Cinnamon is an evergreen tree which is small and bushy. The dried leaves of cinnamon, along with its dried inner bark are used all over the world as a spice or condiment. It has a pleasing fragrance and a warm, sweet and aromatic taste.
The bark of the tree is thick, smooth and light or dark brownish in color. The inner bark is obtained from carefully selected shoots. It is then cured and dried. While drying, the bark shrinks and curls into a cylinder or quill.
Cinnamon tree was known to ancient physicians even before 2700 BC. The Chinese used the bark of this tree as a medicine. The Romans also knew about the medicinal value of this bark. Eminent physicians like Galen, Dioscoredes and Sasaferes described various uses of cinnamon. Indians knew about the therapeutic uses of this herb before the 8th century. The oldest record available about the description of cinnamon is in the Torah, the Jewish religious text. It was, however, Khizvenee who was the first person to give details about the medicinal virtues of this herb in the 13th century.
Cinnamon is a native of Sri Lanka and tropical Asia. It has been cultivated from ancient times. It appears to have reached Egypt and Europe by the fifth century BC. This tree occurs in South India up to altitudes of 500 meters but is more common at lower altitudes, even below 200 meters.
An analysis of cinnamon shows it to consist of moisture, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates and ash, besides calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins C and A. Its calorific value is 355.
Cinnamon also contains an essential oil known as cinnamon oil. This oil consists of substantial amount of eugenol. The bark and green leaves also contain oil. The root bark oil differs from both stem bark and leaf oils.
Benefits of Cinnamon
You probably have some cinnamon powder or sticks in your kitchen cupboard. It's a warming,stimulating, pleasant-tasting herb with many uses.
Cinnamon is widely used as a flavoring agent for candy, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and bath and body products. In herbal teas, cinnamon improves the flavor of less palatable herbs. And, of course, it is a staple for baking and cooking. But cinnamon has strong herbal remedy uses as well. In addition to having a germicidal effect, cinnamon helps improve circulation and relieve discomfort or issues in the abdomen. Cinnamon is more than just an everyday spice!
Uses of Cinnamon Perhaps you use cinnamon more in the winter. Spiced cider, prepared by steeping cinnamon sticks and other herbs in apple cider, is a traditional winter beverage. Cinnamon has an affinity for the uterus and digestive organs because it improves circulation and energy flow in the abdomen. In Chinese medical philosophy, pain, cramps, and congestion are considered blocked energy. Cinnamon is thought to move qi, or vital energy, when qi is "stuck" in the abdomen. Cinnamon circulates the energy to the rest of the body and is thought to have a warming effect.
Cinnamon has a germicidal effect. Almost all highly aromatic herbs display some ability to reduce fungal infections and bacteria levels, and cinnamon in mouthwashes and gargles can help treat just these types of infections in the mouth.
You may use small amounts of cinnamon tea to relieve gas in the stomach. Larger amounts of cinnamon will stimulate and warm the stomach, promoting acidity and a laxative effect. Use of cinnamon as a laxative may prevent flatulence and intestinal cramping that can accompany the use of some other laxatives.
Preparations and Warnings for Cinnamon
Like all herbs, there are some precautions you should take before using cinnamon medicinally.Cinnamon Preparations and Dosage
Dried bark and twigs are ground into fine powder or cut into small chunks for decoctions and drunk as a tea. Some herbal cinnamon recipes are below.
Tincture: Take 1/4 to 1 teaspoon at a time, usually combined with other herbs. Use the higher doses for a menstrual period that is much heavier than usual.
Essential oil: The volatile oil from cinnamon is distilled and used as a flavoring and aromatic agent. Use a single drop of cinnamon essential oil diluted in a sip of water as a mouth rinse to freshen your breath and for mouth and gum infections. Use eight to ten drops of cinnamon essential oil in a 2-ounce tincture bottle for flavor or medicinal effects. Keep essential oils out of your eyes.
Spiced Cider: You will need the following items.
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 5 whole allspice kernels
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 or 2 oranges
Cinnamon Precautions and Warnings
Avoid this herb if you have a high fever, are red and sweating, or have irritable bowel syndrome. If you have multiple allergies or sensitivities, use cinnamon cautiously. If you're pregnant, you may use cinnamon in baking, but avoid more than a cup of cinnamon tea each day.
Side Effects of Cinnamon Some people may experience a warming sensation or sweating, and some may experience headaches, nausea, or diarrhea after ingesting two or more cupfuls of a strong cinnamon tea or spiced cider. People with irritable bowel conditions and allergies may react to this herb. If you have a fever or diarrhea caused by irritation or stimulation in the intestines, such as with stomach flu, food poisoning, irritable bowel, or colitis, cinnamon may worsen the condition. (Most sudden onset, acute episodes of diarrhea are due to inflammation, irritation, or infection, and a strong dose of cinnamon could further stimulate the bowels.) If you have a severe irritable bowel, a bowl of cinnamon-flavored cereal could have a laxative effect.
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