Nothing conjures up the thought of winter and the holiday season quite like the delicious smell of cloves and cinnamon.
Cinnamon is used in abundance in baked goods from biscuits to cakes and the aroma of cloves is a sure sign there’s mulled wine close by.
The properties of these amazing spices have been known and celebrated for centuries. Available as an essential oil, clove and cinnamon are powerful allies when it comes to fighting winter bugs and other nasties that always crop up when its cold.
Clove essential oil
Native to Southeast Asia, clove oil has a bold, spicy smell and has been utilised for centuries in the following ways:
- Has antibacterial and antiseptic propertiesIs a known aid for pain relief in the mouth such as sore gums, toothache and ulcers (a lot of commercial toothpastes contain clove)
- Soothes headaches, muscle and joint pain
- Can help relieve coughs, colds and sore throats
- Good for reducing redness and inflammation of the skin
- Effective at relieving indigestion
- Is used to ease ear ache
- Relieves motion sickness and nausea – particularly morning sickness
Cinnamon essential oil Cinnamon oil is derived from cinnamon tree bark and leaves. Used by the Ancient Egyptians, it is one of the oldest and most valuable oils. As well as it’s culinary applications, cinnamon is also great for:
- Enhancing the mood and reducing depression
- It’s disinfecting properties making it a good preservative in toiletries and other products
- Supports oral health and helps reduce infections of the mouth
- Has antibacterial and antiseptic properties
- May be effective in promoting hair growth and health
With such an abundance of benefits, clove and cinnamon are reliable staples for your essential oil arsenal. Add a few drops to your burner or diffuser, sit back, relax and enjoy the enveloping warm and spicy aroma!
