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Ceylon Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Description: From the great camphor tree family comes some 250 species of evergreen trees and shrubs. Among them is C. zeylanicum (cinnamon), C. cassia (cassia), and C. camphora (camphor).

The fragrant bark of the Cinnamon tree is usually found sold as rolled quills. It's one of the oldest spices known to humans. Cinnamon is a important world spice and played a major role in the colonial expansion of early European civilizations. The Dutch, English and Portuguese all pursued it and fought wars over it; invading Ceylon to monopolize its market. The Dutch began to cultivate it in the 18th century.

Threatened Species Alert: Some species are being blocked from cutting/harvesting by Chinese authorities (2007). See Cropwatch and IUCN.

Family: Lauraceae

Synonyms: none known

Origin: Southern India, Sri Lanka

Parts Used: bark

Aroma Description: warm, spicy, sweet; a bit more earthy than cassia

Emotional Attributes: warming, strengthening, love, sensuous, cleansing/purifying, creative

Cosmetic Uses: perfumery, aromatherapy; used in oral hygiene products and other cosmetics

Culinary Uses: ground bark is used to flavor ice cream, candies, curries, cakes, desserts, cookies, breads, etc. Cinnamon sticks are used to flavor hot drinks such as cappuccino and mulled wine. Leaves are used to flavor Jamaican pork, etc.

Medicinal Attributes: has been used to treat diarrhea, colds, influenza, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, candida, arthritis and rheumatism.

*Warning: Avoid if Pregnant*

Element Association: Fire

Magical Associations: healing, protection, awareness, prosperity, spirituality

Astrological Association: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Planetary Association: Sun

Season: Summer

Aromatic Note: Middle note

Essential Oil: Yes, steam distillation of the leaves and bark. Note: the oil can be an irritant to sensitive people.

*Warning: Avoid if Pregnant*

Mixes Well With: aloeswood, benzoin, borneol camphor, calamus, cassia, clove, frankincense, galangal, galbanum, iris root, musk seeds, nutmeg, opoponax, saffron, sandalwood, spikenard, star anise, storax, tolu balsam, turmeric, vanilla, etc.

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