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What Is Quill Oil Used For?

Quill oil is an antiquated term for the cinnamon oil that is extracted from cinnamon bark. A rolled-up section of cinnamon bark, otherwise known as a cinnamon stick, was once called a “quill.” The oil extracted directly from the bark was therefore called quill oil. The pure quill oil was highly valued. When the oil was distilled into cinnamon oil, it was primarily used for flavoring.

History
- Historically, cinnamon, or quill, oil has been used for its medicinal benefits as well as a flavoring for candy, chewing gum, condiments and in South Asian and Indian cuisine. Cinnamon bark has been used as a digestive aid for flatulent dyspepsia and diarrhea. Cinnamon has long been one of the most popular spices. Originating in tropical Asia, especially in India and Sri Lanka, cinnamon trees are now grown in nearly every tropical region of the world.
Origin
- Cinnamon spice is actually made from the bark of the Laurel tree. There are a few types of Laurel trees that produce cinnamon, including the Cassia tree. An evergreen tree with thick leathery leaves, this cinnamon tree produces yellow flowers in the summer followed by berries. Saigon cinnamon from the Cassia tree is richer in cinnamon oil content than other types of cinnamon. The bark is ground for cooking, but can also be used whole for fresh potpourri.
Considerations
- Cinnamon trees are grown for two years after which time they are cut down. The following year small shoots appear that are stripped of their delicate inner bark. After being stripped from the tree, the bark naturally dries curled up in the familiar form of a cinnamon stick, also known as a quill. Although the Laurel or cinnamon tree can grow as tall as 65 feet, many cinnamon plantations keep the trees trimmed back to the size of a small shrub.
Properties
- Cinnamon bark is a sweet, strong-smelling, warming herb containing a volatile (evaporates readily at normal temperatures and pressures) oil that contains cinnamaldehyde, which is the organic compound that gives cinnamon its odor and flavor. In the right conditions, cinnamon quills can be stored successfully for a long period of time, even hundreds of years. In comparison, ground cinnamon eventually loses its flavor in storage.
Benefits
- The antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-clotting, antifungal and astringent properties of cinnamon are responsible for its many and varied health benefits. Cinnamon is rich in iron, manganese, calcium and fiber. It has been used to treat colds, angina (chest pain), fevers and arthritis. It is also utilized for the potent antioxidants it contains to maintain cardiovascular function. Cinnamon bark is the primary part used to treat a host of health disorders, including skin infections, blood impurities and respiratory problems.
Warning
- Cinnamon in the form of cinnamon oil can often cause allergic reactions; therefore, most people prefer to use ground cinnamon or cinnamon bark to reap the health benefits of cinnamon.

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