I feel pretty confident saying that cinnamon is probably the most popular spice. At least in this country. Come fall, I love adding cinnamon to anything and everything. The aroma invokes that cozy feeling like nothing else. But the beauty of cinnamon doesn’t stop there. Cinnamon offers a number of amazing health benefits to support health and vitality, especially during the colder months.
The information in this post is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is always best to work with a qualified healthcare professional before incorporating herbs into your diet.
Health Benefits & Ways To Use Cinnamon
Cinnamon Monograph
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum verum
Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, carminative, circulatory stimulant, anodyne, hypoglycemic
Energetics: Warming, dying
Taste: Aromatic, sweet, pungent
- My tasting notes: Cinnamon has that familiar subtle spice and sweet taste to it. I love adding it to blends to help improve the overall flavor.
Parts Used: Bark
Habitat/Growing/Harvesting
Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. It is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies. and hardy in growing zones 9-11. Unfortunately, that means most of us aren’t likely to be able to grow a cinnamon tree ourselves.
Health Benefits & Common Uses of Cinnamon
Cinnamon’s warming and stimulating qualities are at the root of most of its health benefits. It can help stimulate circulation, which is useful for those with chronically cold hands and feet.
It can also help warm you up when you feel cold and shivery from a fever, cold, or flu.
It’s also useful for helping to warm and gently stimulate cold, stagnant digestion that results in gas, bloating, indigestion, and cramping. However, it can also help tone the lower intestines and relieve loose stool.
Cinnamon has an affinity for the mouth and can be used to help relieve toothaches.
Numerous clinical studies have shown the benefit of cinnamon for people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. It can help lower fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Cinnamon is strongly antioxidant and can help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. It has been shown to help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and to ease menstrual cramping.
Cinnamon Folklore & Magical Uses
Cinnamon is a powerfully energizing plant that has been used in love spells for centuries. It has historically been burned as incense to raise high spiritual vibrations, aid in healing, draw money, stimulate psychic powers, and create protective vibrations.
It’s also commonly used in success, money, and abundance spells. It can be added to any spell to amplify the vibrations of other ingredients. It can also be used to help develop psychic gifts and deepen intuition.
The essential properties of cinnamon include success, love, abundance, and spiritual development.
Cinnamon Cautions/Contraindications
Cinnamon is quite safe when used in culinary preparations. When using therapeutic doses of cinnamon, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Taking more than 2 grams daily can cause some gastrointestinal distress. And it’s best to avoid therapeutic doses of cinnamon during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s also contraindicated in cases of ulcers or a compromised liver.
Because of cinnamon’s effect on blood glucose, those with type 2 diabetes should monitor their insulin levels closely while taking cinnamon. It is also a blood thinner and contraindicated in therapeutic doses for those on blood thinning medication.
Easy Ways To Experience The Health Benefits Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon Honey
Cinnamon honey is an incredibly simple and delicious herbal preparation that makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of cinnamon. It’s perfect stirred into tea or spread on toast when you could use a little warming up. It’s also delicious drizzled on yogurt, ice cream, or just about any baked good you can think of.
I like to use ground cinnamon because then I don’t have to worry about straining anything out. I combine one tablespoon of ground cinnamon per cup of honey. Give it a good stir and then let it infuse for a couple weeks before using. Stored in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) it should last at least and year but likely much longer.
Cinnamon Tea
Another simple way to experience the warming effects of cinnamon for yourself is by making a simple cinnamon tea.
Roughly crush or break up a cinnamon stick and place it in a tea infuser. Cover with 8-12 ounces of freshly boiled water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey if desired, and enjoy.
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References
- The Herbarium. Ceylon Cinnamon Monograph. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/5094
- Herb Menter. Cinnamon Monograph. https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/cinnamon/
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier
- Plant Witchery by Juliet Diaz
- Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
- The Modern Herbal Dispensatory by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne
- Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret