Therapeutic Uses
- Infections – like all of the other culinary spices, cinnamon is a powerful antiseptic. It kills many decay and disease-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Cinnamon also suppresses the bacteria that cause most urinary tract infections (Escherichia coli), the fungus responsible for yeast infections (Candida albicans), and salmonella bacteria, a cause of food poisoning
- Pain – Cinnamon contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic oil that may help relieve the pain of household mishaps.
- Digestive Problems – Cinnamon assists the body in digesting cakes, cookies, ice cream, and other high-fat treats. Cinnamon helps break down fats in the digestive system, possibly by boosting the activity of a particular digestive enzyme (trypsin).
- Cholesterol – One study found that consuming one gram of cinnamon per day can help lower total cholesterol by 12 to 26%, significantly reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Diabetes – Cinnamon reduces blood sugar. One study found that consuming one gram of cinnamon per day can reduce blood sugar by about 20%.
Medicinal Uses: * Aromatherapy * Athletes Foot/Ringworm * Ayurvedic * Candida/yeast * Christmas * Colds * Culinary/Kitchen * Diabetes * Digestion * Flu * Herbal Teas * IBS * Insect Repellent * Longevity Tonics * Nausea * Thanksgiving Harvest
Cinnamon (Cassia) Side Effects: Cinnamon oil is very irritating to the skin and should be handled with care. Cinnamon oil should not be used during pregnancy. People who are allergic to tolu balsam should avoid the medicinal use of cinnamon oils and the use of cinnamon oils in aromatherapy.
Cinnamon (Cassia) Drug Interactions: Cassia cinnamon contains the natural blood-thinners known as coumarins. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or sweet cinnamon, has only trace amounts. Since these chemicals in the herb are similar to the prescription drug warfarin, taking large amounts of cassia cinnamon over time might worsen bleeding in some people. If you are on blood-thinners, check with your doctor before using cassia cinnamon.
