The Mundane & Magickal Uses Of Cinnamon
Rebecca HaynesPlant/herb – Cinnamon
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a tree that is
native to Sri Lanka, the Malabar coast of India, and Myanmar. It is also grown in Brazil and the West Indies. As a spice, Cinnamon was once considered more valuable than gold and was used by the Egyptians in the embalming process and for religious practices.
Cinnamon has a fragrant aroma which is warm and sweet. It is a spice that is favoured across the globe and is used in all aspects of mundane and magickal practice.
Mundane Uses of Cinnamon
From Culinary uses, to medicinal and aromatherapeutic uses, cinnamon is widely favoured for its taste, unique medicinal properties and scent.
Culinary Uses of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that adds warmth, sweetness, and depth of flavour to a wide range of culinary dishes. Here's a list of culinary uses of cinnamon:
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Baked Goods: Cinnamon is a staple ingredient in many baked goods, including cakes, cookies, muffins, and bread. It adds a warm, sweet flavour and aromatic fragrance to these treats. Popular examples include cinnamon
rolls, snickerdoodles, and apple pie.
- Breakfast Dishes: Cinnamon is commonly used to flavour breakfast foods such as oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Sprinkling cinnamon on top of these dishes adds a delicious and comforting touch to the morning meal.
- Spice Blends: Cinnamon is a key component of various spice blends used in cooking, such as pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, and chai spice blend. These blends often combine cinnamon with other spices like cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom for a complex and aromatic flavour profile.
- Hot Beverages: Cinnamon adds warmth and flavour to hot beverages such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and mulled cider. It can be sprinkled on top of drinks or infused directly into the liquid to create a spiced beverage that's perfect for chilly weather.
- Desserts: Cinnamon is frequently used in dessert recipes beyond baked goods, including puddings, custards, ice cream, and fruit salads. It pairs especially well with fruits like apples, pears, bananas, and berries, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Sauces and Glazes: Cinnamon can be added to sauces and glazes to impart flavour and depth to savory dishes. It pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients, making it a versatile addition to dishes like BBQ sauce, marinades, and fruit compotes.
- Curries and Stews: Cinnamon is a common ingredient in many international cuisines, particularly in savory dishes such as curries, stews, and tagines. It adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to these dishes, balancing out savory and spicy flavour s.
- Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine: Cinnamon is a prominent ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where it is used in dishes like rice pilaf, lamb kebabs, baklava, and spiced meats. It adds a distinctively warm and aromatic flavour to these dishes.
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Holiday Recipes: Cinnamon is often associated with holiday flavour s and is used in many traditional holiday recipes, such as gingerbread cookies,
pumpkin pie, eggnog, and mulled wine. It’s comforting aroma and spicy-sweet taste evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia during festive occasions.
- Cocktails: Cinnamon can be used to flavour cocktails and mixed drinks, adding depth and complexity to beverages like hot toddies, spiced rum drinks, and cinnamon-infused syrups for cocktails.
- Flavouring Tobacco: In some cultures, cinnamon is used to flavour tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco. It adds a distinctive spicy-sweet flavour to the smoke.
These are just a few of the ways in which cinnamon is used in food. If you are working with the energy of the Cinnamon plant, you may wish to look into incorporating some recipes that utilise Cinnamon and it’s unique flavour profile to become more acquainted with this wonderful spice.
Aromatic Uses Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is widely used, either as Cinnamon bark/quills or Cinnamon essential oil for its aromatic properties, and it has a rich, sweet, spicy resinous scent that is both calming and uplifting. Cinnamon is often used in Christmas scented candles/crafts to add a warming scent that many associate with Christmas (which is something that is rather ironic when you live in Australia and our Christmas is in Summer).
Some of the aromatic uses of Cinnamon include:
- Home Fragrance: Cinnamon is commonly used to add a cozy and inviting scent to homes. You can simmer cinnamon sticks in water on the stove to release its fragrance into the air, creating a natural air freshener. Alternatively, cinnamon-scented candles or essential oil diffusers can be used to infuse rooms with its spicy aroma.
