Coming from the inner bark of the stem of the cinnamon tree, cinnamon comes in either quills or powder. But it is not just useful for flavouring food, it is also valued as a medicinal plant in many systems of herbal medicine.
At its simplest level it can figure as an addition to some herbal remedies to make them taste better (no bad thing, as some herbs can be hard to take) but it does have some marked medicinal benefits in its own right. I have used it for a number of patients with various conditions, and although it is not a first line remedy, it is a useful adjunct when used with other herbs. The alcoholic tincture is a beautiful deep colour and has a rich concentrated spiciness when the bottle is opened, which makes it a joy to use.
Given that we are now in the season for head colds, most easily,it can be used as a home remedy as a flavourful addition to other herbs that are used as teas to help ease those snuffles and sneezes (see my previous blog) and it is a very useful addition indeed, as it is warming, anti-microbial (anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial) and mildly analgesic - use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the powdered spice in each cup of boiling water. Cinnamon oil can also be used as a steam inhalant added and in topical applications for chest rubs where there is a chesty cough (5 drops in 2 teaspoons of almond or olive oil). Think how marvellously you will smell of cinnamon afterwards...!
As with many culinary spices it is its volatile oils, which are the chemicals that give it its exotic aroma and flavour, that are particularly helpful for the digestion, especially when added to rich foods. Moreover, it is thought that can make up for a deficiency in stomach acid - essential for the proper functioning of the gastric enzymes of the stomach to start the digestion of the protein in your food.This may be especially helpful for people whose stomach acid is low - commonplace in people over fifty and where digestion is generally poor resulting in flatulence and colic. It may also help to stimulate appetite when you are feeling low and off your food and quell feelings of nausea.
It anti-microbial properties play their part in protecting us from bacteria in food, such as E. coli and it it thought that it may inhibit the ulcer-forming bacteria H. pylori in association with other herbs, but this is not one for a home remedy as you need to use this cautiously if you suffer from gastric reflux.
As a herbalist, I find it particularly helpful in patients where insulin resistance may be a problem the most effective form of cinnamon in these circumstances, however, is Chinese cinnamon Cinnamonum cassia rather than the more common 'culinary' cinnamon Cinnamonum verum. It might also help where there is type 2 diabetes to moderately lower elevated levels of blood sugar as it is thought to increase the utilisation of your own insulin. Also usefully for those with type 2 diabetes, it may also have a role in helping with high cholesterol levels. Again it is not recommended that it is used in this way as a home remedy, especially if you are taking anti-diabetic drugs - this is one use of cinnamon that is best left to your medical herbalist or other health professional.
Caution with cinnamon if you are pregnant.
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Sources:
Bartram, T. (1995) Encyclopedia of herbal medicine, Grace publishers
Kuhn, M. and Winston, D. (2008) Herbal therapy and supplements: a scientific and technical approach, Lippincot.
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH, Medical Herbalist, Stockport, Cheshire.