Cinnamon

Origin: Sri Lanka

Family: Lauraceae
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum

Folk Names: Ceylon cinnamon, sweet wood, true cinnamon

Note: Much of what is sold as cinnamon is technically cassia - the two are closely related and can be used interchangeably. Cinnamon is more expensive than cassia, and has a more savoury and much stronger flavour. If using in cooking, cinnamon is much more suited to savoury dishes.

Magical

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

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

Substitutions: Cassia

Magical Uses

• Add a pinch of cinnamon (bark or powder) to your wallet to attract money.
• 3 pinches of cinnamon under the doormat of a new home helps to bring protection and good luck.

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Leaves or bark
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 71°C (bark), 88°C (leaf)

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

Aromatherapeutic Uses

Can help ease menstrual pains.

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: Oblong leaves 7-18cm long, which start as a reddish colour
Flowers: Tiny, clustered, pale green flowers
Fruit: Small purplish-black fruit, 1cm across