Family: Lauraceae; other members include bay, avocado, nutmeg, sassafrasGenus and species: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia, C. saigonicum
Also known as: Cassia, Ceylon cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon
Parts used: Dried inner bark
We sprinkle it on toast, add it to cookie batter, stir it into hot apple cider, and find it in toothpastes and candies. But cinnamon is more than a sweet treat. It’s one of the world’s oldest healers. And modern science has confirmed its value for prevention of infection and indigestion.
HEALING with Cinnamon
Of course, cinnamon delights the taste buds. But it benefits other parts of the body as well.
1. Infection Prevention. A sound scientific reason for “flavoring” toothpastes and mouthwash with cinnamon does exist. Like many culinary spices, it’s a powerful antiseptic. It kills many decay-and disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses. Try sprinkling some on minor cuts and scrapes after they’ve been thoroughly washed. Perhaps toilet paper should be impregnated with cinnamon. One German study showed it “suppresses completely” the cause of most urinary tract infections (E. coli bacteria) and the fungus (Candida albicans) responsible for vaginal yeast infection.
2. Pain Relief. There’s another reason to dust a bit of cinnamon on cuts and scrapes – it contains the natural anesthetic oil eugenol, which might help relieve the pain of household mishaps.
3. Digestive Aid. Cinnamon does more than add flavor to cakes, cookies, ice creams and other high-fat desserts. Once you’ve consumed these delicacies, the herb helps break down fats in your digestive system, possibly boosting the activity of some digestive enzymes.
4. Women’s Health. Despite some modern herbalists’ contention that cinnamon helps calm the uterus, the weight of historical evidence suggests the opposite. Pregnant women should limit their use to culinary amounts. Other women might try it to bring on menstruation or after delivery.
5. Intriguing Possibility. Japanese researchers report that cinnamon helps reduce blood pressure. If yours is high, it won’t hurt to use more.
Rx for Cinnamon
For a warm, sweet, spicy infusion, use ½ to ¾ teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Cinnamon infusions should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with a low strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.
To treat minor cuts and scrapes, wash the affected area thoroughly, then sprinkle on a little powdered cinnamon.
SAFETY FACTOR
In powdered form, culinary amounts of cinnamon are non-toxic, though allergic reactions are possible.
Cinnamon oil is a different story. On the skin, it may cause redness and burning. Used internally, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and possibly even kidney damage. Don’t ingest cinnamon oil.
Cinnamon is on the FDA’s of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, cinnamon is considered safe in amount typically recommended.
Cinnamon should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If cinnamon causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Ref.: Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman, 1991.
Of course, cinnamon delights the taste buds. But it benefits other parts of the body as well.
1. Infection Prevention. A sound scientific reason for “flavoring” toothpastes and mouthwash with cinnamon does exist. Like many culinary spices, it’s a powerful antiseptic. It kills many decay-and disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses. Try sprinkling some on minor cuts and scrapes after they’ve been thoroughly washed. Perhaps toilet paper should be impregnated with cinnamon. One German study showed it “suppresses completely” the cause of most urinary tract infections (E. coli bacteria) and the fungus (Candida albicans) responsible for vaginal yeast infection.
2. Pain Relief. There’s another reason to dust a bit of cinnamon on cuts and scrapes – it contains the natural anesthetic oil eugenol, which might help relieve the pain of household mishaps.
3. Digestive Aid. Cinnamon does more than add flavor to cakes, cookies, ice creams and other high-fat desserts. Once you’ve consumed these delicacies, the herb helps break down fats in your digestive system, possibly boosting the activity of some digestive enzymes.
4. Women’s Health. Despite some modern herbalists’ contention that cinnamon helps calm the uterus, the weight of historical evidence suggests the opposite. Pregnant women should limit their use to culinary amounts. Other women might try it to bring on menstruation or after delivery.
5. Intriguing Possibility. Japanese researchers report that cinnamon helps reduce blood pressure. If yours is high, it won’t hurt to use more.
Rx for Cinnamon
For a warm, sweet, spicy infusion, use ½ to ¾ teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Cinnamon infusions should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with a low strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.
To treat minor cuts and scrapes, wash the affected area thoroughly, then sprinkle on a little powdered cinnamon.
SAFETY FACTOR
In powdered form, culinary amounts of cinnamon are non-toxic, though allergic reactions are possible.
Cinnamon oil is a different story. On the skin, it may cause redness and burning. Used internally, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and possibly even kidney damage. Don’t ingest cinnamon oil.
Cinnamon is on the FDA’s of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, cinnamon is considered safe in amount typically recommended.
Cinnamon should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If cinnamon causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Ref.: Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman, 1991.
