Cassia cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum. It has been used as an ingredient throughout history, dating back as far as Ancient Egypt. It used to be rare and valuable and was regarded as a gift fit for kings.

Cassia cinnamon is the more common variety of cinnamon today and is what people generally refer to when they mention “cinnamon.”

The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon are due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may reduce blood pressure. It can reduce insulin resistance, thus reducing blood sugar levels and aid with the treatment of diabetes. Cinnamon may be anti-carcinogenic, by reducing the growth rate of cancer cells.

In a study in mice with Parkinson’s disease, cinnamon helped protect neurons, normalized neurotransmitter levels and improved motor function, and two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called ‘tau’ in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

The health benefits of cassia essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an anti-diarrhea, antidepressant, anti-emetic, anti-galactagogue, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic, astringent, antiviral, carminative, circulatory, emmenagogue, febrifuge, and stimulant substance.

For your Aches and Pains: We’ve included cassia (cinnamon) oil in our Cannabis Sativa Hemp Balm for its special healing qualities for reducing pain and inflammation.