Cinnamon in Traditional Medicine: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Healing
Cinnamon, a sweet treat, has been considered an excellent spice and medicine for ages.
Named after the color, it has a warm, sweetish smell and is rife with health benefits, not just restricted to limited availability in baked products or beverages.
A History of Healing
Traditional medicine has used cinnamon for thousands of years in different parts of the world.
Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon to treat diseases and preserve bodies by killing the bacteria it contained.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers cinnamon a warm property that treats digestion and circulatory disorders and balances Qi.
As in any other system of medicine, cinnamon is also used in Ayurveda as a spice to promote good metabolism and fight inflammation.
It is also excellent for consumption in cold weather, helping remedy problems ranging from indigestion to a common flu-like cough and sore throat.
Cinnamon’s Medicinal Benefits
Not only has history testified to cinnamon's significant health benefits, but today’s techniques are also proving many of the claims made about it to be valid.
Here are some ways cinnamon continues to be celebrated in traditional medicine:
Anti-Inflammatory
Getting back to the subject matter, cinnamon contains chemicals such as cinnamaldehyde (1), which assists in decreasing inflammation in the body, making it an accompaniment in treating conditions such as arthritis.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Cinnamon also contains a large number of antioxidants, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates blood sugar, which is one of its best-known effects.
This makes it a natural supplement for diabetes patients or those with a possibility of sickness due to heredity (2).
Research has proved that spices such as cinnamon can increase the insulin response, which means it will be easier for the body to regulate the amount of sugar.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Cinnamon has long been known to possess the ability to fight against bacteria and fungi thanks to the energy of oils containing this spice (3).
According to historical uses of natural remedies, cinnamon has been used to heal diseases and maintain healthy teeth.
It can, therefore, be added to mouthwash to work against halitosis and periodontal diseases.
Digestive Aid
Cinnamon has been widely used in folk medicine as a drug that aids digestion. It also works as a remedy for indigestion, bloating, and gas.
However, in Ayurvedic treatment, cinnamon is used as a medicine against Vata and Kapha, which are related to digestion and metabolic processes (4).
Cognitive Function
Traditional medicine systems recommend cinnamon to improve memory and think coherently (5).
The spice’s use is claimed to trigger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant brain effects that reduce the risks of losing mental capacity as one age.
The Current Application of the Plant in Medicine Inhaltsverzeichnis
Cinnamon can be consumed in various forms: powdered cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon oil.
Herbalists and natural health practitioners use cinnamon supplements to moderate chronic inflammation, such as arthritis.
Cinnamon oil is also used for aromatherapy because of its uplifting and soothing effects.
How to Incorporate Cinnamon Into Your Self-care and Healthy Lifestyle
Fortunately, adding cinnamon to your diet can be easy and tasty in equal measure.
Here are a few ways to add this powerful spice to your life:
- Add to Your Tea: Add a cinnamon stick to your tea in the morning to give you that extra kick.
- Sprinkle on Oatmeal: Many find cinnamon in breakfast grains, such as oatmeal, as a value-added ingredient because cinnamon delivers both taste and health benefits.
- Smoothies: Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your preferred smoothie brand for a much healthier and tastier drink.
- Top off Your Meals: It can also be used in savory foods such as curries or roasted foods, making for a tasty addition with health benefits.
I loved this read! What is the truth about whether cinnamon is safe for everyone?
Even though cinnamon is a safe and helpful spice, one must keep moderation in mind.
However, regular use of certain species like the Cassia cinnamon could be dangerous owing to its coumarin content—which the liver cannot tolerate in large proportions.
Because cinnamon has potential medicinal properties, anyone thinking about using it for its benefits should do so under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Ending
Without a doubt, cinnamon has been used in traditional medicine for millennia, with the latest research revealing several more health benefits to back the use of this spice.
From diabetes management to anti-diarrheal or improving brain function, cinnamon is one of those natural remedies that are a fantastic mix of history and science.
🌿 Try Wild Foods' pure cinnamon powder today and start reaping the benefits of this ancient super spice! ✨
FAQs
For what medicinal purposes is cinnamon used to cure according to traditional medicine?
Cinnamon has health properties such as inhibiting inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar levels, being antibacterial, and facilitating digestion, which is why it is often used in many cultures.
In what form is cinnamon employed in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, cinnamon increases metabolic rate, controls inflammation, balances vital energy, and speeds up digestion.
Is it possible to regulate blood sugar with cinnamon?
It does because cinnamon helps control blood sugar levels by affecting insulin resistance and can, therefore, be considered a natural supplement to diabetes.
Is cinnamon good for everyone?
Cinnamon is usually safe, but a large quantity of Cassia cinnamon containing coumarin can lead to liver problems. Moderation is key.
Why is cinnamon used in herbal medicine?
Cinnamon comes in powder, oil, or stic and is commonly added to supplements or teas due to its anti-inflammatory and digestion health benefits.
Related studies:
1. Title: Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cinnamon
This study demonstrates that cinnamaldehyde significantly reduces inflammatory markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30796902/
2. Title: Cinnamon's Role in Blood Sugar Regulation
This clinical trial found that cinnamon extract significantly improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9499911/
3. Title: Cinnamon’s Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
This research highlights the antibacterial and antifungal properties of cinnamon essential oil, particularly its effectiveness against oral pathogens related to halitosis and periodontal disease.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9499911/
4. Title: Cinnamon as a Digestive Aid
This systematic review assesses multiple studies indicating that cinnamon can alleviate symptoms of bloating and indigestion, supporting its traditional use as a digestive aid.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9499911/
5. Title: Cinnamon's Cognitive Benefits
This study shows that cinnamon extract improves memory and cognitive function in aged rats, attributed to its antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress in the brain.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9499911/
