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Common Names: cinnamon, cinnamon bark, Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that has ancient origins and is popularly used as flavorings, as a condiment and in cooking. Cinnamon is also known to provide various medicinal benefits that include lowering of blood cholesterol, for diabetes. Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamon tree.
There are two popular kinds of Cinnamon, one is the “true Cinnamon” from the Cinnamon tree which is native in Sri Lanka (from the genus Cinnamomum verum) and the other is “Cassia” (Cinnamomum Cassia) which is being commercially cultivated in China, Indonesia, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. It is widely accepted that Cinnamon from Sri Lanka is of better quality between the two.
Other than for culinary purposes, oil obtained from the cinnamon bark is also popularly used in perfumery. Cinnamon oil is also used in dental and pharmaceutical products. Cinnamon leaf oil has been found to be effective in killing mosquito larvae. In some studies, Cinnamon leaf oil is being proposed for use as an insect repellent.
Because Cinnamon has ancient origins, a broad range of folkloric health remedies have been practiced through the years that can be found in various cultures. While not all of its claimed health benefits are supported by science, a number of scientific studies that were done confirmed that there are indeed some medicinal benefits from Cinnamon.
Oral conditions. Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath.
Health tonic. Cinnamon has been used to promote overall health and feeling of well being Some of the folkloric applications of Cinnamon are as follows;
Memory Booster. Cinnamon can improve cognitive function as well as memory.
Blood Purification. Cinnamon helps in removing impurities from the blood, and is often recommended for pimples.
Promotes Healing. Cinnamon helps to stop bleeding, and facilitates the healing process.
Digestive Tonic. Cinnamon aids in digestion and is effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. Cinnamon also relieves acidity and morning sickness.
Respiratory problems. Cinnamon helps in cold, flu, influenza, sore throat.
Menstruation. Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual cramp and discomfort..
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Cinnamon is used in the treatment of flatulence, piles, amenorrhea, diarrhea, toothache, amoebiasis, heart diseases, fever, cough, cold, headache and many others.
Anti-Oxidant. Cinnamon is widely believed to be high in anti-oxidants. Regular drinking of Cinnamon tea could be beneficial to oxidative stress related illness in humans,
Diuretic Effects. Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine.
Aphrodisiac and is believed to arouse sexual desire. It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.
A substance from cinnamon has been isolated and coined as “insulin-potentiating factor” (IPF), while the antidiabetic effects of cinnamon bark have been shown in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Several studies have also revealed that cinnamon extracts lower not only blood glucose but also cholesterol levels.
A study comparing the insulin-potentiating effects of many spices revealed that the aqueous extract of cinnamon was 20-fold higher than the other spices. Methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP) is the purified polymer of hydroxychalcone with the ability to stimulate glucose oxidation. Anderson et al. isolated and characterized the polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon and found that these substances act as insulin-like molecules. Following this characterization, a new compound from hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives named naphthalenemethyl ester, which has blood glucose-lowering effects, has been identified, further confirming cinnamon’s antidiabetic effects.
Infections. Cinnamon has anti fungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections. It helps in destroying germs in the gall bladder and bacteria in staph infections.
Cancer Prevention. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the growth of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Warnings and side effects.
Generally safe. Cinnamon is considered safe for most adults if taken in food amounts or as herbal medicine in recommended dosage.
Toxicity, Cinnamon especially from the variant Cassia has been found to contain a toxic compound known as Coumarin. High concentration of Coumarin has been found to cause damage to kidney and liver. Cinnamon powders that are bought in supermarkets are from C. Cassia thus moderate use is recommended.
Pregnancy: Large quantities of cinnamon should also be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of adverse effects on the uterus.
Breast feeding: While cinnamon has been traditionally used to promote milk production in nursing mothers, there are no sufficient studies that determine it side effects to very young babies. Herbal medication or consuming large amount during nursing discouraged.
Blood Anti Clotting Effect. Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, thus caution should be exercised when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning medications such as aspirin.
Interactions. Anyone that is currently taking medication for controlling blood sugar levels or blood thinners should consult their doctor before using cinnamon as a regular supplement.
Just like in any other herbal medicines, moderation of use is recommended.
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