Tidbits About Cinnamon
What is Cinnamon and where does it come from?
The cinnamon tree grows to a height of 25-50 feet. A tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia it grows in sandy, slightly acidic soil and requires a lot of moisture. This bushy evergreen tree has leathery leaves with small yellow flowers that mature to purple berries. Reddish brown and aromatic, the bark is where the magic is and harvesting the bark has remained the same for centuries.
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Harvesting
Grown on plantations the trees are pruned when they are around 2 years old. After the shoots come up at the base of the tree after pruning the bark is harvested, about twice a year, usually after a monsoon. Since the heavy rains soften the bark, it allows for easier harvesting of the woody bark. Next the inner bark is separated from the rest of the stalk. Finally the inner bark is layered and laid out for drying. The drying bark curls around itself as it dries forming what we know as cinnamon sticks.
History of Cinnamon
Accountings of this aromatic spice go as far back as 2700 B.C.E. as written in Chinese texts. In the bible Moses was told to make a holy anointing oil with 2 varieties of cinnamon. Not only did the ancient Egyptians used cinnamon bark in their embalming practices, they also enjoyed it as a flavoring for their food. Interestingly the Romans used it as an aphrodisiac and also as a perfume. Around 2000 years ago in the 1st century cinnamon was a valuable commodity for trade and it is said Pliny the Elder regarded it as having 15 times the value of silver by weight.
Prices were kept high and trade tightly controlled by Arab merchants for centuries by telling tall tales of the magical qualities and difficulties in cultivation. Around the 16th century European trading of cinnamon sparked many struggles for control over the plantations which lasted for centuries.
Types of Cinnamon
There are 2 main types of cinnamon bark that are widely available in the marketplace today. There are, however upward of 250 varieties of trees.
- Cinnamomum cassia (cassia cinnamon) is the most common of the varieties you can find on the spice shelves in most supermarkets. As it is native to the tropics of Indonesia you’ll find cinnamon cultivated and harvested in many tropical climates worldwide. Cassia is the cinnamon of choice of chef’s for creating savory meat and soup dishes.
- Cinnamomum verum (ceylon cinnamon), considered “true” cinnamon by some is usually grown in Sri Lanka and has a lighter and sweeter flavor. Because of this it’s the favorite for creating desserts. Find Ceylon Cinnamon here.
Both cinnamomum cassia and cinnamomum verum are used in herbal medicines.
Cinnamon belongs to the Lauraceae family of plants. The properties of cinnamon bark are:
- Aromatic
- Warming
- Demulcant
- Stimulating
- Astringent
- Anti-microbial
- Hypoglycemic
- Analgesic
Cinnamon is a warming and drying spice with a pungent and sweet taste. Parts used of the tree is bark, twigs and dried flowers, with the bark being the most prevalent of these.
Therapeutic Properties of Cinnamon
The primary uses for cinnamon are to help your body ease diarrhea symptoms, stimulate blood movement, lessen toothache pain, fight infections, stabilize blood sugar and as a remedy for cold and flu symptoms. It can be prepared as a tea, tincture, added to tooth powders and in culinary preparations. Cinnamon contains tannins giving it the ability to ease many stomach discomforts including gas, indigestion and cramping. Enjoying a cup of cinnamon tea after a meal is good for helping your body with digestion.
Benefits of Cinnamon
First of all cinnamon is chock full of antioxidants that protects your body from free radical damage that can lead to premature aging. With its polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids your body is better able to fight oxidative stress helping prevent chronic disease. (1)
Healthy Teeth and Gums
Cinnamon added to tooth powders or toothpastes tones the tissues and has antimicrobial actions that help to maintain a healthy mouth environment. By decreasing harmful bacteria it’s useful for tooth and gum infections. Diluted in a carrier oil cinnamon essential oil can be applied to a painful tooth to help alleviate toothaches. (2)
Improves Circulation
In animal studies, cinnamon was shown to improve blood vessel dilation and blood flow in the coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart. Compared to a control group rats fed 91 mg. per pound of body weight daily for 8 weeks showed better coronary blood flow and better heart performance after exhaustive exercise. (3)
With the ability to effectively reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels cinnamon improves blood circulation keeping your heart healthy. (4) Additionally there is promising evidence that better circulation and reduced blood pressure is very beneficial for those with Type 2 Diabetes.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Well known for its anti-diabetic effects cinnamon is an excellent choice for those with diabetes. It has the ability to lower blood sugar and lower insulin levels helping keep blood sugar levels balanced. (5) Additionally cinnamon helps block activity of several digestive enzymes slowing the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream after a high carbohydrate meal. (6)
Eases Digestion
Cinnamon has properties that can provide relief for indigestion, flatulence, heartburn, nausea and stomach cramps. Because of its powerful anti fungal properties cinnamon may be effective in fighting Candida overgrowth in the intestinal tract. Notably, Candida Albicans is a yeast, when left unchecked can lead to numerous digestive issues and potential autoimmune problems. (7)
Antiseptic, Antiviral & Anti-fungal
We touched on the anti-fungal aspects on Candida in the digestive tract. Importantly cinnamon has antiseptic and antiviral properties as well. For this reason cinnamon is a powerhouse for fighting infections and reducing your chances of contracting illnesses such as viral infections and the common cold. Furthermore cinnamon oil has the ability to protect against bacterial infections, which can cause conditions like strep throat and pneumonia. (8)
Inflammation & Pain Management
Because of its high antioxidant profile cinnamon is highly useful as a tool to reduce inflammation. In turn there are significant decreases the risk of heart disease, cancer and cognitive decline. Additionally it is useful for pain management due to its anti-inflammatory actions helping with reducing muscle soreness and decreasing menstrual pain. (9)
Precautions
- Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin, which has been shown to damage the liver or have potential cancer risks in large amounts. On the other hand Ceylon cinnamon has very low amounts of coumarin and is safe in larger doses. If you choose to supplement with cinnamon choose the Ceylon variety also known as ‘True Cinnamon’.
- Due to the fact that cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels take heed if you are taking blood sugar lowering medications by monitoring your levels.
- Be mindful not to take too many cinnamon supplements as it may become unsafe. Preferably, if you are pregnant or breast feeding discontinue supplementing with cinnamon. Small amounts used for culinary purposes are fine.
- Cinnamon bark essential oil can be quite strong so do a patch test if using this oil on your skin. Best practice is to dilute with a carrier oil.
In conclusion, adding cinnamon to your diet can come with a long list of benefits, including improved oral hygiene, healthier blood sugar levels, enhanced heart health and reduced inflammation. For use in supplementation choose Ceylon Cinnamon for the highest health benefits without the risks associated with the lower cost Cassia Cinnamon. Remember to keep intake moderate, pairing with a healthy diet and active lifestyle to realize the most potential health benefits.
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Disclaimers
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that herbs can trigger side effects and interact with supplements, medications or other herbs,. Herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a qualified herbalist or doctor well versed in the field of botanical medicine.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. Always talk with your doctor or qualified health care professional before taking any herbal remedies to ensure safety, especially if you are already on medications. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider.
Other References
de la Forêt, Rosalee. Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal (Kindle Location 1233). Hay House, Inc.
Gladstar, Rosemary. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use (p. 70). Storey Publishing, LLC
Balick, Michael. Rodale’s 21st-Century Herbal: A Practical Guide for Healthy Living Using Nature’s Most Powerful Plants (Kindle Location 3950). Rodale Books