Cinnamon

Introduction

The Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming mixtures. By the Roman Empire , it was a highly valuable commodity for both medicinal and culinary purposes. While cinnamon is actually native to the West Indies, by the 18th century it was the Dutch who had monopolized the cinnamon trade and refused to allow any commercial farming of the tree until 1776. Some sources even claim Cinnamon’s rarity and near-sacred status as one of the factors that eventually spurred world exploration. Its impact is still evident today, as a popular ingredient in everything from toothpaste to pastries to potpourris. Cinnamon is difficult to grow in less than ideal conditions. In Southern climates, gardeners can find some varieties available for primarily ornamental purposes. Cinnamon prefers sandy soil, very well drained and maintain with proper nutrients. Latin Names - Cinnamomum zeylanicum

What It Is Used For

Cinnamon's history as a medicinal plant goes as far back as the Ancient Egyptians. As it increased in availability across Europe, its medicinal uses were included in most early herbals. The curative properties of Cinnamon are just as numerous today. Here is a list of some of the medicinal uses of cinnamon: * Diabetes (lowers blood sugar) * Weight Loss and Weight Control (With each cup you drink, you can burn up to 90 extra calories) * Athlete's Foot * Cold and Flu * Helps the immune system * Memory Enhancer * Diarrhea * Menstrual Problems * Digestive Problems * Yeast Infections * Arthritis * Boosts metabolism * Dental Pain * Appetite loss

How It Is Used

• You can take cinnamon. Add a pinch of the ground spice to your favorite tea. Or, add it to the food you eat. Just remember that less is more. You should not consume more than 1/4 tsp. a day or else you could develop problems such as mouth inflammation or digestive distress. You can also try adding a pinch to your morning coffee.
• It has been proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu. Longevity Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life span also increases and even if a person is 100 years old, starts performing the chores of a 20 year old.
• Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples completely.
• Daily in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
• Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found to be very effective.

What the Science Says

Recent research has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day. Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful than detrimental to the body strength. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts are more alert and flexible. It is said that half tablespoon honey taken in one glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts decreasing, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Avoid during pregnancy due to this herb's emmenagogue effects.
• Avoid with nursing mothers as this herb may cause allergic hypersensitivity due to its cinnamein content.
• Avoid with stomach and intestinal ulcers due to its stomachic effect. E.
• Prolonged use of this herb may cause tissue irritation due to potential toxicity.
• Gastro-intestinal irritation may result where large amounts of the pure essential oil are ingested, causing violent vomiting and possible kidney irritation.