From Tree to Treasure…
Long before cinnamon found its way into our coffee cakes and apple pies, it was one of the world’s most treasured botanicals.
For thousands of years, cinnamon traveled the ancient spice routes from Asia to the Middle East and Europe, where it was worth so much that it was considered a gift fit for kings. It appears repeatedly in Scripture, was used in sacred anointing oil, and became prized by herbalists throughout history for its warm aroma and traditional wellness uses.
Today, scientists are still uncovering new reasons this remarkable plant has captured people’s attention for centuries.
A recently published PubMed study found that cinnamon bark essential oil helped reduce inflammation and oxidative stress following a stroke-like brain injury. Researchers also observed less tissue damage and improved neurological function in the animals that received the cinnamon oil.
While this was a preclinical study, it’s another fascinating reminder that many of the aromatic plants God created contain extraordinary compounds scientists are still discovering and studying.
Nature continues to surprise us.
Sacred Anointing
One of the earliest recorded uses of cinnamon is in the Bible.
God instructed Moses to include sweet cinnamon in the holy anointing oil used for consecrating the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (Exodus 30:22–25).
A Gift for Royalty
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, cinnamon was so rare and expensive that it was considered a gift worthy of kings and rulers. It was often stored alongside gold and precious jewels.
Perfume & Fragrance
Its warm, sweet aroma made cinnamon a prized ingredient in:
- Perfumes
- Incense
- Scented oils
The Romans especially loved burning cinnamon at ceremonies and celebrations.
Egyptian Burial Practices
Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in embalming and burial preparations because of its pleasant aroma and preservative qualities.
Trade & Wealth
For centuries, cinnamon traveled thousands of miles along ancient spice routes.
Arab traders carefully guarded its source, inventing elaborate stories about giant birds and dangerous cliffs to keep competitors from discovering where it grew. Control of the cinnamon trade later became one reason European nations sailed around Africa and competed for territories in the Indian Ocean.
Traditional Herbal Uses
Throughout history, herbalists in many cultures used cinnamon to traditionally support:
- Digestive comfort
- Warming the body during cold weather
- Circulation
- Seasonal wellness
- Oral health
- General vitality
While these are simply traditional historical uses—they explain why cinnamon became a staple in herbal traditions around the world.
Food Preservation
Before refrigeration, cinnamon was often added to meats, preserves, wines, and other foods because its aromatic compounds helped slow spoilage while improving flavor.