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Cinnamon, to some considered the number one spice, is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree. There are several different speices of cinnamomum trees, two of the most popular ones being Cinnamomun cassia and Cinnamomum verum.
Cinnamomum cassia, aka; Chinese cassia or Chinese cinnamon, originates in southern China and is cultivated in southern and eastern Asia - India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Cinnamomum cassia is more widely available and is commonly used as a spice. In the United States, the cinnamon you purchase from the store is more than likely the Cinnamomum Cassia.
Cinnamomum verum, aka; Ceylon cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum or true cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka.
Both varieties offer medicinal properties, however, Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of a compound called, coumarin. Taken regularly and in high doses, coumarin has been known to damage the liver. If you are wanting to use this herb medicinally, please check with your doctor first.
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Medicinal Properties:
antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-microbial, carminative, anti-fungal
Health Benefits:
heart health, stabilizes blood sugar, toothaches, oral hygiene, colds, flu, respiratory, pain reliever
As an anti-inflammatory, cinnamon works by reducing chronic inflammation in the body. If left unchecked chronic inflammation can lead to diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancers, stroke, autoimmune disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia.
With heart health, studies have shown that cinnamon reduces high cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and high blood pressure. Reference
" Cinnamon is well-known for its anti-diabetic effects, which is why it’s considered one of the best foods for diabetics. It can lower blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which helps transport sugar from the bloodstream to the tissues to keep blood sugar levels balanced." Dr. Axe.
Antibacterial properties have been shown to aide against the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, found in those who have gingivitis. Also aides against bacteria that cause bad breath and mouth infections. Reference
"In a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, cinnamon essential oil was found to be highly effective in slowing the growth of a number of bacteria and fungi. The study showed that cinnamon oil inhibits the growth of E. coli, candida and staph aureus — all microorganisms that can cause a number of diseases, including the common cold. Dr. Axe.
As a pain reliever, cinnamon aides in relief from toothaches. I find it works by mixing a small amount of cinnamon powder, or a few drops of the essential oil, in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed or olive oil, then rub that around the sore tooth.
Aides with the pain associated with digestive issues; gas and indigestion. Also cramping associated with the menstrual cycle.
"Cinnamon has a long history of use for menstrual cramps in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From the TCM perspective, menstrual cramps are caused by cold and stagnation, and cinnamon is both a warming and moving herb. Western herbalists have traditionally used this herb to alleviate cramps and slow heavy menstrual bleeding." Reference
That coumarin compound in cinnamon also acts as a blood-thinning agent. If you are taking blood thinning medicine be sure to talk to your doctor before using.
