Spices were among the most profitable trading goods . . . and it was amongst other precious spices, for the sake of cinnamon that Columbus sailed west in 1492 in an attempt to find an easier way to the 'Promised Land' and Spice Islands in the East. Instead he 'found' the Americas, and was at first mightily disappointed at the lack of spices there. 

                                                                                     --Kat Morgenstern, sacredearth.com 

 

Common Name:           cinnamon, cinnamon bark, Chinese cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon

Botanical Name:           Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum ceylonica

Parts Used:                    dried inner bark of the shoots 

 

Prized since ancient times, cinnamon has a wonderful flavor and helps regulate blood sugar. It actually slows the emptying of your stomach, reducing sharp rises in blood sugar following meals, thereby improving the effectiveness of the insulin your body naturally produces. This can be a great help to diabetics. Cinnamon is anti-rheumatic and anti-catarrhal as well. 

 

This powerful aromatic and carminative herb aids digestion and eliminates natural toxins in the intestinal tract, making it very useful in relieving digestive upsets. 

 

All in all, cinnamon is a very healthy and gentle stimulant, enlivening the body and reducing congestion, and can be used liberally to flavor foods and teas. Ayurvedic medicine particularly values cinnamon for relieving congestion of the head and chest, and supporting healthy circulation in the extremities, joints, kidneys and lungs. 

 

Cinnamon is also known to nourish the reproductive system and support healthy menstruation (emmenagogue). 

 

A note from Dorsey about cinnamon: There is a lot of talk lately on types of cinnamon and their relative value. After researching this topic at some length, and after conversing with renowned herbalists and herbal formulators, I have concluded that the differences between the health benefits of each type are negligible. There is also some report of health concerns about certain compounds in cinnamon. One would have to eat two pounds of cinnamon per day for some time for these concerns to be at all warranted. Be cautious when making assumptions based on information found on the internet. 

 

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

 

To eliminate nausea, vomiting, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, and even dysentery simmer milk with a little honey and a liberal amount of cinnamon. 

 

Contraindications, if any: If you are pregnant, it's recommended that you use caution in ingesting cinnamon (cassia). For more information, see Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy.