Cinnamon

Botanical icon
Botanical

Skin Benefit

Antioxidant and antimicrobial; supports circulation and collagen, tones oily skin in dilution.

Spiritual Benefit

Used in Ayurvedic and Unani skin preparations for circulation support and acne care, always at carefully calibrated concentrations.

The record

In use for 4,000+ years

Origin

The inner bark of trees native to Sri Lanka and southern Asia.

Harvested

Bark is peeled from young shoots, and it curls into quills as it dries before being ground.

Cultural impact

Egypt imported it for embalming and temple incense at prices that made it a royal gift. Entire trade routes, and a few wars, existed to move cinnamon.

Traditional use

Warmed skin preparations and anointing oils, scented sacred smoke, and marked wealth from Egypt to Rome.

From the Field Notes

All field notes