What's the first thing that comes to your mind at the mention of cinnamon? Granny's homemade apple strudel, Mom's gingerbread cookies or winter tea?

Although cinnamon is mainly used today as a spice, it was so highly treasured in the past that it was considered more precious than gold.

Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine.

It was mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the three principal spices Moses needed to produce the precious oil for holy anointment. 

In the Book of Exodus, God instructs Moses to make a holy anointing oil from cinnamon, cassia, olive oil, myrrh and hemp.

History records that the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut used cinnamon as an aromatic ingredient in her perfumes as early as 1500 BC. 

She sent out an expedition of ships to bring spices and aromatics from the land of Punt. The ships carried fragrant woods including cinnamon and myrrh trees.

Healing properties

The evergreen tree of Cinnamomum verum or Ceylon cinnamon (often referred to as true cinnamon) belongs to the laurel family (lat. Lauraceae), native to Sri Lanka. 

The old botanical synonym for the tree is derived from Sri Lanka's former name, Ceylon.

Cinnamon as a spice is obtained from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, which stores precious healing properties. 

The inner bark is peeled off from the young stems of the tree and then dried to obtain the delicious and healing spice. 

Cinnamon is an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins and dietary fibres.

It is rich in important minerals such as manganese, calcium, iron, copper and zinc. It also contains vitamins C, K, B2 (pyridoxine) and B6 (riboflavin).

Cinnamon abounds in antioxidants and phenols, which are crucial in the fight against infections.

In traditional Chinese medicine it has been used to treat painful menstruation, colds,  flatulence, nausea and diarrhea.

In Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon is a cure for indigestion, diabetes, colds and other infections.

Modern research indicates that this spice may have some very beneficial  properties for human health.

1. Lowers blood sugar levels 

According to research carried out by the British Diabetic Association, Diabetes UK, Ceylon cinnamon has properties that lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

The study confirmed that consuming up to 6 grams of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.

2. Inhibits the development of Alzheimer's disease. 

Tel Aviv University researchers led by Professor Michael Ovadia discovered that an extract found in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that can inhibit the development of the disease.

3. Boosts brain function 

Many scientific studies now confirm the direct link between cinnamon and brain function – just smelling the odour of this spice boosts brain activity.

4. Arrests multiple sclerosis (MS) 

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has brought fresh hope to those suffering from this severe disease. 

Its researchers have confirmed that cinnamon may help stop the destructive process of multiple sclerosis, a serious disease that has been increasingly affecting the younger population.

5. Treats fungal and bacterial infections

According to the National Institute of Health study, cinnamaldehyde, a chemical found in Cassia cinnamon, may have an important role in the fight against bacterial and fungal infections. 

Its frequent use alleviates the symptoms of infection, stops the growth of bacteria as well as fungi and heals the body in a natural way.

Honey and cinnamon - remedy for cancer and arthritis

A study conducted in the USA concluded that cinnamon helps against different forms of cancer by preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Research carried out in Japan and Australia discovered that the use of cinnamon and honey  successfully treats  bone cancer as well as stomach (gastric) cancer.

Cinnamon and honey may also help when dealing with leukemia, as they inhibit the development and spread of lymphoma. 

The same remedy proved effective in the treatment of arthritis.

A study conducted in Denmark confirmed the beneficial effects of cinnamon and honey after a week of successive therapy which involved consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon combined with half a teaspoon of honey per day.

After one week, the patients confirmed that they felt relieved and soothed, whereas after a month, the sympthoms of arthritis were entirely gone.

Other health benefits

Cinnamon healing abilities also help :

• alleviate inflammation and infections
• cleanse the blood and encourage blood circulation
• eliminate bad breath
• reduce digestion difficulties
• mitigate the effects of PMS and regulate menstruation
• boost brain activity
• enhance alertness, concentration and memory
• relax and relieve muscle pain
• prevent heart diseases
• treat gastritis
• process sugar and fat
• treat sore throat and flu symptoms

 

Not all types of cinnamon are healthy

There are several types of cinnamon on the market. Most cinnamons sold in the grocery stores ar the less expensive Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon, which contains higher levels of the blood-thinning agent coumarin. This agent may cause kidney and liver damage.

