Biblical Oils - Cinnamon

I know what you're thinking. Cinnamon, an oil? Well, it's true and it fits right in with the oils we've talked about over the last several weeks. You see, while it's not a tree, although a cinnamon stick looks like a tree, it is processed from the bark of a tree. In fact the oil is actually called Cinnamon Bark.

Most of us think of cinnamon as a spice that brings a delicious flavor to rolls, breads, candy, cookies, and, well, the list goes on. But ancient people knew it for medicinal reasons. China was one of the places that used it as part of their medical practices. And it was listed in the medical "go to" book used in Europe for over 1,700 years according to Essential Oils pocket reference.

"Cinnamon has medical uses?" You ask. Why yes, yes it does.
 
In fact, it's strong stuff. Used straight it can cause an irritation to the nasal membranes if inhaled directly whether by diffuser or straight from the bottle. However, when used appropriately just look at its laundry list of properties: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiviral, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-parastic, anticoagulant, astringent, circulatory stimulant, purifier, stomach protectant and antiseptic. Whew, that was a mouthful of words. In case I may have missed a few uses there's more information on cinnamon at this site.

When it comes to the Biblical references of Cinnamon, it's a great example of how something can be used for extreme good or bad. In Exodus 30, it is an ingredient in the sacred only-to-be-used-for-God's-temple anointing oil that made the tent of meeting and all its contents consecrated and most holy. But by itself Cinnamon found its way into the beloved's garden in Song of Solomon. And, here's where the bad comes in, it was part of the perfumes on the bed of the adulteress in Proverbs 7. The last place we see it mentioned is in Revelations 18. It will be one of the spices forever lost when the great and mighty city of Babylon is destroyed.

Perhaps its greatest notoriety was being combined in the mixture now known simply as Thieves.

I know it sounds like an odd name for an oil but when you hear the history behind it, it all makes sense. You see, during the time of the plague in 15th century Europe, thieves rubbed an oil concoction on themselves to avoid catching the plague while they robbed the sick and dead. When caught they were allowed to keep their goods if they told the authorities how they protected themselves. Turns out this concoction contained clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cinnamon.

I must admit that cinnamon packs a punch I never saw coming. I've known it to be a strong flavor, but now I know what's hidden in this delicious spice. And as for the oil blend Thieves, I am growing in appreciation of its properties.