Cinnamon
Biologists discovered the cinnamon tree in 1536, after which the active use of this plant in cooking began. Within a few decades, midwives and healers began to use the spice for medicinal and magical purposes.
Where does it grow
There is Ceylon cinnamon and cassia, which is often called Chinese cinnamon. This plant is native to the southern region of China. It is several times cheaper than its Ceylon relatives.
What does it look like
Ceylon cinnamon has a light brown hue. Outwardly, it resembles a rolled roll. The peel of this plant is thin and soft, so people often like to chew it. It has a delicate and sweetish aroma, which is many times subtler than that of cassia. Ceylon cinnamon contains 1,000 times less coumarin, which is toxic to the liver and kidneys, so it is considered more beneficial than its Chinese “relative”.
Cassia has a spicier taste and a richer aroma. It is distinguished by a reddish-brown hue, and its sticks are thicker and curved on both sides.
This exotic tree has not taken root in our latitudes, so India and Vietnam, as well as other countries with a tropical climate, are considered the main suppliers of this spice. The beneficial properties contained in cinnamon are due to the essential oils it contains. In our country, Ceylon spice is often replaced with cheaper and more accessible cassia.
Composition of cinnamon
According to the American Department of Agriculture, 1 tsp.
ground seasoning (2.6g) contains: Table 1. Vitamins and minerals that determine the beneficial properties and contraindications of cinnamon
Name | Unit | Contents in 1 tsp. ground cinnamon (2.6g) |
Water | G | 0,28 |
Calorie content | kcal | 6 |
Protein | G | 0,1 |
Fats | G | 0,03 |
Carbohydrates | G | 2,1 |
Fibers | G | 1,4 |
Sugar | G | 0,06 |
Minerals, macro and microelements | ||
Calcium, Ca | mg | 26 |
Iron, Fe | mg | 0,22 |
Magnesium, Mg | mg | 2 |
Phosphorus, P | mg | 2 |
Potassium, K | mg | 11 |
Zinc, Zn | mg | 0,05 |
Vitamins | ||
Vitamin C | mg | 0,1 |
Thiamine (B1) | mg | 0,001 |
Riboflavin (B2) | mg | 0,001 |
Niacin (B3) | mg | 0,035 |
Vitamin B6 | mg | 0,004 |
Vitamin A | IU | 8 |
Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) | mg | 0,06 |
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | mcg | 0,8 |
Fats | ||
Saturated fatty acids | G | 0,009 |
Monounsaturated fatty acids | G | 0,006 |
Polyunsaturated fatty acids | G | 0,002 |
Benefit
Our ancestors knew about the benefits of cinnamon, but modern medicine paid attention to this spice not so long ago.
For women
Cinnamon is an excellent remedy for weight loss. It is for the ability to maintain a slim figure and stimulate metabolism that this spice is valued by the fair sex. By taking it, you can quickly and painlessly lose weight.
Miracle spice:
- reduces appetite,
- accelerates the removal of toxins,
- normalizes blood sugar levels,
- stimulates digestion,
- relieves painful menstruation and normalizes the menstrual cycle,
- relaxes and tones, reducing irritability,
- increases overall tone.
In addition, this will help to significantly increase sexual desire and excitability of erogenous zones.
For men
The active components that make up this spice help men cope with a number of pathological conditions. Drugs based on it are capable of:
- improve erectile function,
- strengthen the body's defenses,
- normalize digestion,
- reduce blood clotting,
- increase appetite after illnesses,
- stimulate the functioning of the kidneys, liver and bile ducts.
In addition, the spice is an antiseptic, stimulant and tonic. You can take any product with this seasoning for a month. Then you need to take a break or reduce the dosage as much as possible. In case of overdose, the following symptoms may occur:
- severe nausea
- headache,
- muscle tension,
- insomnia,
- dizziness.
For weight loss
This spice is considered an indispensable ally for people who want to lose weight. Due to the acceleration of metabolism and improvement of the digestive process, metabolism is normalized. This increases the efficiency of removing toxins and fats that enter the body with food.
