Healing Herbs & Spices : Let's start with Cinnamon

Growing up, I did my best to avoid the cinnamon flavor in many confectionery products on the market. At the time, I did not even know its name; all I knew was that I was not a fan. Fast forward to a decade and more down the line, I have become an unapologetic pro-cinnamon activist because this healing herb needs to be a part of our home spices for frequent use. Therefore, I am going to try to convince you to use cinnamon as well as the right variety for our daily health needs. 

This issue about the right variety to consume on a daily basis became a hot topic on our support group on WhatsApp as some members had doubts about the side effects of using cinnamon daily. It got me reading around and asking the right questions to ascertain the veracity of the claims as well as dig for the facts behind the daily consumption of cinnamon.

Please continue reading for top benefits and easy homemade remedies for using cinnamon as well as where you can have access to the right variety.

What is Cinnamon?

Two varieties of Cinnamon with pieces of cinnamon bark

The warm, sweet fragrance of cinnamon is unmistakable, evoking visions of hot cinnamon rolls and mulled cider. True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is native to the island of Sri Lanka. Cassia, or Chinese cinnamon (C. cassia), is a close relative cultivated in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. Both varieties come from the fragrant inner bark of a tree belonging to the laurel family. Cinnamon was a precious commodity that was extensively traded throughout the ancient world. The Egyptians prized it as an essential ingredient in embalming mixtures used to perfume and preserve the dead. Moses of the Old Testament added it to a holy oil for anointing. In Rome during the first century A.D., cinnamon was at least 15 times more expensive than silver and centuries later it was still costly. Only the very wealthy in medieval Europe could afford this expensive spice, for which demand was high and supply low. A desire to monopolize the cinnamon trade prompted European expansion into Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries. Eventually, cinnamon became more widely available and affordable ( 36 Healing Herbs: The World's Best Medicinal Plants, 2012) .
Traditionally, cinnamon has been used in many cultures for treating a variety of health disorders including diarrhea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, heavy menstruation, yeast infections, colds, flu, and digestive problems. Cinnamon is now being used all over the world for the treatment of a variety of health disorders including respiratory problems, skin infections, blood impurity, menstrual problems, and various heart disorders. The most important part of cinnamon is its bark, which can be used in a variety of ways. Cinnamaldehyde is the active ingredient in all cinnamon species, and this bioactive compound can have a number of beneficial effects on the body. Coumarin, linalool, cinnamic acid, proanthocyanids, catechins and other powerful substances that can be accessed using this flavorful healing spice complement this particular compound.

Ceylon Cinnamon and Chinese Cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon and Chinese Cinnamon

The Variety Brouhaha

Before we even look at the amazing benefits of this spice, let us clear the air about the right variety of cinnamon to use. My research led me to a healthy lifestyle enthusiast's experience with cinnamon in a small island called Cinnamon Island in Sri Lanka that led her to spot the difference and the consequences in their respective usages. Ramya of the Wildtumeric blog explains that there are two common varieties - Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamom Zeylanicum (old name), Cinnamon Verum (new name)) and Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia). The cinnamon in Sri Lanka is Ceylon Cinnamon and it is considered the true cinnamon. The main difference between the Ceylon cinnamon and Chinese cinnamon is in the coumarin content, Chinese cinnamon has higher amounts of coumarin that has blood-thinning properties.

Since Chinese cinnamon has higher amount of coumarin, it should not be taken in a large dose on a regular basis daily else, it will affect the kidneys and liver. Ceylon cinnamon is recommended for daily usage as it has negligible amount of coumarin in it. This information is shocking for many peoples who are using Chinese cinnamon powder regularly on a daily basis. The main problem is that the manufactures are not kind enough to write the type of cinnamon in the packets sold.

So how do we find out whether it is Ceylon cinnamon? Ceylon cinnamon has multiple layers, is very fragile and breaks easily into pieces whereas Chinese cinnamon is very hard to break. Ceylon cinnamon also has a mild sweet smell whereas Chinese cinnamon has a more pungent smell. The Chinese cinnamon has a reddish tone whereas Ceylon cinnamon is light brown in color.

Please watch out for these signs when buying cinnamon or you could contact Monsieur Pk for Ceylon Cinnamon. 

The Awesome Benefits of Cinnamon 

The numerous benefits of cinnamon can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic, astringent, stimulant, digestive and anti-clotting properties. The spice is rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium, while also having a high content of fiber. 

In her book, Healing Herbs A to Z,  best-selling author Diane Stein explains that a ½ teaspoon of  cinnamon per day can decrease blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by 20 percent in non-insulin diabetics. It is a remedy for diarrhea, kills bacteria that causes cystitis, botulism, and food poisoning.  It also kills Candida albicans (yeast overrun), aflatoxin (a carcinogen) from fungus and mold, and other fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. It expels worms and parasites; helps with weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, chills, flu, colds, cough with mucus, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal and chest pain, kidney dis-ease, bad breath, and toothache (in mouthwash). Also, it increases circulation in the extremities (feet, toes, fingers), whole body circulation for backache, muscle aches, impotence, and overall weakness; immune booster; relaxant, reduces anxiety and stress, warms; in women, reduces breast milk, stops uterine hemorrhage, cramps, menopausal pain and bleeding; external poultices for arthritis, rheumatism, toothache, headache, muscle pain, neuralgia, wounds, and athlete’s foot.

