Scientific Name: Cinnamomum cassia
Cinnamon – More Than Just a Spice
You’ve surely enjoyed the tasty flavor of
cinnamon in your favorite foods and beverages.
Cinnamon can also be used as an insect repellent. You can add a few drops of cinnamon oil to your favorite lotion to help fight off mosquitoes. Just be cautious about how much you use, because cinnamon can also irritate the skin. You’ll only need a few drops. If you can smell the cinnamon, you’ve used enough.
You can also take cinnamon oil and dilute it with water to create an insect repellent spray. This can be used on clothing and even plants to help prevent problems with pesky bugs. It’s safe to use around children and pets as well.
Cinnamon oil can also be used to kill mosquito larvae. Add a few drops to standing water where you think mosquitoes may be lurking and you’ll prevent an infestation. It’s a natural way to prevent problems from mosquitoes without using harsh chemicals. It’s also very effective.
While cinnamon provides delicious flavor for foods, you shouldn’t forget about all of the other things it can do for you. Make sure to keep plenty of cinnamon sticks, cinnamon oil, and ground cinnamon in your stock of herbs.
One word of caution – using too much cinnamon at once can cause irritation in your mouth, skin, and can even cause problems with breathing. Don’t try eating cinnamon by itself. Always dilute it with a liquid to prevent these issues. When used correctly, cinnamon is a great additive to your household routine.