Cinnamon as Spice and Alternative Medicine

By: alexis

Cinnamon is used not only as a spice for food flavoring. It is also used as an ingredient in making perfume, soap, and lotion. But now many know that cinnamon is also used as an ingredient in the preparation of digestive aid, liniments, and oral care products. The use of cinnamon dates back to 2800 B.C, when the Chinese first used it as a food supplement and as folk medicine. It is still known today as “kwai” in the Chinese language.

The pleasant fragrance of the cinnamon made the Ancient Egyptians use it as one of the ingredients for the embalming process. During the Medieval Ages, physicians used this spice to treat coughs, hoarseness, sore throats, and other infections. Cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain, muscle pain, and other discomforts due to arthritis.

Many studies also indicate that the consumption of cinnamon helps maintain blood sugar levels among diabetics. Cinnamon can also benefit one's health by improving the body's circulation and digestive system. In fact, it has been used as a folk remedy for diarrhea and other stomach discomforts. The herb has also been given to women to relieve menstrual cycle pains.

In aromatherapy, cinnamon oil is used for its ability to stimulate and warm the senses. Aromatherapists claim that cinnamon oil helps restore vigor and prevent stress and anxiety. Cinnamon oil is also important in strengthening the immune system. Many use it as an alternative treatment for early stages of cold and fever; as a stimulant; and as an aphrodisiac. Medical research indicates that the scent of cinnamon may help reduce drowsiness, irritability, pain, and frequency of migraines. In some studies, the essential oil provides relief to tight muscles, ease painful joints, and relieve menstrual cramps in women. Cinnamon also increases the action of enzymes that break down the food in the body and help metabolism.

Here are the other health benefits of Cinnamon:

· Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included as part of a daily diet can lower LDL cholesterol.

· Many studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with diabetes.
· Cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.
· A study released by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
· It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
· When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
· One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
· Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
Indeed, cinnamon has many health benefits and other good uses. The best options are taking cinnamon supplements or eating half a teaspoon of cinnamon than what individuals normally eat. Lastly, the advice of medical specialists should be sought before trying cinnamon supplements and other forms of alternative medicine to prevent unwanted side effects or allergies.

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