Cassia
Cinnamomum cassia
Intensely hot, spicy-sweet bark oil from Chinese cinnamon, closely related to true cinnamon but richer in cinnamaldehyde, making it a powerful but hazardous dermal sensitizer.
Aroma Profile
Hot, sweet, pungent, and deeply spicy with a rich balsamic-woody undertone; stronger and coarser than Ceylon cinnamon, with distinct candy-like sweetness and lingering warmth.
Strength: very strong
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Therapeutic Properties
Chemistry
Primary Constituents
trans-Cinnamaldehyde 70-90%, cinnamyl acetate 1-6%, coumarin 1-5%, eugenol 1-3%, benzaldehyde 1-2%
Emotional & Psychological
Cassia is an energizing, fortifying oil associated with courage, circulation of vital energy, and combating emotional coldness or apathy. Its intensity makes it a powerful motivator, traditionally used to dispel lethargy and stagnation, though its aromatic force can overwhelm sensitive individuals and is best experienced through heavy dilution in ambient diffusion.
Physical Therapeutic Uses
Traditionally employed for digestive sluggishness, microbial infections, circulatory stagnation, and winter respiratory support, cassia exhibits strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity due to its cinnamaldehyde content. However, safe therapeutic use requires extreme dilution because of severe dermal hazards, and most applications are limited to ambient diffusion rather than topical or internal protocols.
Safety Profile
Contraindications
Severe skin sensitizer; contraindicated on damaged or hypersensitive skin, in pregnancy, in children, and for those on anticoagulants. Mucous membrane irritant.
Drug Interactions
May potentiate anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to coumarin content; may affect blood glucose in diabetics on hypoglycemic drugs.
Pet Safety Notes
Toxic to cats due to phenolic and aldehyde content; use extreme caution around dogs; never apply topically to pets and diffuse only in well-ventilated spaces where animals can leave.
Application Methods
How to Use This Oil
base note — evaporates slowly, lingers longest. Provides depth, warmth, and fixative qualities.
Common Ways to Use
Diffusion
Add 3-5 drops to a diffuser with water. Run for 30-60 minutes at a time with breaks. Ensure good ventilation.
Direct Inhalation
Add 1-2 drops to a tissue or personal inhaler. Breathe in gently. Good for quick relief and on-the-go use.