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Potpourri: Dried cinnamon sticks can be included in potpourri blends to add fragrance and visual interest. Combine cinnamon sticks with dried
flowers, citrus peels, cloves, and other aromatic ingredients to create a delightful potpourri mix that can be displayed in bowls or sachets around the home.
- Sachets and Drawer Liners: Cinnamon sachets or drawer liners can be placed in closets, drawers, or storage containers to impart a pleasant scent and help keep clothes and linens smelling fresh.
- Bath and Body Products: Cinnamon's warm and spicy aroma is often used in bath and body products such as soaps, lotions, and bath salts. These products can provide a luxurious sensory experience and leave skin feeling refreshed and lightly fragranced.
- Aromatherapy: Cinnamon essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its invigorating and uplifting properties. It can be diffused in the air to create a warm and comforting atmosphere or diluted and applied topically for massage or inhalation therapy.
- Culinary Applications: Beyond its aromatic properties, cinnamon is a staple ingredient in many culinary dishes and beverages. The aroma of cinnamon is released when it is added to hot liquids or cooked with other ingredients, filling the kitchen with its enticing scent.
- Incense: Cinnamon is used as a fragrant component in incense blends for religious, spiritual, or meditative purposes. It’s warm and spicy aroma is believed to promote relaxation, focus, and a sense of well-being when burned.
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Scented Crafts: Cinnamon sticks can be incorporated into various craft projects to add fragrance and decorative appeal. They can be used to make
scented wreaths, ornaments, candles, and potpourri sachets, adding a touch of warmth and charm to any space.
- Scented Candles: Cinnamon-scented candles are widely available and are often used to create a cozy atmosphere in homes during the colder months. The warm, spicy fragrance of cinnamon can evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
- Crafts and Decorations: Cinnamon sticks can be used in various craft projects, such as wreaths, ornaments, and candle holders. They add a rustic charm and pleasant scent to homemade decorations.
- Repelling Insects: The strong scent of cinnamon can help deter certain insects, such as ants, mosquitoes, and moths. Sprinkling ground cinnamon around entry points or areas where insects are likely to enter can discourage them from crossing the barrier.
*Please note, cinnamon oil is highly irritating and should not be used on the skin (if you look at the lip plumping balms you will notice that some of them contain cinnamon essential oil- it literally acts to irritate your lips and cause swelling- makes you think twice about using some cosmetics!)
Medicinal Uses of Cinnamon:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. This could potentially benefit conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Antioxidant Effects: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols, which help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are thought to play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. It may also help regulate blood sugar spikes after meals.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Cinnamon contains compounds with antimicrobial properties, which may help fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It has been used traditionally to treat various infections, including respiratory infections and digestive issues.
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Digestive Health: Cinnamon may help improve digestion by reducing gas,
bloating, and indigestion. It may also have a soothing effect on the digestive tract and help promote healthy gut bacteria.
- Heart Health: Some research suggests that cinnamon may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also have blood-thinning effects, which could potentially reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Brain Health: Preliminary studies indicate that cinnamon may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Menstrual Health: Cinnamon has been traditionally used to help alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles. It may also help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and other symptoms associated with menstruation.
It's important to note that while cinnamon shows promise for various health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine appropriate dosages for therapeutic use. Additionally, cinnamon should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and individuals with certain medical conditions or who are taking medications should consult with a healthcare professional before using cinnamon therapeutically.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using Cinnamon for medicinal purposes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Magickal Uses Of Cinnamon
Folk Names: Sweet Wood, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cassia
Gender: Masculine/ Hot
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Venus, Aphrodite
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Daily Correspondence: Sunday, Thursday
Powers: Action; Healing; Love; Lust; Physical energy; Passion; Power; Prosperity; Protection; Psychic awareness; Purification; Spell amplifier; Spirituality; Success;
Parts Used: Bark
Cinnamon has a long history of use in various magical and spiritual traditions due to its aromatic properties, association with warmth and protection, and metaphysical properties. It was used as part of a holy anointing oil by ancient Hebrews and was also used in the mummification process by the ancient Egyptians.
Here are some magickal uses of cinnamon:
- Protection: Cinnamon is often used for protection spells and rituals. It is believed to create a protective barrier against negative energies, evil spirits, and harmful influences.
