Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum cassia
Family Name: Lauraceae
Common Name: Chinese cinnamon
Part used: Bark
Specific Gravity: 1.052-1.070 at 20„ƒ
Optical Rotation: -1°--+1
Refractive Index: 1.6000-1.6140 at 20„ƒ
Blends Well With: Benzoin, Frankincense, Ginger

Uses: The oil is a good home remedy for toe nail fungus.This oil is a potent stimulant.

Countries where it's found

This evergreen tree is a native to India, South China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. It is predominantly grown in the Chinese regions of Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guangdong. The tree is also found in Europe, Unite States, Mexico, Oceania, and Burma.

Harvesting Information

The tree is best harvested during the dry season because the yield is high. The stems are cut during rainy season to facilitate bark peeling. The bark is harvested from 4 to 5 years after plantation.

History of the Plant

The economic value of cassia is great in China and Vietnam. Long ago, Hai Thuong Lan Ong of China appreciated the tree as one of the four tonic medicinal sources. In Chinese traditional medicine, it is considered one among the 50 fundamental herbs. The term cassia is derived from Hebrew "quddah" meaning amber or bark like cinnamon.

Extraction Process

Cassia oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves, twigs, and the bark of the tree. The oil is golden yellow in color with a sharp aroma. Depending on the proportion of the leaves, the twigs, and the bark, the quality of the oil varies

Commonly known Benefits

Health Benefits

Cassia oil improves blood circulation thereby facilitating distribution of nutrients and oxygen to every corner of the body.

This property is especially beneficial in fighting arthritis, muscle cramps, spasm, and rheumatism.

Pure cassia oil has the high refractive power.

In vitro, cassia oil is reportedly active against herpes and adenovirus.

The oil is used in treating digestive complaint such as diarrhea, colic, dyspepsia, nausea, and flatulence.

Some of the properties of the oil include antibacterial, antifungal, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant.

The oil is effective when fighting against depression. It lifts the mood and induces warm feelings.

Its antimicrobial properties aid in the treatment against microbial infections of kidneys, colon, urethra, and urinary tract.

Cassia oil is a potent stimulant. It stimulates metabolism, body function, improves secretions, circulation, discharges, and the entire nervous system.

It also has potent effects against ringworm, inflammation, viral infections such as cold, flu, Candida, cataracts, arteriosclerosis, and atherosclerosis.

Its astringent properties strengthen hair root, gums, skin, and muscles.

It also aids in stopping uterine and other external and internal hemorrhages by contracting blood vessels.

The oil has emetic, carminative, febrifuge, and emenagogue properties

In Diabetes

Cassia oil is found effective against high blood sugar level.

According to medical research, cassia oil is used to treat Type 2 diabetes patients who suffer from improper insulin functioning.

Other benefits

The essential oil of cassia is used in flavoring curries, soft drinks, candies, and in baked foods.

It is used as an economical substitute for fragrance applications.

Inhaling this oil reportedly has spiritual and emotional influence on the mind.