Cinnamon oil is a delightful and versatile oil prized for its warm, spicy aroma and numerous health benefits. Whether you want it for aromatherapy, skincare, or adding a cozy scent to your home, making cinnamon oil at home is easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create your own cinnamon oil using natural ingredients and straightforward methods.
What Is Cinnamon Oil?
Cinnamon oil is an infused oil made by extracting the aromatic and beneficial compounds from cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon into a carrier oil. Unlike commercial essential oils, homemade cinnamon oil is typically an infusion rather than a pure essential oil, but it still carries the wonderful scent and many of the healthful properties of cinnamon.
Why Make Cinnamon Oil at Home?
– Cost-effective: Commercial cinnamon oil can be pricey, but homemade oil is affordable and you can make as much as you want.
– Freshness and Purity: You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and chemicals.
– Customization: Adjust the strength and choose your favorite carrier oil.
– Therapeutic Benefits: Cinnamon oil is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing effects.
What You’ll Need
– Cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon for a sweeter aroma, or Cassia for a stronger scent)
– Carrier oil (jojoba, almond, olive, coconut, or safflower oil)
– Clean glass jar with airtight lid
– Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
– Dark glass bottle for storage (to protect the oil from light)
Method 1: Cold Infusion with Cinnamon Sticks (No Heat)
This method takes a bit longer but preserves the natural qualities of the cinnamon and carrier oil.
Steps:
- Break or crush about 10-12 cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces to release more aroma.
- Place the crushed sticks into a clean glass jar.
- Pour your chosen carrier oil over the cinnamon, covering the sticks completely with about an inch of headspace.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark spot.
- Let the mixture infuse for at least two weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to help the oils blend.
- After two weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, squeezing out every drop from the cinnamon.
- Transfer the strained oil to a dark glass bottle for storage.
Your cinnamon oil is now ready to use! Enjoy its warm, spicy aroma in diffusers or diluted for topical use.
Method 2: Warm Infusion Using Ground Cinnamon
If you want your cinnamon oil faster, this method uses gentle heat to speed up the infusion.
Steps:
- In a saucepan, heat about 1 liter of carrier oil over medium-low heat.
- Add 250 grams of ground cinnamon (about a 4:1 oil-to-cinnamon ratio).
- Stir continuously and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the cinnamon aroma becomes strong.
- Remove from heat immediately to avoid damaging the oil’s properties.
- Allow the oil to cool to room temperature.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove cinnamon particles.
- Store the finished oil in an airtight container away from light and heat.
This method yields a fresh, potent cinnamon oil ready in a few hours instead of weeks.
Tips for Best Results
– Use high-quality cinnamon sticks or powder for the best fragrance and benefits.
– Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type and intended use (jojoba for skin, coconut for hair, olive for general use).
– Always store your cinnamon oil in a dark glass bottle to preserve its potency.
– Shake the jar gently during infusion to maximize extraction.
– Test a small amount on your skin before widespread use to check for sensitivity.
Uses of Homemade Cinnamon Oil
– Aromatherapy: Add a few drops to a diffuser to fill your space with a comforting, spicy scent.
– Massage Oil: Dilute with more carrier oil and use for warming massages.
– Skin Care: Helps soothe minor skin irritations and has antibacterial properties.
– Hair Care: Can be added to hair oils to stimulate scalp health.
– Household: Use as a natural air freshener or in homemade cleaning products.
Making your own cinnamon oil is a rewarding and straightforward process that lets you enjoy the rich aroma and benefits of cinnamon in a pure, natural form. Whether you prefer the slow, gentle infusion or the quicker warm method, you’ll have a lovely, versatile oil to enhance your wellness routine.
Enjoy crafting your warm, spicy cinnamon oil at home!