Can You Ingest Cinnamon Cassia Oil? Understanding the Risks

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

While the cinnamon spice is a kitchen staple, cassia essential oil is highly concentrated and should not be ingested. Ingesting cassia essential oil can cause serious health issues, including liver and kidney damage, due to its high concentration of a chemical called coumarin. Understanding the critical difference between culinary spices and essential oils is essential for your safety.

Quick Summary

Ingesting cassia essential oil is extremely dangerous due to its high concentration of coumarin, a toxic compound that can cause liver damage. Essential oils are not meant for internal use and can burn mucus membranes, unlike the diluted spice used in food.

Key Points

Never Ingest Cassia Oil: Due to its high concentration and toxic coumarin content, cassia essential oil should never be taken internally.
Coumarin is a Toxin: Cassia contains high levels of coumarin, a chemical that can cause liver and kidney damage, especially with prolonged use or in sensitive individuals.
Not All Cinnamon is Equal: Cassia is distinct from Ceylon ("true") cinnamon, which has a much lower coumarin content, making the spice form safer for regular consumption, though the essential oil form is still unsafe to ingest.
Extreme Irritant: Undiluted cassia oil is a 'hot' oil that can cause severe irritation and burns to the mouth, esophagus, and skin.
Consult a Doctor: Before using any herbal products, including essential oils, consult a healthcare provider, particularly if you have liver disease or are taking other medications.
Use Safely Externally: For aromatherapy or topical applications, cassia essential oil must be heavily diluted with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.

Cassia Oil: The Essential Difference

Cinnamon is a common and beloved spice in countless recipes, but it's important to differentiate between culinary-grade cassia cinnamon powder and its concentrated essential oil. The oil is a powerful extract, not intended for internal consumption. The health risks associated with ingesting cassia essential oil are directly tied to its potency and chemical makeup, especially its high coumarin content. Cassia essential oil is a 'hot' oil that can irritate or burn mucous membranes and skin if not properly diluted.

The Coumarin Concern in Cassia

Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), the variety most common in North American grocery stores, contains significant amounts of coumarin. Coumarin, a naturally occurring chemical, is known to cause liver damage in high doses. Essential oils, being highly concentrated, contain a much higher level of coumarin than the powdered spice. This makes ingesting cassia essential oil particularly dangerous, as even a small amount can deliver a toxic dose of coumarin. For individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, the risk is even greater. In contrast, Ceylon or 'true' cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it a much safer option for frequent consumption of the spice, but not for its essential oil form.

Risks of Ingesting Cinnamon Cassia Oil

Ingesting cassia essential oil can lead to a range of severe health problems. The most prominent risk is hepatotoxicity, or liver damage, from coumarin. This can be especially dangerous for people taking other medications that are processed by the liver.

Beyond liver damage, ingesting this concentrated oil can cause other harmful effects:

Gastrointestinal Irritation: The oil is highly concentrated and can cause severe irritation and burning of the esophagus and other mucus membranes throughout the digestive tract.
Hypoglycemia Risk: For individuals with diabetes, cassia can significantly lower blood sugar levels. Ingesting the concentrated oil could cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, especially in combination with diabetes medication.
Allergic Reactions: Some people have an allergic sensitivity to cinnamon. Ingesting a concentrated form could trigger a severe allergic reaction.

Cassia Oil vs. Ceylon Oil: A Critical Comparison

This table outlines the key differences between Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon and their respective essential oils, highlighting why cassia oil poses a unique health risk when ingested.


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon
Botanical Name	Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum)	Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Coumarin Content	High (1-5% in bark, concentrated in oil)	Very Low (trace amounts)
Oil Ingestion Safety	NEVER for ingestion due to high coumarin and potency	NEVER for ingestion; essential oils are too concentrated regardless of coumarin content
Coumarin Risk	Significant risk of liver and kidney damage with large or prolonged use	Negligible risk from coumarin in culinary spice, but still unsafe for concentrated oil
Culinary Use Safety	Safe in small amounts as a spice, but caution with large, regular doses	Safer for regular culinary consumption due to low coumarin
Essential Oil Application	Must be heavily diluted for topical or aromatic use	Still a "hot" oil needing careful dilution

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question "can you ingest cinnamon cassia oil?" is a definitive no. The high concentration of coumarin in cassia essential oil presents a serious risk of liver damage and other adverse health effects. The potential dangers far outweigh any purported benefits, and essential oils in general are not designed for internal consumption unless specifically directed and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. For those seeking the flavor or properties of cinnamon, the powdered spice, particularly Ceylon cinnamon, is the only safe option for consumption. Always treat essential oils with caution and follow manufacturer guidelines for external use only. Consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal or essential oil product, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Safe Alternatives and Practices

For those who enjoy the flavor of cinnamon, the safest practice is to use powdered cassia or Ceylon cinnamon in moderation in cooking and baking. If you have concerns about coumarin, Ceylon cinnamon is the better choice for frequent use. For external applications, always use essential oils properly diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, and perform a patch test to avoid skin irritation. For aromatherapy, diffusing a few drops of the essential oil is a safe way to enjoy its aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cassia essential oil is dangerous to ingest because it contains high levels of coumarin, a compound known to cause liver damage, especially when consumed in high doses over time.

Cassia cinnamon is the powdered spice, used in small, culinary amounts, while cassia essential oil is a highly concentrated extract of the plant. The oil contains a much higher concentration of toxic compounds, making it unsafe for internal consumption.

Yes, cassia essential oil can be used topically but only after being properly diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil. It is a 'hot' oil and can cause skin irritation or burns if applied undiluted.

Cassia cinnamon contains significantly more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia can have coumarin levels of 1-5% in its bark, while Ceylon contains only trace amounts (0.004-0.02%).

While isolated incidents of coumarin toxicity in humans are rare, animal studies suggest high doses can cause kidney, liver, and lung damage. In sensitive humans, it can cause or worsen liver disease.

Baking with cassia cinnamon powder in moderate amounts is generally safe. The coumarin levels in the powder are much lower than in the essential oil, and the amounts used in recipes are typically small. However, frequent and large doses of cassia should be avoided, especially by those with liver issues.

If you or someone you know has ingested cassia essential oil, seek immediate medical attention by contacting a poison control center or visiting an emergency room.