Cinnamon oil is a fragrant, versatile oil known for its warm, spicy aroma and numerous benefits-from soothing skin to enhancing your home’s atmosphere. Making your own cinnamon oil at home is easier than you might think, and it ensures you get a pure, natural product without any unwanted additives. Whether you want it for aromatherapy, skincare, or cleaning, here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to make cinnamon oil yourself.
What You’ll Need
– Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is preferred for its mild, sweet scent, but Cassia works too)
– Carrier oil (such as olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, safflower oil, or coconut oil)
– A clean glass jar with an airtight lid
– Dark glass bottle for storage
– Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Two Easy Methods to Make Cinnamon Oil at Home
Method 1: Cold Infusion (No Heat)
This method is simple and preserves the delicate properties of cinnamon by infusing it slowly over time.
- Prepare the Cinnamon: Break cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces or use whole sticks to fill your jar.
- Add Carrier Oil: Place the cinnamon in the jar and pour your carrier oil over it, making sure the sticks are fully submerged.
- Seal and Store: Close the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot in your home.
- Shake Daily: Give the jar a gentle shake every day to help release the cinnamon’s oils.
- Wait: Let the mixture infuse for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Strain: After infusion, strain the oil through cheesecloth to remove cinnamon pieces.
- Store: Transfer the strained oil to a dark glass bottle and keep it in a cool, dry place.
This method produces a beautifully aromatic oil perfect for topical use or diffusers.
Method 2: Hot Infusion (Faster Extraction)
If you want cinnamon oil more quickly, the hot infusion method uses gentle heat to speed up the process.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of carrier oil and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon or 4-5 cinnamon sticks.
- Heat Gently: Warm the mixture on the lowest heat setting for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cool Down: Remove from heat and let the oil cool to room temperature.
- Strain: Use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to filter out the cinnamon solids.
- Store: Pour the oil into a dark glass bottle and keep it in a cool, dark place.
This method yields a potent cinnamon oil suitable for cleaning, aromatherapy, or skincare.
Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Oil
– Use high-quality cinnamon for a richer, purer oil.
– Choose a carrier oil that suits your intended use: olive oil is great for skin, while lighter oils like safflower or grapeseed are good for diffusing or cleaning.
– Store your finished oil in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light and extend its shelf life.
– For added benefits, you can mix in a few drops of other essential oils like tea tree oil to enhance aroma and properties.
How to Use Your Homemade Cinnamon Oil
– Aromatherapy: Add a few drops to a diffuser to fill your space with a warm, comforting scent.
– Skincare: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to help soothe dry skin or reduce inflammation.
– Haircare: Massage into your scalp to stimulate circulation and promote healthy hair.
– Cleaning: Use as a natural fragrance and antibacterial agent by mixing with water or other cleaning agents.
– Massage Oil: Blend with your favorite carrier oil for a warming massage experience.
Cinnamon oil is a delightful addition to your natural wellness and home care routine. By making it yourself, you get a fresh, chemical-free product tailored to your needs.
Enjoy crafting your own cinnamon oil and exploring its many uses!