Uses and Benefits of Cinnamon

The first thing that comes to our minds when we smell cinnamon, are the aromas associated with Autumn or Fall. Cinnamon has a very unique scent spectrum, which go from spicy, sweet, aromatic, aldehydic, honey, cinnamyl, woody, resinous, or musty; but this wonder plant has much more to offer than a pleasant smell. It has been used since ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece; it is mentioned in the Bible, and it was among the first of internationally traded commodities during the Middle Ages, and regarded as a gift fit for monarchs.

Cinnamon disambiguatuon is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum, and made into a spice. It is used mostly as a condiment in many world-wide cuisines, because of its aromatic and strong flavor. Besides the widely-known use in the kitchen, cinnamon also mas many other uses, properties, and health benefits. No wonder why it has been called “the spice of life!”

Cinnamon uses in the kitchen:

• The principal use of cinnamon is as a spice, widely used in Mexican, American, Turkish, Portuguese, and Persian cuisines.
• To flavor drinks such soft drinks, coffee, tea, and especially Fall and Christmas drinks such as eggnog, or alcoholic drinks like whisky, beer and cider.
• In sweets, desserts, and bakery, such as cereals, candy, rolls, pies, or cookies.
• To enhance flavor on fruits and vegetables, and a variety of dishes.
• Meat flavoring.

Cinnamon uses in the household:

• Odor eliminator.
• Seasonal scent, in Christmas and Fall ornaments and decorations.
• Relaxing massage oil.
• Cleaner.
• All-natural bronzer.
• Natural ant eliminator.
• Closet deodorizer.
• Insect repellent.
• Air freshener.
• Diffuse a light bulb.
• Deter moths.
• Candles.
• Incense.
• Stove-top potpourri.
• Erases scuffs and scratches.
• Car air freshener.
• Deodorizes carpets.

Cinnamon uses in beauty:

• Acne and blemishes.
• Blackheads.
• Breath freshener.
• Stimulates hair growth.
• Hair color lighter.
• Lip plumper.
• Earwax remover.
• Mosquito Larvae Killer.
• Nourishes dry skin.
• Fragrance in cosmetics and perfumes.

Cinnamon uses in health care:

• Stomach soother and nausea reliever.
• Reduces arthritis pain.
• Bladder infections.
• Blood circulation.
• Cures Cold and Flu.
• Indigestion.
• Insect Bites.
• Menstrual pains.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Yeast Infection.
• Lowers diabetes levels.
• Tincture.
• Toot decay.
• Allergies.
• Treats athlete’s foot.
• Curbs cravings.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Aids in weight loss.
• Diuretic.

Health Benefits of cinnamon:

Cinnamaldehyde is one of the main components in cinnamon, which is used to add flavors and fragrances, and gives cinnamon many of its possible health benefits. Recent research showed that cinnamon may benefit people with diabetes, since it might lower blood sugar, but also showed that it didn’t affect hemoglobin A1C, which is an long term indicator of blood sugar levels. Those studies also showed that cinnamon may lower cholesterol in people with diabetes, and may help with obesity and weight loss; but many of these studies have been done only in cells or animals.

Traditionally cinnamon has been used to soothe the effects of irritable bowel syndrome, and other stomach or intestinal problems, but it isn’t clear how it cures those symptoms. According to tradition and home remedies, people have been using cinnamon to relieve symptoms of certain illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, hearth disease, infections, allergies, and pains.

Cinnamon haves antioxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, but there aren’t enough studies to prove its effectiveness, and consumption of cinnamon in high doses could be toxic. The principal form of use is as an essential oil.

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