bible mentions about this spice. This name is derived from the Hebrew word meaning ‘quddah’. This means amber. Yet it sounds closer to the Greek word ‘kasia”. It is also mentioned in the literature of Indonesia, travels of Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Greeks also knew the benefits of this wonderful spice. They even considered it very holy like the Christians. In India also this spice was used for medicines.

Properties:

Cassia oil is a volatile oil and has cinnamaldehyde, linalool, chavicol, cinnamyl acetate and benzaldehyde. Cassia oil is anti-emetic, carminative, anti-microbial and anti-diarrhea. Along with these it has some more properties which make it a very effective ingredient for medicines. It is anticoagulant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal. With all these properties it is effectively used for colds, fungal infection, ringworm, inflammation, and viral infection. Cataracts, arteriosclerosis, candida, atherosclerosis and bacterial infection are some of the serious disorders that can be treated with cassia oil. It has a flavouring property too. In India and many Asian countries it is used as an ingredient in many recipes. But this should not be used in large doses. Little bit of cinnamon in its pure form or cassia oil gives a lovely flavour to the dish. It is also used in beverages. There is a big debate about its effectiveness in diabetes. Cassia oil has the property of purifying blood. It is for the same reason it is believed to be very effective for diabetes. There is another view that says that it can lower the sugar to drastically low levels. So it is with caution it is to be used.

Blends Well With: Cassia oil blends well with caraway, geranium, spices, citrus, coriander, frankincense, balsam peru, chamomile, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger and rosemary oils.

Of Interest: Cassia oil is mentioned directly in the Bible three times and is mentioned as a medicine for infection. Still earlier, it was recorded in the oldest medical records, Ebers Papyrus. This is an ancient book containing hundreds of prescriptions and recipes.

Safety Data: Cassia essential oil is considered safe- GRAS – Generally Regarded As Safe for consumption. However it is not to be given to children below six. Pregnant women are advised not to use this oil. Cassia oil can sensitize the skin and cause irritation to the skin.