Guide To Cassia Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

Cassia essential oil(Cinnamomum cassia) is strong and can easily irritate skin. Some sources recommend not using the oil in home aromatherapy.

Cassia bark oil is almost identical to and has most of the same uses as cinnamon bark oil. Unfortunately, commercial cassia bark is commonly adulterated, according to Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume 2. Several sources suggest cinnamon bark is a better choice than cassia.

However, if you are interested in exploring cassia, here's some basic information.

Plant family: Lauraceae

Production: Cassia bark is steam distilled from the bark of the tree and cassia leaf is steam distilled from the leaves. The two may be mixed into one oil — buy from a trusted source and know what you're buying.

Aroma: Spicy, sweet, woodsy and earthy.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle.

Is cassia essential oil safe to use during pregnancy? No, and do not use while breastfeeding.

Is cassia safe for children? Do not use with young children.

Cautions: Do not use on hypersensitive, damaged, or diseased skin. Using on skin may lead to adverse reactions.

Main components:
Bark oil

• (E)-Cinnamaldehyde  73.2–89.4%
• (Z)-Cinnamaldehyde  0.8–12.3%
• (E)-Cinnamyl Acetate 0.1–5.4%
• Benzaldehyde           0.4–2.3%
  

Leaf oil

• (E)-Cinnamaldehyde  54.6–90.1%
• (E)-Cinnamyl Acetate 1.4–12.5%
• (Z)-Cinnamaldehyde  0.4–10.5%
• Benzaldehyde            1.1–6.3%
  

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

Cassia Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Meditation Diffuser Blend

• 4 drops cassia essential oil
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
  

Air Refreshing Diffuser Blend

• 3 drops cassia
• 3 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops pine essential oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil

Source: Young Living

Fall Spice Diffuser Blend

• 2 drops cassia essential oil
  
• 3 drops cardamom essential oil
• 4 drops allspice essential oil
• 4 drops nutmeg essential oil

Use according to manufacturer's instructions for your aromatherapy diffuser.

Warming massage blend: Dilute one drop cassia in 1/4 cup carrier oil. Spot test before using on large areas. Do not use on diseased or damaged skin.

Potpourri: Scent pine cones with cassia, clove bud, and sweet orange essential oils. Source: Plant Therapy

Toilet Refresh Spray

Use this spray to get of rid stinky odors and germs.

• 12 drops cassia
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons distilled water
• 2-ounce glass spray bottle
  

Add ingredients to the bottle. Shake well. Spray into the toilet bowl and on other toilet surfaces. Source: Loving Essentials

Photo Credit: Honmingjun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons