Cinnamon Sticks: A Natural Fragrance Wonder?

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of the tropical Cinnamomum tree, which is also known as the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon contains several aromatic compounds, the most recognisable of which is cinnamaldehyde, which gives cinnamon its spicy bite. Cinnamon is commonly used in cooking and baking, but it can also be used to create a warm, comforting scent in your home. Cinnamon sticks can be boiled to fill a room with fragrance, or they can be used to make potpourri or air freshener. Cinnamon is also used in perfumes, as it is believed to have aphrodisiac qualities and can create an atmosphere of warmth and love.

Cinnamon sticks as incense

Cinnamon sticks are commonly used for fragrance purposes, such as in potpourri and incense. Cinnamon incense sticks are available from a variety of brands, including Wild Berry, Gonesh, and HEM. They are often described as having a warm, spicy, and stimulating fragrance, perfect for cold winter nights and the holidays. The scent of cinnamon incense sticks can range from natural cinnamon to cinnamon gum, depending on the particular product.

Cinnamon incense sticks can be purchased in a variety of quantities, ranging from packs of six to bundles of 85 to 100 sticks. Some products offer a longer burn time, up to 45 to 60 minutes, while others are designed for shorter periods. Cinnamon incense is often paired with other fragrances, such as clove, apple, and vanilla, to create unique scent profiles.

In addition to their fragrance, cinnamon incense sticks can be used for decorative purposes. They can be incorporated into holiday decor, candle holder wraps, garlands, ornaments, and DIY crafts. Cinnamon sticks add a rustic and aromatic touch to any setting.

When purchasing cinnamon incense sticks, it is important to consider the burn time, fragrance notes, and quantity to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Cinnamon sticks in candles

Cinnamon sticks are commonly used for decorative purposes, especially during the holidays. They are also used to create a comforting and nostalgic fragrance in a room.

Cinnamon Stick Candles

Cinnamon stick candles are a fun and easy DIY project that can be made using plain candles, soy wax, or beeswax. Here are the steps to make your own:

Supplies:

• Plain white candles
• Cinnamon sticks
• Floral shears or scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Elastic bands
• Twine or burlap ribbon
• Candle wicks
• Glass jars or tins (optional)
• Soy or beeswax flakes (optional)
• Cinnamon essential oil (optional)

Steps:

• Prepare the cinnamon sticks: Measure the height of your candles and cut the cinnamon sticks to roughly the same height, varying the lengths for a rustic look.
• Attach the cinnamon sticks to the candles: Place an elastic band around the candle and insert the cinnamon sticks into the gap between the candle and the band. Fill the entire way around the candle, adding more sticks if needed.
• Secure the cinnamon sticks: Wrap twine or ribbon around the outside of the candle, knotting it with a bow. You can also use a hot glue gun for extra security.
• Create a candle with cinnamon inside: If using wax, prepare your glass jars or tins by removing any labels and glue residue. Measure out the correct amount of wax for your container.
• Melt the wax: Use a double boiler or a heatproof glass jug over a saucepan of water. Stir the wax flakes over medium heat until completely melted. Be careful to avoid getting water into the wax.
• Add the cinnamon scent: If using essential oil, allow the wax to cool to around 150°F/65°C before adding the oil. For beeswax, stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon powder after melting.
• Prepare the wick: Press a wax button onto the metal part of the wick and secure it to the centre of your container. Alternatively, drop some melted wax onto the centre and push the wick into it, or pour a small amount of melted wax into the bottom of the jar and place the wick before it hardens.
• Pour the wax and add cinnamon sticks: Gently pour some melted wax into the bottom of your container. Before it hardens, place four or five cinnamon sticks around the sides. Then, gently pour in the rest of the wax.
• Decorate and cure your candle: Once the wax starts to harden, add decorations like star anise or cinnamon bark. Allow your candle to cure for at least 24-48 hours before burning.

Your cinnamon stick candles are now ready to be displayed and enjoyed!

Cinnamon sticks in wax melts

Cinnamon sticks have a naturally sweet and woody fragrance, and they are commonly used in potpourri and as a natural air freshener. Cinnamon is a popular ingredient in holiday fragrances, and its scent is comforting and reminiscent of baked goods like cookies, pies, and cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon sticks can be used to make wax melts, which are a type of scented candle. Wax melts are a great alternative to traditional candles, especially in small spaces or areas where an open flame may be unsafe. Cinnamon stick wax melts can be made at home or purchased from various retailers. Here are some examples of cinnamon stick wax melts:

Cinnamon Stick Wax Melts by Keystone Candle

Keystone Candle offers a bag of 10 strongly scented cinnamon stick wax melts. These melts are handmade in the USA and can be used in a tart burner or mini warmer to fill your home with a delightful fragrance. The melts are square-shaped and measure 1 15/16 inches wide and 5/8 inch thick.

Spicy Cinnamon Stick Scented Wax Melts by Better Homes & Gardens

These wax melts are available at Walmart and come in a 2.5 oz pack. They have received 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 115 reviews. The price for the 2.5 oz pack is $2.00, making it an affordable option for those looking to add a spicy cinnamon scent to their space.

Cinnamon Sticks Fragrance by Candle Warmers Etc

This option is a set of four 2.5 oz wax melts, providing 30 hours of fragrance. It is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, offering a long-lasting and consistent scent.

Other Options

There are many other cinnamon-scented wax melts available from various brands, including Yankee Candle, SCENTORINI, Happy Wax, and more. These melts offer different variations of cinnamon scents, such as cinnamon apple, cinnamon churro, and cinnamon spice. Some melts also combine cinnamon with other fragrances like vanilla, apple, and clove for unique scent profiles.

Cinnamon sticks in potpourri

Cinnamon sticks are commonly used in potpourri due to their strong fragrance. They are often combined with other natural ingredients to create a pleasant scent for the home. Here are some tips and recipes for creating your own cinnamon stick potpourri:

Ingredients and Preparation

Cinnamon sticks can be combined with a variety of ingredients to create a customised potpourri. Some popular choices include orange or orange peel, cranberries, cloves, rosemary, lemon, star anise, nutmeg, and allspice. Potpourri can be made on a stovetop or in a slow cooker. Simply add the desired ingredients to a saucepan or slow cooker, fill it with water, and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a low setting and let it simmer. It is important to keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed to prevent the pot from burning dry.

Experimenting with Scents

When creating your own potpourri, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and scents. Try adding flower petals, fragrant leaves, or pine cones to your mixture. You can also use essential oils to enhance the fragrance. Add a few drops of your favourite oil while the potpourri is simmering. Just be cautious when using essential oils, as some may be too strong or irritating when heated.

Storage and Reuse

Potpourri will typically last for several weeks if stored properly. It is recommended to keep it in a sealed container, such as a jar, when not in use. To reuse the potpourri, simply add more water and freshen it up with additional ingredients or essential oils. However, it is important to note that the mixture may not look as aesthetically pleasing after prolonged use, but it will still retain its scent.

Safety Precautions

When using cinnamon sticks or any other ingredients for potpourri, always practice safety precautions. Keep the potpourri away from children and pets, and dispose of it responsibly when it is no longer usable. Additionally, be cautious when simmering the mixture on the stove, as forgetting about it or leaving it unattended can lead to hazardous consequences. Always set a timer and keep an eye on the water level to prevent the pot from boiling dry.

Cinnamon sticks in reed diffusers

Cinnamon sticks can be used in reed diffusers to fill your home with a warm and inviting fragrance. Reed diffusers are a great way to continuously add a specific fragrance to your space without the use of a flame. The more reeds you add to the mixture, the stronger the scent will be. Cinnamon-scented reed diffusers can be ideal gifts for any occasion and can be used in various areas of the home, such as the foyer, powder room, closet, or basement. They can also be used in offices, classrooms, hospitals, assisted living centres, and dorm rooms.

Reed diffusers typically include a bottle of fragrance, a decorative collar, and natural reeds. The fragrance liquid is drawn up through the reeds, which then disperse the scent into the air. For optimal fragrance, it is recommended to flip the reeds every two weeks.

When diffused throughout the home, the warm, spicy, and sweet aroma of cinnamon can freshen and deodorize the air while providing a relaxing and uplifting atmosphere. Cinnamon-scented reed diffusers can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon and Crossroads Candles, and typically range in size from 3.4 fl oz to 6.8 fl oz.

Frequently asked questions