The sweet-scented cinnamon has been a highly valued spice for its medicinal properties since ancient times, when it was a valued part of the medicine cabinet. Nowadays, however, cinnamon is a much-loved spice, thanks to its pleasant aroma, and has found a place on the palate of both cooks and sweet tooth alike.
However, cinnamon’s pleasant taste and appealing aroma are not the only things that this powerful spice has to offer. With its extremely high levels of antioxidants and minerals, cinnamon is a match for many fruits and vegetables! What are the medicinal properties of cinnamon and when and how to use it? Let’s take a closer look at aromatic cinnamon!
Let’s find out – what is cinnamon?
Cinnamon (cinnamomum) is a spice obtained from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon bark is harvested mainly during the rainy season, when the bark can be easily removed from the tree. After harvesting, the cinnamon bark is tied into bundles and left to ferment under special mats for a few days. The inner and outer layers of the bark are then separated and allowed to dry in the sun until the bark is slightly curled. The dried cinnamon rolls are then pushed into each other to form a cinnamon stick. The dried cinnamon sticks are usually yellowish-brown in colour and have a pleasant sweet smell and, depending on the variety, a slightly bitter taste. Both cinnamon sticks and powder ground from the sticks are used to flavour foods. Cinnamon is grown mainly in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the West Indies, Brazil and Egypt.
Cinnamon as a highly valued aromatic herb and a wonderful healer.
Cinnamon is an excellent source of vitamins A and B complex, as well as being rich in beneficial minerals such as chromium, iron, calcium and zinc. Cinnamon is helpful in case of diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and other digestive ailments. It is also known to help prevent and shorten the duration of flu. Cinnamon is also able to remove mucus from the body, lower cholesterol levels and effectively control blood sugar.
In addition, cinnamon can:
- improve blood circulation;
- reduce inflammation in the body, making it an excellent natural remedy for those suffering from autoimmune diseases;
- stop yeast infections;
- relieve abdominal cramps and discomfort associated with menstruation;
- reduce the growth of leukaemia and lymphoma cells in the body;
- relieve pain in dental and gum problems thanks to its analgesic and antiseptic properties.
Cinnamon as a powerful antiseptic and memory booster
Cinnamon helps to improve memory and cognitive functions. Just sniffing its essential oil can have a stimulating effect and significantly increase concentration. Cinnamon oil is also one of the most powerful antimicrobial essential oils, making it an effective disinfectant in the home and office. Cinnamon contains antibacterial as well as antifungal and antiviral properties, which have a destructive effect on microorganisms such as staphylococcus, mould, E-coli and cold and flu bacteria.
How is Ceylon cinnamon different from regular cinnamon and why prefer it?
Ceylon cinnamon has the advantage of a more delicate texture, a more aromatic flavour and a higher quality. Ceylon cinnamon is made using only the thin inner bark of the cinnamon tree, which gives it a slightly lighter color. The coumarin content of Ceylon cinnamon is also significantly lower than that of other cinnamon varieties. Coumarin is a toxic compound contained in the essential oil of cinnamon, which, if ingested in large quantities, can have adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. However, in this case, cinnamon would have to be consumed in very large quantities, which is usually not possible. However, this risk is even lower with Ceylon cinnamon due to its low coumarin content. Therefore, it is best to consume Ceylon cinnamon for therapeutic purposes as well as in food.
How to use cinnamon?
Cinnamon can be used in desserts and drinks as well as in various savoury dishes to add a nice flavour sensation. Cinnamon can also be added to smoothies, sauces and sprinkled on breakfast porridge. However, capsules made from cinnamon powder, which are easy and convenient to use and do not require any additional cooking effort, are the most effective aid for medicinal purposes.
Where can I find cinnamon powder capsules?
Cinnamon powder capsules from the mild source of Ceylon Cinnamon are now waiting for you in Centralsun’s range of supplements. The cinnamon powder capsules sold in our online shop are free from GMOs and additives and are also suitable for vegans. The capsules contain only 100% natural and pure Ceylon Cinnamon Powder, coated in a vegetable cellulose shell.
Get your cinnamon powder capsules HERE.