Cinnamon spice is not only used in desserts and festive drinks, but also in Christmas decorations to fragrance the air. But cinnamon has even more to offer us than festive cheer – it has a variety of medicinal properties too.

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The biological name for cinnamon is cinnamomum cassia or laurus cinnamomum, and its alternative names include tvak and dalchini to name a few. The plant is indigenous to India and Sri Lanka but also grows in Malabar, Sumatra and the Eastern Islands and has also been cultivated in Brazil, Jamaica and Mauritius.

Undemanding and self-sufficient cinnamon grows best in pure sand, but does require rain and heat in plenty, thus doing best in the humid climates of these regions. Ironically the Dutch ran the monopoly over the trade of wild cinnamon until 1776 before which time cultivation was believed to destroy the delicate properties of the plant.

The first known use of cinnamon for medicinal purposes was in Egypt 500 B.C. It is primarily used in healing as an astringent, warming stimulant, carminative, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-viral, blood purifier, and digestive aid. Cinnamon offers deep internal warming and is subsequently administered in conditions arising from cold like cold extremities, flu and cold symptoms, cramping, and muscle stiffness.

In Ayurvedic traditions, cinnamon is used to improve digestion and circulation and ease coldness and congestion. It is also used to control blood sugar and strengthen the constitution, as well as treat arthritis, menstrual cramps, heavy menstruation, and yeast infections.

Parts used
The inner bark of young cinnamon shoots is used for medicinal purposes. The bark contains a volatile oil, which gradually reddens over time.

Commercially available cinnamon for cooking is the dried inner bark of the cinnamon shoot, hence its long cylindrical appearance.

Constituents

• Tannin
• Sugar
• Up to 10% of volatile oil
• Mucilage

Medicinal actions

• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antiseptic
• Analgesic
• Anti-rheumatic
• Aromatic
• Astringent
• Carminative
• Digestive
• Diuretic
• Stimulant

Uses

• Backaches
• Bronchitis
• Colds and flu
• Congestion
• Depression
• Diarrhoea
• Oedema
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Joint pain
• Menstrual pain
• Muscle tension
• Nausea and vomiting
• Palpitations

Dosage
Oil tincture of cinnamon: One to three drops as needed.
Cold and Flu remedy: Bring to boil two cups of water and add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves. Simmer for three minutes. Add lemon juice and honey and drink ˝ a cup every four hours.

Consult a herbalist for more specific direction related to specific conditions.

Safety
There is little safety information regarding the intake of cinnamon for medicinal purposes, however several research studies have cautioned against using the herb in circumstances of bleeding disorders. Cinnamon oil is considered one of the most powerful stimulants and it high concentration is more likely to cause side effects that the milder forms of cinnamon powder. Chewing cinnamon flavoured gum and other such products can lead to inflammation of the mouth, and even pre-cancerous growths.

Consult a physician for long-term use.

(Victoria Ives)
 

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