When we were kids, mother would at times buy us a treat of cinnamon bread topped with frosting. We also liked to sprinkle cinnamon powder and sugar on bread instead of jelly. All our homemade bread now contains a teaspoon of cinnamon. People notice and compliment its flavor.
Cinnamon goes back to the dawn of written history. It was mentioned in many history books, including the Bible, often because of its aroma. Chinese writings talk of cinnamon nearly five thousand years ago. In Ancient Egypt and Rome, cinnamon was part of the embalming process. Egypt also used cinnamon in flavoring food and as a medicine. But such spices became so hard to get by the Middle Ages that only the rich could afford them. Rank was determined by a person’s spice count.
The word ‘cinnamon’ comes from the Greek kinnamomon that, in turn, comes from the word Ceylon. Cinnamon is the bark of the cinnamon tree. When it is dried, the bark rolls into a tubular form known as a quill. Cinnamon may be purchased in this form, or as a powder. Cinnamon gets its scent and flavor from a chemical compound called cinnamaldehyde.
Actually cinnamon is produced only in Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka, and they produce over 11,000 tons a year. That would fill up 150,000,000 spice bottles the size we buy! But if you buy cinnamon powder in the US you are probably buying cassia, also called Chinese cinnamon. To get the sweeter real stuff, you will probably have to go to a spice shop.
Though it is true that cinnamon is most commonly viewed as a spice, it contains many health benefits. For example, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon daily can lower harmful cholesterol. It may also help to regulate blood sugar, a great benefit to those with Type 2 diabetes.
Twenty-one diseases or problems are listed as being weakened or cured in a patient taking honey and cinnamon, according to Weekly World News of January 17th, 1995. These include heart disease, insect bites, arthritis, bladder infections, toothache, and common colds.
Cinnamon reduces the spread of some cancer cells such as leukemia and lymphoma, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland. It also aids in dissolving blood clots. It has also quickly decreased arthritic pain. Cinnamon is a natural food preservative by its ability to inhibit bacterial growth and food spoilage.
Cinnamon can help fight E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices and boosts cognitive abilities. It is a source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium, and can remove bile, preventing colon cancer. The fiber it contains also helps reduce the problems related to constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Cinnamon contains antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It helps in fighting off yeast infections in the mouth and vagina, and reduces the risk of stomach ulcers and head lice. Its healing ability comes from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark.
A little known use of cinnamon is called ‘thieves’ oil’ because grave robbers would wash themselves in it to ward off the ‘demons’ of bubonic plague. {It is made from equal amounts of cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove with rosemary therapeutic grade essential oils You make it mixing equal amounts of rosemary therapeutic grade essential oils and eucalyptus, cinnamon bark, lemon, and clove}. The formula is equal amounts of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon bark, and rosemary therapeutic grade essential oils. Mix this in a carrier of either jojoba or olive oil.
In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been used for its warming qualities. Cinnamon provides relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger. This drink also is reported to provide relief from menstrual problems.
Overdosing on cinnamon can be toxic so use it with caution. Neither should you let cinnamon replace medications you are taking. Cinnamon should be stored in glass containers in a dark, dry, cool place. A sweet smell indicates it is still fresh.
Cinnamon strengthens the health of the whole body. But please be sure you buy cinnamon powder from a store that sells bulk herbs so as to receive all the advantages this amazing spice has to offer.