Latin Name: Cinnamomum verum
Taste: Sweet, Hot, Acrid
Characteristics: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Carminative, Regulates blood sugar, Prebiotic, Boosts Immunity
You might already have cinnamon in your spice cabinet, but did you know that this spice is also a digestive and immune powerhouse? Cinnamon has a long and fascinating history, with many health benefits and uses. Native to southern Asia, cinnamon has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and religious practices. It was once so rare and valuable that it was more expensive than gold and was highly coveted by ancient Egyptians for embalming. Cinnamon is known for its warm and sweet flavor, and it has several health benefits that make it a popular spice in modern times. One of the most significant benefits of cinnamon is its ability to support healthy carbohydrate metabolism and stimulate digestion. Cinnamon is also a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. In traditional herbalism, both the bark and twigs of cinnamon are used.
In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is considered “pure yang,” which means it is hot and drying with no moistening properties. It is known for its warming, moving, stimulating, opening, and strengthening properties, and it can enhance the Qi and blood-tonifying activity of other herbs. As such, it is a valuable herb in PMS treatment. It directly affects the stomach, kidneys, and spleen, according to TCM. Cinnamon provides several health benefits, including aiding in carbohydrate breakdown, glucose metabolism, and maintaining pancreatic function while also reducing the glycemic response to carbohydrates. Cinnamon tea is helpful for digestion as it contains mucilage to soothe the GI tract and tannins that support blood flow to digestive organs.
Cinnamon is a versatile and beneficial spice that has been used for thousands of years. Whether used in cooking, as a supplement, or as a tea, cinnamon can help support overall health and well-being.
