Cinnamon, those rolls of woody
bark, is a well known tropical spice,
which is believed to have originated in Indonesia and then flourished
in the Indian Subcontinent, particularly
in the tropical forests of India &
Sri Lanka. This is also an excellent organic herb (see also organic
food) known for its widespread medicinal benefits.
About Cinnamon
The scientific name of Cinnamon
that is mostly used for extraction of cinnamon
is Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. It belongs to the Lauraceae family. However,
different types of cinnamon have different scientific names, given as follows;
Sri Lankan Cinnamon or Ceylon Cinnamon or
True Cinnamon – Cinnamomum Verum
Burmese or Indonesian Cinnamon – Cinnamomum
Burmanni
Vietnamese Cinnamon – Cinnamomum Loureiroi
Chinese Cinnamon or Cassia – Cinnamomum
Aromaticum
Chemical Composition: The chief
constituents of Cinnamon are Anethole,
Benzyl Benzoate, Beta Caryophyllene, Cinnamaldehyde or Cinnamic Aldehyde (50% –
60%), Cinnamtannin, Ethyl Cinnamate, Eugenol, Eugenol Acetate, Linalool &
Methyl Chavicol etc.
Medicinal Properties & Health
Benefits: The medicinal or health benefits of Cinnamon mainly come from its constituents. Let us
have a look;
Emmenagogue:
Cinnamon has been in use as an
emmenagogue since ages. It is found very useful in treating menstrual disorders
like menstrual cramps, heavy or irregular menstruation.
Analgesic: It is
found to have mild analgesic effects, that is, pain reducing effects. It is
sometimes used in treating toothache, headache etc.
Cognitive: Its cognitive properties were
identified thousands of years ago. It improves cognitive functions, boosts
memory and sharpens brain.
Anti
Fungal, Anti Viral, Anti microbial & Disinfectant: This is used in treatment of a wide range of
bacterial, fungal, viral & other infections, including cold, flu,
diarrhoea, amoebiasis & mild food poisoning. Its anti bacterial, anti viral
& anti fungal properties have resulted in its use in food preservation. Due
to its disinfectant properties, it is used in room fresheners. These properties
make it a good insecticide, antiseptic & antibiotic too.
Anti Rheumatic: It has been
in use in treating rheumatism & arthritis since ancient times and such
examples are cited in Ayurveda.
Anti
Addictive: Recent researches show that cinnamon & cinnamon oil can
reduce tobacco cravings and thus it is now recommended for those who want to
quit tobacco consumption.
Anti Diabetic: The
Cinnamtannin present in Cinnamon is
found effective in treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and body’s resistance
to insulin.
Carminative, Digestive & Stomachic:
The carminative properties of this oil help treating flatulence while stomachic
properties keeps your stomach healthy and digestion in order.
Anti
Oxidant & Anti Carcinogenic: It fights free radicals and thus helps
protect you from macular degeneration, untimely ageing, oxidative stress and
fatigue and certain types of cancers like colon & rectal cancers(see also
prevent cancer) that are caused due to deposits of free radicals building up in
our body.
Cardiac:
It is supposed to be warm and good for cardiac health.
Stimulant: It stimulates nervous system
and blood circulation, thereby making us more active and alert.
Tonic: It has an overall health
improving effect.
Vermifuge:
This means Cinnamon kills worms, particularly intestinal worms.
Astringent:
Astringency causes contraction in muscles and tissues. Therefore, it helps in
strengthening gums & teeth and also tones muscles.
Anti Congestive: The
Cinnamon clears congestion of chest (lungs), respiratory tract (trachea &
bronchi) and eases breathing.
Depurative:
It purifies blood & helps remove toxins.
Other Uses:
Apart from its wide culinary uses, it is used as a flavouring agent in incense
sticks, sprays, deodorants etc. In some cultures, it is also used in worship.
Caution:
Cinnamon should be used carefully due to following facts;
A large number of people are allergic
towards cinnamon.
It can cause irritation in mucus membrane.
Due to its emmenagogue properties, it
should not be given in pregnancy.
High dosages can result in nausea,
convulsions etc.
Those with sensitive skin should avoid
contact with cinnamon .
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