- Speeding Up Spells: Cinnamon as a warming herb adds an impetus to speed up your magickal workings. It will amplify the vibrations of the other ingredients in a spell and can also be used to get people/situations moving. It can be added to any incense to increase its powers and speed up its manifestation time.
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Prosperity and Abundance: Cinnamon is associated with prosperity, abundance, and success in many magical traditions. It is believed to attract
wealth and financial opportunities. Cinnamon may be incorporated into spells, charms, or rituals aimed at manifesting prosperity, increasing abundance, or attracting good fortune.
- Love and Romance: Cinnamon is often referred to as the spice of love and is often used in love spells and rituals to enhance passion, desire, and romantic attraction. It is believed to stimulate feelings of warmth, affection, and sensuality. Cinnamon may be added to love potions, charms, or sachets to deepen emotional connections and foster loving relationships.
- Spiritual Cleansing: Cinnamon is considered purifying and spiritually cleansing in many magical practices. It is believed to dispel negative energies, clear away obstacles, and promote spiritual growth. Cinnamon may be used in purification rituals, spiritual baths, or smudging ceremonies to cleanse the aura, sacred spaces, or ritual tools.
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Divination: Cinnamon is sometimes used in divination practices to enhance intuition, psychic abilities, and spiritual insight. It is believed to sharpen mental focus, enhance concentration, and facilitate deeper meditation. Cinnamon may be burned as incense, infused into oils, or added to
divination tools to aid in receiving guidance and wisdom.
- Healing: Cinnamon is associated with healing and wellness in many magical traditions. It is believed to have medicinal properties that promote physical health and vitality. Cinnamon may be used in healing spells, rituals, or charms to support healing processes, boost immunity, or alleviate ailments.
- Fertility and Creativity: Cinnamon is sometimes used in rituals and spells related to fertility, creativity, and inspiration. It is believed to stimulate creativity, spark new ideas, and enhance fertility and reproductive energies. Cinnamon may be incorporated into fertility rituals, artistic endeavours, or rituals aimed at conception.
- Spiritual Protection: Cinnamon is believed to provide spiritual protection and ward off negative entities or energies. It is often used in rituals, charms, or talismans to create a protective shield around oneself or one's living space. Cinnamon may be worn as an amulet, sprinkled around the perimeter of a home, or added to protective sachets or mojo bags.
- Offerings: Cinnamon is often used for offerings. It is said to be a fantastic incense offering for the dead and also for Apollo, Venus & Aphrodite.
How To Use Cinnamon in Magick
- Burn or smell cinnamon to increase your psychic awareness and stimulate clairvoyance.
- Hang Cinnamon above your door to protect your house and increase happiness.
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Tie together cinnamon sticks with green ribbon/string and place in your
purse or where your money is stored to increase the wealth coming into your life.
- Cinnamon sticks or cinnamon-scented candles may be used in protective rituals to safeguard oneself, a home, or personal belongings.
- Burn cinnamon as an incense to raise spiritual vibrations, improve the flow of money, and stimulate psychic abilities. It can also be burned as a powerful protective incense.
- Anoint a green candle with oil infused with cinnamon and use in money spells to bring in wealth.
- Cinnamon oil has a high vibration and can be added to sachets and carried for personal protection.
- Mix cinnamon with sandalwood and use as an all-round incense for spiritual and religious endeavours.
- Combine cinnamon with gum benzoin and burn in spells for success in business.
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Cinnamon mixed with myrrh is a good general working incense for all
magickal endeavours. - Dress a red candle in cinnamon oil and use in spells relating to passions and love to increase the spice and warmth in a relationship.
- Burn cinnamon incense to ignite romance.
- Place a cinnamon stick in your pillow (or create a sleep pillow) to help bring vivid dreams and visions to those capable of seeing them.
Let us know what you think about this fantastic spice. Do you use it for mundane purposes, magickal purposes, or both? We'd love to hear your experiences.
Please note: This information is for entertainment purposes only and should not replace medical advice. I am not a qualified herbalist/ doctor and am only reporting self-researched information.