Ever feel sluggish, struggle with cold hands and feet, or find yourself dragging through the day? While many of us reach for coffee or energy drinks for a quick boost, there may be a warmer, more natural alternative: Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil.
With its rich, spicy scent and comforting warmth, cinnamon bark oil has been cherished for centuries, not just as a festive fragrance or kitchen staple, but for its potential to support your health. Among its most talked-about benefits? It may help stimulate circulation and naturally boost energy levels.
But does a few drops of Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil actually help boost your energy and circulation? Let’s dive into the science and tradition behind this fragrant oil and see what the evidence has to say.
What Is Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil?
Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil is derived from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, commonly known as true or Ceylon cinnamon. Cinnamon leaf oil, which comes from the tree’s leaves, is a related product. It has a less intense scent and different chemical profile compared to the bark oil.
Compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, linalool, and many others contribute to the warm, intensely aromatic, and potentially therapeutic properties of the bark oil.
How Cinnamon and Circulation Are Linked Back to the Warming Effect
Stimulating blood flow is one of the most well-known traditional uses of cinnamon oil. What is it like in practice?
1. Vasodilation and cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for cinnamon’s strong aroma and flavour, has been studied for its effects on blood vessels. Research suggests that cinnamaldehyde may help trigger vasodilation, essentially, the widening of blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily throughout the body.
Better circulation implies:
- Excessive blood circulation in the extremities (hands and feet)
- Increased speed in supplying oxygen to the muscles and other organs,
- Improved uptake of nutrients in the body.
This is why cinnamon bark oil is frequently used in massage blends or muscle rubs to alleviate aches and increase circulation.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation can block proper circulation, particularly in people with chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Research has shown that cinnamon bark oil acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which can help support vascular health and improve blood flow.
How Essential Oil from Cinnamon Bark May Increase Energy
Caffeine isn’t the only way to boost your energy. Healthy circulation, balanced blood sugar, and mental clarity all play a key role. Thankfully, cinnamon bark essential oil may help support all three of these areas:
1. Maintaining Blood Sugar Balance
Blood sugar fluctuations are often linked to feelings of fatigue. Cinnamon has long been associated with improved glucose metabolism and better insulin sensitivity. While most studies focus on powdered cinnamon or extracts, the active compounds (like cinnamaldehyde) are also present in essential oils.
Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil may help alleviate energy crashes and boost overall stamina by promoting blood sugar balance.
2. Energising the Body and Mind
Not only is the scent of cinnamon pleasant, it is invigorating. Experts in aromatherapy frequently utilise cinnamon bark essential oil:
- Enhance mental focus,
- Combat fatigue,
- Lift low mood.
Inhaling the warm, spicy scent stimulates the olfactory system, which is directly interconnected to the brain’s limbic system, home to emotions, memory, and alertness.
Ways to Use Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil for Circulation and Energy
Here’s how to incorporate this invigorating oil safely and effectively into your daily routine:
1. Massage Oil for Circulation
Add a few drops of Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil to a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil, then gently massage it onto your legs, feet, or shoulders. The warming sensation isn’t just comforting; it’s also helping to boost circulation.
Important: Always dilute well, as cinnamon bark oil is a “hot” oil that can irritate the skin if used undiluted.
2. Energy Diffusion for the Mind
Let the spicy aroma fill the room by adding recommended drops of essential oil to your diffuser. If you need a mental boost before work or are experiencing a mid-afternoon slump, this is a great way to recharge your energy.
3. Use a Warm Compress to Relax Weary Muscles
Dip a cloth in a bowl of lukewarm water, squeeze it out, and gently massage it over aching muscles or tight joints. This can reduce tension and promote circulation.
4. Bath Boost
For an invigorating bath soak, mix with Epsom salts and a carrier oil. The warming qualities of cinnamon, combined with its heat, help you feel refreshed and at ease.
The Verdict: Can Cinnamon Bark Oil Truly Help?
The research looks promising, cinnamon bark essential oil seems to offer benefits for both circulation and energy. While more human clinical studies are needed to fully back these claims, both traditional use and early research suggest it could be a valuable, natural addition to your wellness routine.
It’s beneficial if you:
- Feel cold easily (especially in the extremities),
- Struggle with sluggish afternoons,
- Want a natural pick-me-up without the caffeine crash.
When used safely and in moderation, Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil is a wonderful, aromatic way to energise your body, stimulate your senses, and get the blood flowing, one spicy drop at a time.
