Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known. Its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term “amomon,” meaning “fragrant spice plant.” It was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as a beverage flavoring and medicine but also as an embalming agent. It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. In the first century A.D., Pliny the Elder wrote that 350 grams of cinnamon equal to over five kilograms of silver, about fifteen times the value of silver per weight. Around this time, cinnamon also received much attention in China, reflected in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C.
Cinnamon Unveiled: A History of the Precious Spice
Medieval physicians used cinnamon in medicines to treat coughing, hoarseness, and sore throats. The spice was also valued for its preservative qualities for meat due to the phenols that inhibit the bacteria responsible for spoilage, with the bonus being the strong cinnamon aroma that masked the stench of aged meats. Only recently has its health benefits come into the scientific spotlight, and research into its medical properties has shown some fantastic results.
Cinnamon Health Benefits
Cinnamon Health Benefits include a variety of health disorders, including diarrhea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, yeast infections, colds, flu, rheumatism, and digestive problems. Cinnamon has been used for centuries and in many cultures. It has found a prominent position in traditional healing medicines, especially Ayurveda (the traditional Indian medicinal system).
Today, the use of cinnamon has expanded to treat various health disorders, including respiratory problems, skin infections, blood impurities, heart disorders, and diabetes. Cinnamon has also been used to treat diarrhea and other digestive system problems.
Cinnamon's Healing Components and Their Effects
A USDA study found that cinnamon health benefits lasted at least 20 days after people stopped taking it. Cinnamon’s unique healing abilities come from three basic components in the essential oils found in its bark. These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.
To easily benefit from Cinnamon, you can buy supplements to help with blood sugar levels (Like type 2 diabetes), weight loss, and much more. Simply taking a daily dose of cinnamon supplements is an easy alternative to adding cinnamon to food and is much more effective, as saliva neutralizes some of the cinnamon benefits.
Other Health Benefits of Cinnamon
- Blood Purification. Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities, and is often recommended for pimples.
- Infections. Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external and internal infections. It helps destroy germs in the gall bladder and bacteria in staph infections.
- Healing. Cinnamon helps to stop bleeding, and facilitates the healing process.
- Indigestion. Besides adding flavor to your food, cinnamon also aids your digestion. It’s very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and flatulence. It also relieves acidity, diarrhea, and morning sickness. It is, therefore, often regarded as a digestive tonic.
- Respiratory problems. Cinnamon helps in colds, flu, influenza, sore throat, and congestion.
- Menstruation. Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.
- Diuretic Effects. Cinnamon is diuretic and helps in the secretion and discharge of urine. It is also an aphrodisiac and is believed to arouse sexual desire. It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.
- 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.
- Cinnamon reduces your risk of colon cancer by helping to remove excess bile in your digestive tract and prevent the damage it can cause to colon cells.
Cinnamon Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Cinnamon side effects are negligible if you make sure how to use it.
Cinnamon is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines. While the level of naturally occurring coumarins in Ceylon cinnamon appears to be very small and lower than the amount that could cause health risks, the level of naturally occurring coumarins in the cassia cinnamons appears to be higher. It may pose a risk to some individuals if consumed in substantial amounts regularly.
The information given is for knowledge purposes. We have researched and written the content. We don’t claim any scientific research or recipe.