A study done in 2003 by Dr. Khan and associates found that cinnamon lowered glucose levels by 18% by mimicking insulin. An added benefit of cinnamon is that it reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as triglycerides. CancerTutor.com recommends around ½ teaspoon each day.
Cinnamon is a spice that has ancient origins and is popularly used as flavorings, as a condiment and in cooking. Cinnamon is also known to provide various medicinal benefits that include lowering of blood cholesterol, for diabetes. Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamon tree.
There are two popular kinds of Cinnamon, one is the “true Cinnamon” from the Cinnamon tree which is native in Sri Lanka (from the genus Cinnamomum verum) and the other is “Cassia” (Cinnamomum Cassia) which is being commercially cultivated in China, Indonesia, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. It is widely accepted that Cinnamon from Sri Lanka is of better quality between the two.
Cinnamon Traditional Medicinal Uses and Health benefits
Oral conditions. Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath.
Health tonic. Cinnamon has been used to promote overall health and feeling of well being
Some of the folkloric applications of Cinnamon are as follows;
Memory Booster. Cinnamon can improve cognitive function as well as memory.
Blood Purification. Cinnamon helps in removing impurities from the blood, and is often recommended for pimples.
Promotes Healing. Cinnamon helps to stop bleeding, and facilitates the healing process.
Digestive Tonic. Cinnamon aids in digestion and is effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. Cinnamon also relieves acidity and morning sickness.
Respiratory problems. Cinnamon helps in cold, flu, influenza, sore throat.
Menstruation. Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual cramp and discomfort..
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Cinnamon is used in the treatment of flatulence, piles, amenorrhea, diarrhea, toothache, amoebiasis, heart diseases, fever, cough, cold, headache and many others.
Anti-Oxidant. Cinnamon is widely believed to be high in anti-oxidants. Regular drinking of Cinnamon tea could be beneficial to oxidative stress related illness in humans,
Diuretic Effects. Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine.
Aphrodisiac and is believed to arouse sexual desire. It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.
Tobacco Aid , Cinnamon is also being recommended to help curb the urge for tobacco The National Institute of Health recommends chewing cinnamon sticks when trying to quit the use of tobacco
Diabetes Type 2, Cinnamon could have some pharmacological effects in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance. Recent studies in phytochemistry of Chinese Cinnamon have indicated that cinnamtannin B1 isolated from C. Verum bears possible therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes.
Infections. Cinnamon has anti fungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections. It helps in destroying germs in the gall bladder and bacteria in staph infections.
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.
Colon Cancer , Pharmacological experiments suggest that the cinnamon derived dietary factor cinnamic aldehyde (cinnamaldehyde) activates the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response in human epithelial colon cells and may therefore represent an experimental chemopreventive dietary factor targeting colorectal carcinogenesis.
Melanoma , The cinnamon derived dietary factor cinnamic aldehyde also exhibits anti-melanoma activity observed in cell culture and a mouse model of human melanoma
Food Preservation , The essential oil of cinnamon also has antimicrobial properties, which can aid in the preservation of certain foods when added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
Generally safe. Cinnamon is considered safe for most adults if taken in food amounts or as herbal medicine in recommended dosage.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Toxicity, Cinnamon especially from the variant Cassia has been found to contain a toxic compound known as Coumarin. High concentration of Coumarin has been found to cause damage to kidney and liver. Cinnamon powders that are bought in supermarkets are from C. Cassia thus moderate use is recommended.
Pregnancy: Large quantities of cinnamon should also be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of adverse effects on the uterus.
Breast feeding: While cinnamon has been traditionally used to promote milk production in nursing mothers, there are no sufficient studies that determine it side effects to very young babies. Herbal medication or consuming large amount during nursing discouraged.
Blood Anti Clotting Effect. Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, thus caution should be exercised when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning medications such as aspirin.
Interactions. Anyone that is currently taking medication for controlling blood sugar levels or blood thinners should consult their doctor before using cinnamon as a regular supplement.
Just like in any other herbal medicines, moderation of use is recommended. Prolonged use is discouraged.
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