Cinnamon–Benefits, Uses, and Recipes

Cinnamon (Cinnamomun)

Cinnamon is not only a culinary wonder, it is an excellent natural medicine as well. To be honest some of my favorite herbal medicines are plants often found in the modern-day kitchen. This spicy and sweet herb is derived from a variety of trees of the genus Cinnamomum and the family Lauraceae. Cinnamon has a rich and noble history in many cultures across the globe and was noted to be used in ancient Egypt for embalming, a rare gift for deities in ancient Greek, and even highly-priced upon the old spice trades of Asia, the Mediterranean, and African. It is still held in high regard across the globe for its culinary, pharmacological, and herbal uses.

There area few different types of cinnamon that bless this planet, Ceylon and Cassia are the most common. The Ceylon cinnamon also known as True Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum) originates from trees found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India. Cassia cinnamon also known as Chinese Cinnamon – (Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum aromaticum) is a different variety of tree found within China.

Cassia is the most common type of cinnamon used for production and culinary uses. The inner bark is dried and often ground for cooking needs. This herb is also widely used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)where not only the inner bark is used but the small branches as well. It is a component of many herbal formulas. Often used for its cardiovascular impacts in allopathic medicine, it has a wider range of uses in TCM and often works as a digestive tonic as well. The branch and the bark is used within Chinese Medicine, while the latter is used only for cooking. They both share many common qualities but they do offer different in therapeutics. When the twig is used in herbal preparations it is known as Gui Zhi, when the inner bark is used is known as Rou Gui, this inner bark looks like thick rolls of paper known as quills.

This spice is most noted for is acrid and unique flavor. It is high in calcium and iron as well as other vitamins and minerals. It is powerful in its warming characteristics, as well as anti-inflammatory and able to boost serotonin levels. Its health benefits vary greatly but it may be best known for helping lower blood glucose and has been widely used to help treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Research has also been done on its impact of balancing cholesterol levels. Used in both kitchen and apothecary cinnamon is a powerful herbal ally, that will not only warm your heart but your body as well.

Common Benefits of Cinnamon

• Mood and Memory

Can positivity benefit mood, attention, and brain function. Research suggests that compounds in cinnamon have the potential to enhance cognitive function, positively impacting mood and memory retention, making it a flavorful addition with potential cognitive benefits. Cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which have been studied for their potential cognitive benefits. These compounds are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Warming

Cinnamon is renowned for its warming properties, which can significantly enhance circulatory and cardiovascular functions. Its ability to promote warmth in the body is attributed to compounds like cinnamaldehyde, which may improve blood circulation. By inducing a warming effect, cinnamon potentially supports cardiovascular health, contributing to better overall circulatory function.

• Regulates Blood sugar

Cinnamon is recognized for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, making it a valuable addition for those looking to manage diabetes or prevent spikes in blood glucose. Its active compounds, including cinnamaldehyde, may enhance insulin sensitivity, facilitating better glucose utilization. Additionally, cinnamon has been associated with curbing sugar cravings, potentially aiding in weight management, and may contribute to maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

• Anti-inflammatory

Cinnamon exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties attributed to compounds like cinnamaldehyde and antioxidants. These properties may contribute to reducing inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating joint pain and discomfort. Incorporating cinnamon into the diet may offer a natural approach to managing inflammatory conditions. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it a flavorful and versatile spice that enhances culinary experiences and supports overall well-being.

• Pharmacological Actions

Cinnamon also offers a wide host of pharmacological actions, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Studies have suggested that cinnamon may possess antimicrobial properties, potentially helping to combat infections and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Its rich antioxidant content contributes to cellular protection against oxidative stress, promoting overall health. Beyond its delightful taste in various dishes, the diverse pharmacological actions of cinnamon make it a valuable and holistic addition to both culinary practices and wellness routines.

• Analgesic

• Antibacterial, anti-viral

• Anticoagulant, antiplatelet

• Anti pyretic

• Anti-seizure, anti-epileptic

• vasodilator (peripheral), circulatory stimulant

• Diuretic agent, diaphoretic

• Expectorant

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TCM Varieties and Benefits

Sometimes herbs are used differently in Western and Chinese medicine due to distinct approaches in understanding health and treating illnesses. Western medicine often extracts and formulates specific compounds from herbs with targeted effects. In contrast, TCM emphasizes a more holistic approach, utilizing whole herbs or herbal combinations to restore balance and harmonize the body's vital energy. While Western medicine tends to focus on symptom relief, TCM aims to address the underlying imbalances in the body to promote overall well-being.

Various parts of the same plant can be employed for different purposes based on their energetic nature and composition. For example, the root may be used to address issues related to the body's foundation and grounding, while the leaves or flowers might be utilized for their more outward and uplifting properties, showcasing TCM's nuanced approach to harnessing different aspects of a plant for diverse therapeutic effects. The same goes here for Gui Zhi, and Rou Gui.

Both Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) are derived from the cinnamon plant and exemplify how different parts of the same plant can be used for distinct purposes. Rou Gui, sourced from the bark, is often utilized for its warming properties and is associated with addressing conditions related to the Kidney and Yang energy. On the other hand, Gui Zhi, made from twigs, tends to have a more outward and ascending nature, making it suitable for conditions involving the exterior of the body, such as promoting sweating to expel external pathogens. This illustrates TCM's holistic approach to utilizing different parts of a plant for varied therapeutic applications based on their energetic qualities.

Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig)

Actions- Toniyfies heart yang, releases exterior, harmonizes Ying and Wei, warms and frees the yang, disperses cold, warms and frees the channels

Nature/ Energetics- Warming and drying

Taste- Sweet and spicy

Organ systems/ Meridians- Heart, Lung, Bladder

Uses- Great for early intervention of colds, painful menstruation, body aches and acute pain. Helps to aid weak digestion by warming the digestive system and boosting digestive function and circulation.

Rou Gui (Cinnamon Inner Bark)

Actions- Fortifies Kidney and Spleen yang, warms the heart and tonifies yang, Disperses cold, and warms the channels. Alleviates pain, encourages the generation of qi and blood, Warm interior expels cold

Nature/ Energetics-Hot

Flavor- Sweet Spicy

Organ System/ Meridians- Heart, Kidney, Liver, Spleen

Uses- Good for more chronic conditions that are worsened by cold, or chronic digestive conditions such as undigested food in stools, diarrhea, reduced appetite or urinary frequency. Chronic joint pain, cold extremities, circulatory disorders such as Raynauds, and chronic joint pain

Safety- This herb is to be used with caution in pregnancy or with people with warm/ hot constitutions or imbalances. Large doses are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution with excessive menses

Cinnamon Tea Recipe

Warming Digestive Tea

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed lightly

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 Tulsi tea bag or 1 tsp. loose tulsi tea

• 1 thin slice of fresh ginger

• Honey to taste

• Optional- a small squeeze of fresh orange

Procedure

• Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan along with the fennel seeds, cinnamon, and ginger and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

• Add the teabag or loose tea and simmer for another 1-2 minutes then turn off the heat and let it steep for 1-2 minutes.

• Remove the contents and pour into a cup through a strainer/sieve.

• Add honey to taste.

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