On the other hand, Ceylon cinnamon contains less coumarin than Cassia and is absolutely safe for use. Moreover, it is recommended for use on a daily basis.

Ceylon cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka.

While both types are relatively similar in characteristics and both feature a fragrant, sweet and warm taste, the flavour of the Ceylon variety is more refined and subtle.

Due to its medicinal properties, Ceylon cinnamon is more highly valued than its Cassia relative, which makes this type an integral part of every household, both as a culinary ingredient and as a medicine.

Use Ceylon cinnamon as a remedy

1. For sore throat, colds and chronic cough 

Mix a tablespoon of honey with a quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon. Consume the mixture three times a day. The cough and inflammation should be gone in three days.

2. For high blood cholesterol. 

Pour 4 dcl of tea (green tea recommended) over 3 teaspoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of honey. Drink the mixture three times a day.

It has been confirmed that this mixture reduces cholesterol levels for 10 per cent in just two hours. 

3. For weight loss

Pour a cup of hot water over a half of a teaspoon of cinnamon, cover it with a lid and leave it for 30 minutes. When it cools, add a tablespoon of honey.

Drink half a cup before sleep. Cover the other half with a lid and store in the fridge. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach, half an hour before breakfast (do not heat it up).

4. For gastric cancer and bone cancer 

Prepare a mixture of a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon and a tablespoon of honey. Consume it three times a day over a month.

5. For hair loss 

Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon, a tablespoon of honey and a few drops of warm olive oil together. Apply the mixture to your hair.  Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash off.

6. For bad breath 

Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of honey in a lukewarm water and use the fluid to wash the oral cavity.

7. For insect stings 

Mix two tablespoons of a lukewarm water, a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Rub it on the sore spot.

 

The unpleasant symptoms of pain, burn and itching should be gone in a couple of minutes.

Finally, there's a cinnamon treat for all those gourmets who like to take care of their health and indulge their palates.

Culinary uses of cinnamon

Due to its fabulous aroma and strong medicinal properties, cinnamon has had wide applications since ancient times. 

Today, it adds great flavour and smell to desserts, such as apple strudels, pies, doughnuts, rolls, fruit salads and stewed fruits.

It is a valuable supplement to drinks, i.e. coffee, tea, hot cocoa or liqueur.

It is also used in the preparation of chocolate, especially in Mexico.

In the Middle East, cinnamon is often used in savoury dishes and is added to flavour salty dishes.

In the US, cinnamon and sugar are often used to flavour cereals, bread-based dishes (i.e. toast) and fruits (especially apples).

Cocoa and Ceylon cinnamon pudding recipe 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• ¼ cup cornstarch 
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 bags vanilla sugar
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• whipped cream and fruits for garnish

Instructions:

Mix the cocoa, cinnamon, vanila sugar and cornstarch together and stir in a little milk. 

Bring the rest of the milk to a boil, pour in the mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thick and smooth.

Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.

Pour into individual cups or bowls and serve it cold. Use fruits and whipped cream for garnish.

Where to buy Ceylon cinnamon

Cinnamon is available in a dried tubular form known as a quill (cinnamon stick) or as ground powder.

When buying cinnamon, one should always pay attention to the product's label, since Cassia cinnamon is more likely to be found at your local grocer.

Unfortunately, Cinnamum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is not normally sold at your local store, but you may find it in health food stores. It can sometimes be found in traditional supermarkets with a health food section.

You may also buy it online at Alternativa Webshop.

 

The sources used for this article include: 

https://www.drfuhrman.com/

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/

alternativa-za-vas.com/cimet

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