Other healing benefits: 

 


Brain Function: Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and makes it a good brain tonic. It helps to remove nervous tension and memory loss. Research at the Wheeling Jesuit University in the United States has proved that the scent of the spice has the ability to boost brain activity. The team of researchers, led by Dr. P. Zoladz, found that people who were given cinnamon improved their scores on cognitive activities such as attention span, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed.

Blood purification: Cinnamon can also help to remove blood impurities. This also makes it a great treatment for pimples.

Blood circulation: Cinnamon helps to improve the circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood-thinning compound in it. This blood circulation helps to significantly reduce pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body’s cells, which leads to higher metabolic activity. You can significantly reduce the chance of suffering from a heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon.

Pain Relief: Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory substance, so it helps in removing stiffness of the muscles and joints. It is also recommended for arthritis, and it is known to help in removing headaches that are caused by colds.

Diabetes: Cinnamon has the ability to control blood sugar, so diabetics find it very useful because it aids them in using less insulin. Research has shown that it is particularly helpful for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients are not able to regulate their insulin levels properly. Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland studied the effect of various food substances that include cinnamon on blood sugar levels. They found that a water-soluble polyphenol compound called MHCP, which is abundant in cinnamon, synergistically acted with insulin and helped in the better utilization of that vital component of human health.

Infections: Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is effective for treating external as well as internal infections. It helps in destroying germs in the gall bladder and the bacteria present in staph infections.

Healing: It acts as a coagulant and helps to stop excess bleeding. Therefore, it facilitates the healing process.

Heart diseases: It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provide protection against heart diseases. By including a little of this spice in your food, you can help prevent coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.

Colon cancer: It can also improve the health of the colon and thereby reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Mouth freshener: Cinnamon is often used in chewing gums, as it is a good mouth freshener and removes bad breath.

Perfumes: It has a refreshing aroma and is extensively used in perfume making.

Indigestion: Cinnamon is added in many ethnic recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. It is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to its carminative properties, it is very helpful in eliminating excess gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, combats diarrhea and reduces the effects of morning sickness. Cinnamon is therefore often referred to as a digestive tonic.

Respiratory problems: It helps in relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, sore throat and congestion.

Menstruation: Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.


Birth control: It also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of the spice after childbirth delays menstruation and thus helps to avoid conception.

Breastfeeding: It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of healthy breast milk.

Weight Loss: Since it reduces cholesterol and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels it will greatly aid in weight loss when combined together with daily exercise and a good diet.

Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in the secretion and discharge of urine. It is also commonly used as an aphrodisiac and is believed to arouse sexual desire in men and women.

Homemade Recipes

  

Cinnamon for Cough & Cold: Cinnamon powder mixed with honey is a good home remedy for cough. The decoction is made by boiling cinnamon in water and mixed with honey is very soothing when had during cold and cough

Cinnamon milk: This tasty recipe is great for insomnia that affects many people daily. Worldwide, we are getting 20% less sleep than what our elders did. The alarming thing is that insomnia is affecting even children and it has been reported to be increasing day by day. Lack of good night's sleep increases heart problems, causes accidents and affects our performance greatly. Try making a ritual of drinking cinnamon milk before going to bed, if you are suffering from insomnia. In addition, for bone health, honey and cinnamon are great in increasing the bone density, thus preventing arthritis. Furthermore, regular intake of cinnamon milk increases immunity. Make it a point to give this cinnamon milk often to children to increase their immunity. Cinnamon and honey is an amazing combination for increasing digestive health. Try this milk for a few days, to increase digestive health. Finally, cinnamon aids greatly in treating sore throat and this milk also will help you get uninterrupted sleep when you are suffering from sore throat. To make cinnamon milk, warm milk in a pan along with 1 tsp of Ceylon cinnamon powder. Switch off, add the pure honey and vanilla, strain, and sip it warm. 

Cinnamon Tea: Cinnamon tea is a delicious and easy to prepare beverage that also offers a wide range of health benefits, including its ability to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, prevent chronic disease, improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, aid weight loss and boost cognitive function. 

I would draw the curtain on getting to know and use Cinnamon with the need to watch out for the following allergy and overdose symptoms

• ·    hot flushed skin

• ·   dizziness

• ·   rapid breathing and pulse

• ·  shortness of breath

• ·  sweating

• ·  excitement and then drowsiness

• ·   inflamed gums, mouth and tongue

• ·  cracked lips

·

To be safe, caution is advised for anyone with liver problems. Due to its blood-thinning effects, people should stop taking cinnamon in quantities greater than use as a spice at least one week prior to surgery. Medicinal doses are not recommended during pregnancy. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels in diabetics is warranted to avoid unsafe lowering of blood sugar.

A post to the wise is more than enough!

As always, you are welcome to join our WhatsApp Group. The raison d’être of this support group is to build a community of healthy life enthusiasts, gardeners and clean/organic eaters. We believe that, by journeying this least-traveled path here in Ghana, we can begin to champion preventive health habits in our daily nutritional choices.


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              Healing Herbs A to Z by Diane Stein

             36 Healing Herbs: The World's Best Medicinal Plants by the National Geographic Society

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