Essential oils are popular for wellness routines, leading many people to question their safe ingestion. Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) is particularly potent and concerning for internal use. Its high concentration means that ingesting it, even in small amounts, is generally considered unsafe and can lead to serious health issues. This concentrated form is vastly different from culinary cinnamon and requires significant caution. Understanding the source and specific compounds within the oil is the first step in recognizing the high toxicity risk.
Understanding the Two Primary Types of Cinnamon Oil
The essential oil market features two distinct types of cinnamon oil, derived from different species of the Cinnamomum genus. Cassia oil comes from Cinnamomum cassia, often called Chinese cinnamon, and is the more common and cheaper variety available in North America. Ceylon cinnamon oil is extracted from Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum and is frequently labeled as “true cinnamon.” These two oils have vastly different chemical profiles that determine their safety, particularly for ingestion.
Cassia is widely produced, resulting in an essential oil with a sharper, more intense aroma. Ceylon offers a milder, sweeter scent but is more difficult to process, which raises its price. This difference in botanical origin means Cassia oil presents a much higher risk when concentrated due to its specific chemical makeup.
The Chemical Components That Determine Toxicity
The danger of cinnamon essential oil ingestion stems from the extreme concentration of two main compounds: cinnamaldehyde and coumarin. Cinnamaldehyde is the primary component that gives cinnamon its characteristic flavor and scent. In essential oils distilled from the bark, it can comprise between 60% and 90% of the total composition, acting as a powerful irritant.
The second major concern is coumarin, a naturally occurring substance toxic to the liver in high doses. Cassia essential oil contains significantly higher levels of coumarin compared to Ceylon essential oil, which only has trace amounts (often below 0.0004%). The concentrated nature of the essential oil means a single drop can deliver a potentially harmful dose of coumarin, especially with chronic use. This vast difference makes Cassia oil a greater risk for liver damage, particularly for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
Acute Health Consequences of Ingesting Essential Oil
The ingestion of undiluted or improperly diluted cinnamon essential oil can result in severe and immediate health consequences due to its intense concentration. The high cinnamaldehyde content acts as a caustic agent, causing severe irritation and a burning sensation upon contact with mucosal tissues. This can lead to painful inflammation and damage in the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
Once it reaches the digestive system, the oil can cause significant gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting the concentrated oil can also cause a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, which is especially hazardous for people with diabetes. Ingestion carries a high risk of allergic reactions, ranging from contact dermatitis in the mouth to a more severe systemic reaction.
Safe Methods for Using Cinnamon for Health
To utilize the health benefits of cinnamon without the high toxicity risk of essential oil ingestion, focus on culinary and water-based forms. The safest method is to incorporate ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks into your daily diet. Using Ceylon cinnamon for routine consumption is preferred because its ultra-low coumarin content mitigates the risk of liver toxicity.
Cinnamon tea, created by steeping the bark in hot water, is a gentle and effective way to consume the spice’s beneficial compounds. For topical applications, which is the only recommended external use for the oil, cinnamon essential oil must be heavily diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, to a concentration of 0.5% to 1% to avoid severe skin irritation. Any internal use beyond typical culinary amounts should be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure safe dosing and to select the appropriate form of cinnamon.