As the holidays draw near and the air turns brisk, the delightful scent of cinnamon fills our homes, from baking cookies to simmering cider. This spice is not just about its comforting aroma; it embodies rich traditions, wellness benefits, and a touch of magic that enhances our festive spirit.
At our herbal apothecary, we celebrate cinnamon not just as a kitchen spice, but as a timeless botanical ally. This one supports the body, warms the spirit, and connects us to a lineage of ancient herbal wisdom.
Let’s unwrap the story, science, and seasonal magic of cinnamon, plus three beautiful DIY herbal gift ideas to make your holidays a little more natural (and a lot more memorable).
A Spice with Ancient Roots
Cinnamon’s origins stretch back over 4,000 years.
In ancient China, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (~200 CE) recorded it as a warming herb that helped strengthen the body and improve circulation, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In Egypt, by 2000 BCE, it was considered as precious as gold. It filled the temple with incense, embalming oils, and royal perfumes. Greek and Roman writers praised it for its use in wines, love potions, and sacred rituals.
By the Middle Ages, Arab traders tightly controlled the spice routes carrying cinnamon to Europe, weaving mystery around its origins to maintain a monopoly and inflate prices. Myths told of giant birds guarding the cinnamon groves or serpents protecting the bark.
Centuries later, during the 16th and 17th centuries, European powers fought for a monopoly over its cultivation, first the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and finally the British, on the lush island of Sri Lanka.
Once a symbol of wealth and power, cinnamon is now a familiar kitchen staple, easily accessible and beloved around the world. Yet, its supportive properties and energetic warmth remain as powerful as ever.
Cinnamon in Herbalism
Botanical Profile:
Cinnamon is the inner bark of trees from the Lauraceae family, native to Asia. The two main species are:
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Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon or “true” cinnamon) – gentler, sweeter flavor
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Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia or Chinese cinnamon) – bolder, spicier taste
Energetics:
Warming, stimulating, aromatic, and drying
Constituents:
Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol, Tannins, Mucilage, Proanthocyanidins, Catechins
Organs Affected:
Cinnamon supports the circulatory, digestive, immune, and respiratory systems, making it an herbalist’s favorite for colder months.
Actions & Uses:
Cinnamon acts as a circulatory stimulant, carminative, antimicrobial, demulcent, astringent, and hypoglycemic.
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Supports healthy circulation - helps warm cold hands and feet.
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Aids digestion - soothes bloating, nausea, and sluggishness.
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Balances blood sugar - helps modulate insulin sensitivity.
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Uplifts the mood - its aroma promotes calm focus and gentle stimulation.
It's essential to note that Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can stress the liver if consumed in excessive amounts. For long-term use, it's best to use Ceylon cinnamon and always in moderation. Your safety and well-being are our top priority. Both varieties share beneficial properties, but Ceylon is generally preferred for regular use due to its lower coumarin content.
DIY Holiday Gifts with Cinnamon
Creating your own herbal gifts can be a beautiful way to connect with the season and with the plants themselves.
Even if you’ve never tried it before, these simple recipes are designed to be beginner-friendly, requiring just a few ingredients. They carry the comforting scent of cinnamon that makes every home feel warm and inviting, empowering you to create your own herbal gifts.
Each of these projects combines beauty, intention, and wellness, showing that giving something handmade can be as meaningful for the maker as it is for the receiver. This inspiration and connection are what make these DIY gifts truly special.
1. Cinnamon Sugar Body Scrub
If you’re new to DIY body care, this is one of the easiest and most satisfying recipes to start with. It only takes minutes to make and leaves your skin soft, smooth, and subtly scented with the natural warmth of cinnamon.
Why It Works:
Cinnamon helps stimulate circulation, while sugar and salt gently remove dead skin cells. The added oils lock in moisture, perfect for dry winter months.
You’ll Need:
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1 cup sugar
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1 cup pink Himalayan salt
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½ cup olive, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil
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½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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Optional: 10 drops of essential oil (try Lavender, Cedarwood, or Peppermint)
To Make:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture into a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Use within six months.
To use, gently massage it onto damp skin, then rinse thoroughly.
Note: For external use only. Test on a small patch first.
2. Spiced Holiday Potpourri Sachets
This delightful project sparks nostalgia and is ideal for beginners. Just your hands and favorite scents, no fancy equipment required!
Why It Works:
When simmered or stored in drawers, this blend releases aromatic oils that cleanse and uplift the energy of a space, creating a cozy, cheerful atmosphere that feels like a warm holiday embrace.
You’ll Need:
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6–8 cinnamon sticks (broken into pieces or 1/2 cup chopped cinnamon)
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½ cup dried orange peel
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1 teaspoon cloves
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½ cup dried apple slices
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1 tablespoon allspice berries
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3–4 cardamom pods
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1–2 star anise pods
To Make:
Combine all ingredients and portion them into small muslin bags or jars. Tie with a ribbon to create a simple, beautiful gift.
To Use:
Gently simmer a handful in a pot of water on the stove, or tuck them into your drawers for a delightful, lingering fragrance that will infuse your space with warmth and charm.
These delightful sachets are perfect for adding a charming touch to any occasion! Whether you're looking for a thoughtful hostess gift or a sweet addition to a care package, they are sure to bring a smile and a sprinkle of joy.
Note: Use for scenting spaces only and not for ingestion.
3. Cinnamon-Infused Honey
This recipe is where herbalism meets the kitchen, and it’s one of the most magical gifts you can give. Even if you’ve never infused anything before, honey is a forgiving and easy medium to work with.
Why It Works:
Cinnamon’s antioxidants and warming nature pair beautifully with raw honey’s soothing sweetness, creating a blend that supports digestion and comfort while tasting divine.
You’ll Need:
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1 cup raw honey
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3–4 cinnamon sticks or ¼ cup chopped cinnamon
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Optional: star anise, cardamom pods, or clove buds for extra depth
To Make:
Place your cinnamon into a clean glass jar. Pour honey over the herbs until they are fully covered.
Let it sit for 1–2 weeks, stirring occasionally. If using chopped cinnamon, gently warm the mixture before straining.
To Use:
Enjoy in tea, on toast, or drizzled over oatmeal.
Keep your honey pure and delicious by always using clean, dry utensils! Moisture is the enemy of honey, and introducing it can spoil your sweet treasure. So, grab those utensils with care and enjoy your honey at its best!
Note: Do not give to infants under one year old.
Why Try DIY Herbal Gifts?
Beginning with simple recipes allows you to view herbs in a new light, not merely as ingredients, but as living allies that support and inspire us. Creating something by hand strengthens your connection with these plants, reminding you that wellness can be straightforward, beautiful, and attainable.
Whether you’re crafting for loved ones or yourself, these gifts are a reminder:
Health is a journey, and it begins with small, intentional acts of love.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon has long been a symbol of warmth, wellness, and connection, from sacred temples to our home apothecaries. Whether it’s steeped in tea, blended into a scrub, or gifted as spiced honey, this timeless botanical reminds us that true magic often comes from the simplest ingredients. As you prepare for the holidays, let cinnamon fill your home and heart with sweetness, spice, and health.
Resources:
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. (2002). Cinnamon bark monograph. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Cinnamon: What you need to know. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.govToussaint-Samat, M. (2009). A history of food (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Sri Lanka Export Development Board. (n.d.). History of Ceylon cinnamon. https://www.srilankabusiness.com
Sjenderi, G. (2003). Herbal vade mecum: 800 herbs, spices, essential oils, lipids, etc. Herbal Reference Publications.