Cassia Essential Oil
The word, “cassia” is derived from Hebrew "quddah,” meaning “bark like cinnamon,” or "amber.” It is also derived from the Greek word, "kasia,” which means trees resembling acacias. Cassia essential oil is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties. It is frequently used in various spiritual practices in work that involves protection, consecration and the development of psychic connections.
Cassia essential oil comes from the same genus (Cinnamomum cassia) as cinnamon, and is therefore, thought of as a “hot oil.” For this reason, it is usually used in oil blends rather than on its own. The oil is often substituted for cinnamon.
Cassia oil comes from an evergreen tree that originated in the South of China, where it is currently cultivated, along with locations in southern and eastern Asia. According to Xi-wen, et al, (2013) Cassia bark is used as a flavoring agent for meats, desserts and pastries, and is also used in curry recipes.
History
Historically, cassia essential oil was used for a natural remedy to support a healthy immune system. According to the Torah, cassia oil was used by Moses when he anointed the Ark of the Covenant.Cassia is one of the top 50 herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used as such for centuries.
The plant's buds are used as a spice, and were once used by the ancient Romans, who used it as wine flavoring and incense.Cassia oil is extracted from the bark, leaves, stalks and twigs of the tree by steam distillation.
What is steam distillation?
Extracting essential oils by steam distillation takes place three different ways:
- Straight steam
- Water distillation
- Steam/water distillation
Extracting essential oils using straight steam entails forcing steam through the plant material, then collecting the oil.
Water distillation is the method used when plant material is submerged into boiling water. The oils and steam are physically captured, then separated. Essential oils are the result.
The steam/water distillation method of essential oil extraction take place when water and steam are pushed through and around the plant material. As the oils and steam are collected, they are separated to produce the essential oil.
Uses for Arborvitae Essential Oil
Traditionally, cassia essential oil is used in Chinese herbal medicine, particularly in vascular disorders. Cassia oil is reported to be effective in improving digestive, cardiovascular, genito-urinary, immune system disorders and circulation.
It is also known to deliver effects in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, fever, blood circulation, depression, joint pain, strengthening hair roots, muscles and gums, fighting microbial infections.
Therapeutic Properties
According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, alternative medicine proponent and osteopathic physician,
the therapeutic properties of cassia essential oil are:
It is also known to deliver effects in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, fever, blood circulation, depression, joint pain, strengthening hair roots, muscles and gums, fighting microbial infections.
- Anti diarrhea
- Carminative
- Antiemetic
- Antimicrobial
- Antiviral
Cassia essential oil has many benefits with regard to the digestive system. Serving as an anti-diarrhea agent is one. The oil can be used to stop diarrhea episodes by binding the bowels. Since it is also an antimicrobial agent, it can also effectively treat diarrhea that is caused by microbial action. The effect of this cassia oil helps lift the mood and fight depression.
The oil is also effective in the treatment of nausea, and works to help stop vomiting by inducing a refreshing feeling that drives away the sensations that bring on nausea.
Blending with Cassia
The oils that blend best with cassia essential oil are:
- Various citrus oils
- Rosemary
- Black peppercorns
- Caraway
- Balsam
- Chamomile
- Ginger
- Corriander
- Nutmeg
- Geranium
- Frankincense
Allergic Reactions and Precautions
Women who are pregnant should avoid using cassia essential oils, nor should it be used on small children or infants. Undiluted, the oil should not be used on the skin, as it is a mucus membrane irritant, a dermal irritant and dermal sensitizer. Excessive inhalation of cassia essential oil may induce depression or insomnia in certain individuals.
Resource links
http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/cassia-essential-oil.htmlXi-wen Li, Jie Li & Henk van der Werff. "Cinnamomum cassia". Flora of China. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.(2013)
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/cassia-bark-oil.aspx
https://www.spiritualscents.com/p-724-essential-oil-cassia.aspx
The word, “cassia” is derived from Hebrew “quddah,” meaning “bark like cinnamon,” or “amber.” It is also derived from the Greek word, “kasia,” which means trees resembling acacias. Cassia essential oil is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties. It is frequently used in various spiritual practices in work that involves protection, consecration and the…
