Cassia

Origin: China

Family: Lauraceae
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum cassia

Folk Names: Chinese cinnamon, bastard cinnamon, false cinnamon

Note: Much of what is sold as cinnamon is technically cassia - the two are closely related and can be used interchangeably. Cassia is cheaper than cinnamon, and has is less strong and savoury in flavours. If using in cooking, cassia is much more suited to sweet dishes.

Magical

Element: Fire
Day: Sunday
Planet: The Sun
Zodiac: Leo
Associated Celebrations: Yule
Deities: Aphrodite, Asclepius, Helios, Ra, Venus, Dionysus

Parts used: Bark

Magical Properties: Psychic skills (astral projection, clairvoyance, divination, meditation), health, love, lust, prosperity, purification, protection, spirituality, money/wealth, passion

Substitutions: Cinnamon

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Leaves or bark
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 91°C

Scent Type: Spicy
Perfume Note: Top
Scent Description: Warm, spicy scent

Aromatherapeutic Uses

Cassia oil is warming and uplifting. It can stimulate circulation and benefit arthritis ans rheumatism.

Warnings:

• Avoid during pregnancy.
• Unsafe for use if taking blood-thinning medication.
• Extremely sensitising, frequent use can cause allergies to develop.
• Not recommended for topical use: always wear non-latex gloves when handling.

Botanical

Type: Tree
Plant Height: 10-15m
Bark: Greyish, aromatic bark
Leaves: Hard, elongated leaves, 10-15cm long, which start as a reddish colour
Flowers: Tiny, clustered, pale yellow flowers
Fruit: Small purplish-black fruit