Ceylon Cinnamon Powder

Ceylon Cinnamon

Latin name: Cinnamomum verum

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a history that spans the centuries and is an overall tonic for the entire body.  It has been used as a spice and also for its many medicinal properties.  Cinnamon is a wonderful stimulant and helps fight infection.  Health benefits include: 

• It has been proven to dramatically reduce diabetes by decreasing blood glucose levels up to 29%.  Can also help stabilize blood pressure.
• When taken on a daily basis, it significantly lowers cholesterol because of its ability to act as an anti-clotting agent in the blood.
• Aids in the digestive system. If you have a stomach bug, it will decrease nausea and diarrhea. It is also good for stomach ulcers and urinary tract infections because it kills bacteria and yeasts that cause these.  It also helps with colic, gas, and other mild stomach ailments.
• Because of its antimicrobial properties, it can be used in powder form to treat vaginal infections and also athlete’s foot.
• Treats colds, flu, and winter chills. It kills a variety of illness-causing bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. 
• It promotes sweating, increases blood circulation, increases production of digestive fluids, relieves smooth muscle spasms, and increases the flow of urine.
• Used to treat edema and arthritis by relieving pain and swelling as it is an anti-inflammatory.
• When used in aromatherapy, it can help you relax. It also helps to reduce stress, which then helps to lower blood pressure. Placing a sachet of cinnamon in your home and office will greatly reduce stress on a daily basis.
• When added to foods, it acts as a natural alternative to chemical food preservatives.
• It is a natural antioxidant. When taken on a daily basis, it can reduce your risk from certain cancers.
• It is a great treatment for acne, eczema, and other skin conditions when made into a paste and applied externally.  It is also good for a headache when used as a paste and applied to the head.
• Contains phytochemicals which help ease seasonal allergy symptoms.
• Treats mouth infections. 

Nutritional Benefits of Cinnamon

• Good source of manganese, iron, and calcium. 

How to Use Cinnamon

• Besides suggestions above, add it to hot cereals, meat dishes, desserts, stir fry, vegetables, etc. to enhance the flavor and add nutritional value to your foods.
• Can be useful in tincture combinations, in teas, and in capsules.
• Often combined with Ginger Root Powder to treat circulatory and digestive problems.
• Often used in herbal combination to mask bitter flavors and also to enhance the effectiveness. 

Cautions and Side Effects of Cinnamon

• Anyone taking medication to control blood sugar or medication to thin the blood should use caution as cinnamon can interact with these drugs.

Fun Facts About Cinnamon

• When Roman Emperor Nero’s wife died, he burned cinnamon on her funeral pyre to scent the air.