Cassia (scientific name Cinnamomum cassia) is an evergreen tree that has its origin in China and Myanmar (formerly Burma). This tree is commonly called the Chinese Cinnamon. The bark of this tree is employed to add flavour to foods as well as beverages - something very similar to the original cinnamon. The leaves and twigs of cassia are steam distilled to obtain the essential oil of cassia. Sometimes, the essential oil is also extracted from the tree's bark.
Cinnamomum cassia, also known as Chinese cinnamon or Chinese cassia, is an evergreen tree native to the southern regions of China. Currently, this species is cultivated in southern China as well as other regions of eastern and southern Asia, including India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Laos. This tree is among the several Cinnamomum species. The aromatic bark of this species is mainly used in the form of a spice. In fact, the Chinese cassia or Cinnamomum cassia is the most common variety of cinnamon used by people in the United States. Even the buds of this tree are used in the form of a spice, particularly in India. The ancient Romans also used the buds of the Chinese cassia as a spice.
Cinnamomum cassia trees grow up to a height of anything between 10 meters and 15 meters. While the bark of this tree is greyish, the leaves hard, elongated and grow up to a length of anything between 10 cm and 15 cm. The leaves have a distinct reddish hue when they are young.
Cassia is closely related to cinnamon and has a potent, spicy scent that is used in small amounts to alter any essential oil blend. People have been using the essential oil of cassia for several thousand years to sustain their physical well-being as well as support their emotional health.
The aroma of cassia oil is sweet as well as spicy and it possesses warming and comforting properties. This oil is extensively used in fragrant household products like potpourri, bath scents, candles and other such items.
Available documents show that people have been using cassia essential oil since the Biblical times and even the Bible has reference to it. In ancient times, this oil was considered to be blessed. Cassia essential oil is very potent and may prove to be very harsh if it is applied directly to the skin in an undiluted form. Nevertheless, when used in aromatherapy, this oil has a powerful effect.
The essential oil of cassia can be added to lip balms in small amounts. This oil is also useful in clearing the nasal passages by means of disintegrating the accumulated mucus. In addition, you can rub this oil onto your skin, as doing so helps to promote blood circulation throughout the body, induces warmth to the body, and also reduces body temperature naturally when one has a fever. Here is a word of caution. This potent essential oil needs to be always used in a diluted state. Cassia essential oil also possesses stimulant properties and, hence, its use promotes blood circulation to the mind as well as the entire body. It also uplifts moods and spirits and combats depression. This oil may also help to alleviate headaches as well as muscle tension. Cassia essential oil has a pleasant aroma and is effective when used in potpourri and diffuser. This essential oil helps to alleviate various symptoms related to menstruation like drowsiness, irritability and cramps.
As far as the digestive system is concerned, the oil of cassia offers a wide-range of health benefits. As this oil is an anti-diarrheal agent, it helps to prevent as well as cure diarrhea. You can also use this oil to bind bowels and even bring an end to diarrhea episodes. In addition, cassia essential oil is an antimicrobial agent. As a result, it is effective in treating diarrhea caused by microbial infections. This oil works by inhibiting the growth of microbes and stops the occurrence of diarrhea by virtue of its elevated fiber content. The dietary fiber present in this oil helps to bind loose stool and transform it into normal bowel movements.
Cassia essential oil possesses certain properties that help to combat depression, raise moods and, at the same time, brings on a warm sensation in the body as well as mind. In addition, you can use this oil to stop vomiting and treat nausea. Use of the essential oil of cassia brings on a refreshing feeling, while shut out feelings that may induce vomiting and nausea.
Nursing mothers should never be prescribed essential oil of cassia, as it may reduce breast milk secretion.
The circulatory effect of cassia essential oil as well as its stimulating property helps to stimulate blood circulation throughout the body, thereby inducing warmth to the joints as well as other different body parts that may be affected by arthritis and rheumatism. In this way, use of cassia essential oil provides respite from these painful conditions and symptoms related to them.
The essential oil extracted from Cinnamomum cassia leaves, twigs, bark and stalks through steam distillation is an antimicrobial and antiviral agent. As a result, it helps to inhibit the growth of microbes and also protects us from infections caused by them. This attribute of cassia essential oil is effective for curing various microbial infections, such as those in the kidneys, urethra, urinary tracts, colon as well as other areas of the body. Cassia essential oil offers lots of health benefits. Use of this oil makes the gums and hair roots stronger, tauten the muscles and lift the skin. At the same time, it aids in stopping hemorrhages by constricting the blood vessels.
The essential oil of cassia helps to promote blood circulation, thereby facilitating appropriate distribution of oxygen and nutrients to all the body areas. In fact, this attribute of cassia essential oil also helps in treating arthritis and rheumatism.
Cassia essential oil is also beneficial for women, as it helps to ease menstrual cramps and clear the obstructed paths of menstruation. This action of cassia oil alleviates the common symptoms related to menstruation, such as nausea, headaches and drowsiness.
The antiviral and antibacterial attributes of cassia essential oil helps it to combat infections that lead to fever. Therefore, the use of this essential oil helps in bringing down the high body temperature. At the same time, cassia essential oil ability to improve blood circulation helps in perking up the body's immune system. Even the warming attribute of this oil provides respite from fever as well as the symptoms associated with it.
The essential oil of cassia promotes various bodily functions, circulation, metabolism, discharges and secretions. At the same time, use of this oil helps to stimulate the brain and the nervous system, thereby keeping on more alert as well as active.
This essential oil is also helpful in providing respite from gases formed in the stomach and intestines, by forcing the gases out of the system.
Cassia oil is also useful in neutralizing viral infections and provides effective protection from common cold, cough, influenza as well as other types of viral diseases.
Despite the several health benefits of cassia essential oil, it should never be applied to the skin because this oil causes skin irritation. In addition, this essential oil is a dermal sensitizer as well as an irritant for the mucus membrane. Women should essentially avoid using this oil during pregnancy.
