(Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cinnamon is a tree native to tropical regions of the world and has been used since the times of the ancient Chinese. It is used in cooking and the inner bark and leaves are used in herbal medicine. It has a broad range of historical uses in different cultures, including the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism, and certain menstrual disorders.
What it does
Cinnamon contains a variety of compounds including volatile oil, coumarins and tannins. The oil contains active constituents known as terpenoids such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. These give the herb its medicinal properties. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-histamine, carminative (wind relieving), anti-spasmodic, anti-worm, anti-diarrhoea, warming and a stimulant to the stomach.
Potential Uses
| Colds | Flu | Candida |
| Diarrhoea | Flatulence | Heartburn |
| Heavy periods | Indigestion | IBS |
| Poor appetite | Poor digestion | Rheumatism |
Cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage. It also contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Some of the potential health benefits of cinnamon include:
- Improved blood sugar control: Cinnamon can help to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. This may be beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
- Reduced cholesterol levels: Cinnamon has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This may help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Reduced inflammation: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This may be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Improved cognitive function: Cinnamon has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. This may be beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- Freshened breath: Cinnamon is a natural breath freshener. It contains compounds that can kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
Cinnamon is used in medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Bad breath
Cinnamon is available in a variety of forms, including ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon extract. It can be added to food, drinks, and capsules.
Here are a few helpful recipes for using cinnamon at home:
- Cinnamon tea: Steep 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it warm. Cinnamon tea can be enjoyed on its own or sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon oatmeal: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your oatmeal in the morning. Cinnamon will add sweetness and flavor to your oatmeal, and it may also help to regulate your blood sugar levels throughout the day.
- Cinnamon applesauce: Combine 1 cup of applesauce with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well and enjoy. Cinnamon applesauce is a healthy and delicious snack or dessert option.
Safety Considerations
Cinnamon is generally safe for most people to consume in moderate amounts. However, it is important to note that cinnamon contains coumarin, a compound that can be toxic to the liver in high doses. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming large amounts of cinnamon.
Cinnamon should also be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people with liver disease.
If you are considering using cinnamon, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure that it is safe for you.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is a sweet and aromatic herb with a wide range of health benefits. It can be used to improve blood sugar control, reduce cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and freshen breath. Cinnamon is available in a variety of forms and can be used in a number of ways at home.
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health, cinnamon may be a good option for you. However, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure that it is safe for you.
Other information
The bark is available as sticks which can be ground as needed and used to make a tea which is taken up to 3 times a day.
The oil is sometimes used topically to treat body lice and scabies.
Cautions
Some sensitive people may develop a reaction when exposed to cinnamon, so use small amounts and monitor your reaction.
Do not use in pregnancy, except in small amounts in cooking.
The aromatherapy oil is not to be used in pregnancy.
At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with cinnamon.
