Healing
Properties of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a flavorful spice
used to flavor a lot of dishes, both sweet and savory. However, their
possibilities go a little further, since this seasoning has a lot of medicinal
properties, let's see then what are the healing properties of cinnamon.
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a condiment that is
obtained from the bark of different evergreen trees of the cinnamomum family,
which are grown during the rainy season, when this bark becomes softer.
The cinnamon tree can measure up
to 20 meters. of height, however the trees that are used to harvest their bark
are pruned, to increase their production. At the time of harvest the bark is
separated from the leaves and that of the branch that is not used, and the
cinnamon rolls are left to dry in the sun.
The largest production of
cinnamon in the world is concentrated in the countries of Asia, especially
India and Sri Lanka.
Its sweet and intoxicating
fragrance makes it an ideal condiment to accompany chocolate, sweet pastries,
coffee, infusions, liqueurs and meats, such as chicken and lamb.
Healing Properties of Cinnamon
The Cinnamon cassia is
an evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 meters high. It presents
branches with double bark and very aromatic. Its natural habitat is South
India or Sri Lanka, but it is currently grown in other warm
places. Cinnamon comes from inside the bark of the tree and offers
us a large amount of calcium, potassium, vitamin A, carbohydrates, fiber,
vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
The use of this aromatic plant is
very old, since the time of the Egyptians, as can be seen in the drawings of
the pyramids. It was imported from China 2000 years BC and already then it
was used to embalm mummies. Then in Greece and Rome they used it to improve
digestion.
The investigations state that
together with cardamom and pepper were the first spices that were
used in the Mediterranean area. In the nineteenth century began to
cultivate in other areas of the planet and nowadays it is common to consume
cinnamon in postrés, coffees and chocolates.
What are the Medicinal Uses of Cinnamon?
We can say that this aromatic
plant has many different uses for its properties and
benefits. Internally helps in the digestive, respiratory, circulatory
and reproductive systems:
Digestive System
Due to its carminative,
antivomitive and antiulceric properties they stimulate salivation and gastric
juices. It is used in cases of:
- Aerophagia: Avoid excess
flatulence by drinking a spoonful of cinnamon stick per liter of water.
- Complicated digestions: Consume a
quarter teaspoon of powder before meals.
- Acidity : Sprinkling it over
food.
- Lack of appetite: Drink a tea with a
spoonful of cinnamon stick per liter of water before meals.
- Vomiting: Spread a quarter teaspoon of
cinnamon powder over meals.
Respiratory System
It is due to its expectorant, antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in cases of bronchitis,
colds and cough. For this, two drops of essence should be consumed in a
glass of hot water with a spoonful of honey.
Circulatory System
It has antisclerotic and
antithrombotic properties, so it helps reduce cardiovascular risk . It
serves to treat problems in the toes and hands by the cold and is very
effective in the treatment of chilblains (drink several cups of an infusion
with a tablespoon of cinnamon stick per liter of water).
Reproductive System
It is very good for:
- Counteract menstrual pains and to regulate
the period: drink a tea prepared with a spoonful of
this aromatic plant in branch in a liter of water.
- It is a powerful aphrodisiac,
stimulating the libido and helping in cases of erectile dysfunction: Consume
tea of half a tablespoon of
cinnamon per cup of water.
External Uses of Cinnamon
The various preparations that can
be purchased or made at home are used to treat many diseases that are
related to fungi and bacteria, such as:
- Vaginal infections: Neutralizes Candida
albicans. Make a wash with a liter of water with a spoonful of
shredded cinnamon stick.
- Fungus on the feet or nails: Perform
a foot bath with an infusion of two tablespoons of cinnamon stick
dissolved in a few liters of warm water.
- Respiratory infections: Gargle
with an infusion of cinnamon to treat angina, laryngitis and pharyngitis.
- Ulcers in the mouth
Make mouthwash with a tea of half
a teaspoon of cinnamon per cup of water.
- Bad breath: Make
mouthwash with a mixture of several tablespoons of this aromatic per liter
of water.
Other Properties of Cinnamon
The tradition in Chinese Medicine
reports that in addition to the medicinal uses mentioned above, cinnamon offers
its properties to treat:
- Rheumatism.
- Arthritis.
- Arthrosis
- Pains caused by the cold.
- Renal problems.
- Blood circulation.
- Inflammatory diseases
- Diarrhea.
- Gases
- Diabetes.
- Indigestion.
Contraindications of Cinnamon
This aromatic plant stimulates
blood circulation a lot, which is why it is contraindicated in those with
coagulation problems. Its use in pregnant women should also be avoided or
restricted. If you have any doubt you should consult a doctor or
pharmacist, even if it is a natural herb, it can have undesirable effects on
the body.