What are the benefits of cinnamon?

Ask Arlene©

By Arlene Wright-Correll

A reader asks, “What are the benefits of cinnamon?”

There are two commercial types of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is native to South Asia. It is expensive and rare compared to the second kind, which is called cassia tree cinnamon and it is the kind that Home Farm Herbery buys when it needs to add cinnamon to some of it blends.. This variety is the one you'll most likely find on grocery store shelves in the U.S. Cassia Tree Cinnamon, although it is cheaper, cassia tree cinnamon has a stronger odor and flavor than Ceylon cinnamon.

Antibacterial Power of Cinnamon: The simple touch of cinnamon infuses warmth and energy throughout your body. As part of tea blends, cinnamon improves the taste of less tasty herbs and adds powerful antibacterial power to cold and flu remedies. Cinnamon essential oil is a reliable remedy for athlete’s foot but should only be applied to the skin when diluted with carrier oil.

Used in cooking, cinnamon aids digestion and is recommended by German Commission E for treating loss of appetite and stomach upset. Cinnamon prevents bloating and flatulence and treats heartburn and nausea. For a more intense, spicy cinnamon choose Cinnamomum cassia. Ceylon cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, has a sweeter, more delicate flavor. The oils of both contain cinnamic aldehyde as the major component, with cassia having the larger amount.

In another study Ceylon Cinnamon was found to have an effect on blood sugar control in a rat model. If you are taking Ceylon Cinnamon for diabetes, take it in moderation as part of a healthy program of diet, proper nutrition and moderate exercise.

By far and away the best remedy for a horrible stomach bug is Cinnamon. It makes sense because Cinnamon is a powerful anti-bacterial. Research has shown Cinnamon is one of the most effective substances against Escherichia Coli, Salmonella & Campylobacter. Another study found Cinnamaldehyde from Cinnamon Bark Oil in its various forms is effective against adenovirus. Another reason to have our Cinnamon tea which is infused with Cinnamon Bark Oil that has high levels of Cinnamaldehyde (between 40-50.

As a digestive cinnamon dramatically reduces the uncomfortable feelings associated with IBS especially the bloating. It does this by killing bacteria and healing infections in the GI tract and enabling the gastric juices to work normally. A Japanese study apparently showed it to cure ulcers but this cannot be verified. But if you do have stomach cramps or upsets, a cup of Cinnamon tea 2-3 times per day will dramatically reduce the pain.

Further research shows that Cinnamon oil is a promising solution in the treatment of tumors, gastric cancers and melanomas. Research studies show that sugar maybe causing or sustaining cancer cells and cinnamon may have a mitigating effect by controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Another study found good results with leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. Cinnamon in its various forms has two chemical constituents called Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol (From Cinnamon Oil). These have been used to develop nutraceuticals in this study that have proven fairly effective in fighting Human Colon Cancer Cells (Eugenol) and Human hepatoma cells (Cinnamaldehyde). So the evidence seems to suggest that Cinnamon is starving cancer cells of the sugar needed to sustain them. This University of Arizona study found that the cinnamaladehye component of cinnamon was a potent collectoral cancer fighter.

May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!

Home Farm Herbery LLC