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A Comparison of Cinnamon Bark Oil and Cinnamon Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum verum


Cinnamomum verum picture by Simon A. Eugster

What is the difference between cinnamon bark essential oil and cinnamon leaf essential oil?

Both come from cinnamomum zeylanicum also refererred to as cinnamomum verum tree. Both have that familiar cinnamon aroma (although cinnamon bark has more depth). Both have properties that help maintain a healthy immune system*. However, their chemical profiles are different, different enough to make a distinction. If you go to the health food store, you may notice bottles labeled "Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil." Some people share that you can use cinnamon leaf and cinnamon bark interchangeably. However, this may not be the case and you may not experience the results Down to Earth is one of many companies that offer cinnamon leaf instead of cinnamon bark essential oils. Down to Earth is one of many companies that offer cinnamon leaf instead of cinnamon bark essential oils. you desire. The major reason is essential oil chemistry.

When people refer to the benefits of cinnamon, they are often times reffering to the cinnamon component cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde is shown to support healthy metabolic function*. Cinnamaldehyde Cinnamaldehyde is the organic compound that gives cinnamon its flavor and odor Cinnamaldehyde is a major component of cinnamon bark essential oil (>60%). On the other hand, the major component of Cinnamon Leaf essential oil is eugenol (>65%), the same compound found in clove bud. Cinnamon leaf also contains cinnamaldehyde. However, it usually contains less than 1.5%. In other words, it could take 50, or even 100 drops of Cinnamon leaf essential oil to match the amount of cinnamaldehyde of Cinnamon bark essential oil. You should never use 50 - 100 drops (3-5ml) of oil at any single use because it is dangerous. Another important thing to note is that cinnamon leaf essential oil may contain up to 1% safrole, while a high quality cinnamon bark essential oil may contain trace amounts to no safrole at all.

doTERRA Cinammon Bark

In addition to cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon bark essential oils contain many other constituents. These constituents and how they interact with each other through synergism and quenching further differentiates itself from other oils. Cinnamon bark essential oil is very valuable and is sold at a higher price. The bottom line is that labels on the bottle in the store won't tell you that. Even if they provided data, one would have to interpret what it means. I hope this information helps. Chemistry is all the difference in the essential oil world. You can have the same plant such as cinnamomum zeylanicum and have different essential oils.

doTERRA only offers high quality CInnamon Bark essential oil, not Cinnamon leaf.


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