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Curb Your Cravings—and 7 More Unexpected Health Benefits of Cinnamon Oil
You may be surprised to learn that the health benefits of cinnamon oil are so plentiful, but this natural oil is about to be your new favorite little helper for everything from weight loss to immunity.
Boost immunity
“Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins and also has nice amounts manganese, calcium, fiber and iron,” explains Anca Tchelebi, MD, of Park Avenue Medical Spa, touting cinnamon as one of the immune-boosting foods we should all get excited about. What’s more, the cinnamyl acetate, cinnamyl alcohol, and cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon oil all have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Stabilize blood sugar
“Studies have also shown that taking a cinnamon supplement twice daily for 90 days could improve hemoglobin A1C levels in those with type 2 diabetes,” shares Dr. Tchelebi. The studies were conducted with ground cinnamon, but Dr. Tchelebi suggests cinnamon oil has the same sugar-stabilizing benefits as the ground bark. Don’t miss these other science-backed strategies to reverse diabetes.
Curb cravings
“I would suggest adding one to two drops of cinnamon oil to a cup of warm water with a little honey in the late afternoon or early evening to help fight those late night food cravings,” says Dr. Tchelebi. Another strategy is adding a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and slowly inhaling it before a meal. This can curb your appetite and prevent you from overeating.
Speed wound healing—provided you swallow it
“There is some potential for cinnamon to help wounds, but it can also be harmful to skin,” says Christopher C. Hollingsworth, MD, of NYC Surgical Associates. He suggests taking cinnamon oil supplements orally to hasten wound healing instead of applying it to skin directly, as cinnamon oil contains irritating compounds. Check out these other tips for faster healing—with no scarring.
Improve your digestion
If you find yourself indulging in any foods that mess up your digestive tract—don’t worry, we all do it—cinnamon oil can help set you right. “Put a few drops of cinnamon oil in hot water or tea, or put cinnamon oil in food to get it into your system,” shares Dr. Hollingsworth. “It works as an antioxidant, an antibacterial, and as an anti-inflammatory.” Some people even report it having a positive impact on their Crohn’s disease symptoms, but there’s no research to back it up yet.
Treat fungal infections
“Cinnamon oil could be used topically as treatment for thrush, fungal skin infections, or fungal infections of toenails,” says Dr. Hollingsworth. However, he stresses that cinnamon oil irritate skin, so it’s best not to use it on open wounds or especially sensitive areas.
Speed up your metabolism
In a study from the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute, researchers showed that cinnamaldehyde, the essential oil that gives cinnamon its flavor, could directly make fat cells start burning energy through a process called thermogenesis. “The research suggests it’s a good supplement to use when fasting or running a caloric deficit to augment weight loss,” explains Dr. Hollingsworth. “I would suggest a 16-hour fast while taking cinnamon tea.”
Ward off gum disease and cavities
If you’re looking to prevent tooth decay, make cinnamon oil your new best friend, says Victoria Veytsman, DDS: “Cinnamon oil has is antibacterial and anti-fungal. This suggests that the oil can help prevent cavities and gum disease when used as an adjunct to traditional oral care.” Dr. Veytsman believes adding a drop to your toothbrush or mixed into your normal drop of toothpaste is enough to reap the benefits. But cinnamon isn’t the only spice with secret health benefits. Check out these healthy home remedies hiding in your spice rack.
