Cassia is an incredibly unique essential oil, and unbeknownst to most of us, and we have been using it as a spice for our entire lives. 90% of imported cinnamon is cassia in the US. It's one of the oils that was used for anointing in the Bible and the oldest spice known to humankind.
Cassia is the sister spice to cinnamon, even though it is distilled from the bark of a different plant. Cassia is from Indonesia and cinnamon is sourced from Sri Lanka. Cassia has a warm, spicy aroma, and flavor to it, reminding me of the holidays.
The chemistry of cassia is what makes it unique. It is 80% trans-Cinnamaldehyde, an aldehyde molecule. Aldehydes are responsible for the aroma, but this particular molecule supports the health and wellness of our kidneys. Now, there is a biomolecular pathway, when activated leads to kidney dysfunction. Cassia is the best oil to support our kidneys for that situation.
Also, what makes this oil powerful is that trans-Cinnamaldehyde is an incredibly calming molecule for our nervous system. You can use it to relax, to calm down, and chill out at the end of the day. However, don't put it on your face like I did one time, because your face will turn completely red and start burning. Trans-cinnamaldehyde is a hot molecule. For this reason, cassia is superb for supporting our immune system, but keep it off your face.
If you do apply it topically, which sometimes you might want to for a warming massage, you are going to use fractionated coconut oil as the carrier at a 1:1 ratio with cassia. My favorite way to use cassia is for an internal cleanse to my digestive system. Add three drops of cassia and three drops of lemon essential oil in a veggie cap, take that internally with a full glass of water to cleanse your liver and GI tract.
Finally, this is a beautiful oil to diffuse in the evening for a relaxing and calming environment. Now because of the high concentration of trans-cinnamaldehyde, you will only need a few drops for a very potent aroma. Enjoy this beautiful oil!