Healing Properties of Cinnamon

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.