Cinnamon can often be found in anti-cellulite products. This cocktail will become popular among people and useful for losing excess weight:
- 1 glass of yogurt,
- 0.5 tsp. cinnamon,
- 0.5 tsp. chopped ginger root,
- 1 pinch of chili pepper.
All ingredients are thoroughly mixed, after which the cocktail can be consumed. Its high efficiency is possible if all components are present.
For the stomach
If you have the flu or an upset stomach, you can take tea with this spice. To prepare it, you can use sticks or powder. To do this, add 0.5 tsp to the teapot. cinnamon, then pour boiling water over the mixture. It is better to leave it for a few minutes and then stir. Take this tea with honey to enhance the effect.
For type 2 diabetes mellitus
Taking cinnamon helps increase glucose and lipid levels in patients suffering from diabetes. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lower their triglycerides and blood sugar levels by eating up to 6 grams of the spice per day.
Reviews from doctors
Most doctors consider cinnamon to be a valuable and very useful spice, which occupies an honorable place not only in folk medicine, but also in official medicine. This is evidenced by numerous experiments showing consistently positive dynamics.
Properties and uses of cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that provokes pronounced effects on different body systems. Therefore, it is important to know about the properties of cinnamon and take this into account when wanting to add the spice to dishes.
- The spice has a rich, pungent aroma. Inhaling cinnamon can cause you to sneeze violently. An excess of inhaled/eaten cinnamon powder can lead to swelling of the mucous membranes.
- A large amount of cinnamon can lead to overstimulation of the nervous system. Insomnia, muscle tone, and nervous tension are symptoms of a spice overdose.
- You should not consume more than a small pinch of cinnamon at a time. Violation of this norm can lead to spasm of the swallowing muscles, causing shortness of breath, vomiting, and nausea.
- Cinnamon thins the blood, and therefore should be excluded from the diet during periods of bleeding and other blood diseases.
- Eating the spice can cause uterine tone. Therefore, it is not recommended to indulge in this spice during pregnancy.
- Spice does not always combine with other spices, so you need to be careful when mixing seasonings.
- Excessive consumption of this spice can cause headaches and dizziness.
If there are no contraindications and if you use the spice in moderation, then you will not have to face any unpleasant consequences. But this applies to any seasonings and products. Therefore, it is necessary to comply with the norm always and in everything.
Application
It is known that the most common use for cinnamon is cooking.
This spice is added:
- in confectionery products (sweets, desserts);
- baking;
- fruit and vegetable salads;
- warming and cooling drinks;
- sauces and marinades;
- soups.
The most common use for cinnamon is baking. Cookies, scones, pies, rolls and cinnamon gingerbread are classics recognized around the world! But it’s not surprising to find tea with cinnamon, warming punches and fruit drinks with the addition of this spice. The spice adds an original note to salad dressings and gravies for main courses.
This spice can compete for leadership with a seasoning like vanilla! After all, the aroma of cinnamon also attracts people to bakeries and whets the appetite in the home kitchen.
ethnoscience
Some housewives buy cinnamon not only to bake fragrant gingerbread cookies and buns. It turns out that the spice is widely used in folk medicine. A little cinnamon powder is added to remedies to treat diseases of the throat, blood, reproductive system, joints, and muscle tissue. It is believed that this spice is good for preventing the formation of blood clots, the development of colon cancer, and diseases of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. This spice is good for creating products aimed at stabilizing the functioning of the nervous system. They say cinnamon helps prevent heart attacks and vascular diseases. However, before turning to traditional medicine and using cinnamon for medicinal and preventive purposes, you should definitely discuss this with your doctor.
Cosmetology
This spice is favored both in official cosmetology and is valued when creating homemade skin and hair care products. The spice is often included in creams, shampoos, and masks. And this product is used not only for the purpose of aromatizing substances. After all, cinnamon is also valuable from the point of view of obtaining a positive effect.
How to use cinnamon
A bag of cinnamon can be found in almost any home. Many people know recipes for sweets with this spice. But how else can you use sweet-spicy seasoning? Let's tell you a couple of simple options.
Orange and cinnamon drink for vigor and strength
This drink is prepared so simply that even an inexperienced cook, and even a person without special cooking skills, can master the preparation. But a glass of orange and cinnamon drink will help you relax, calm down and recharge with vital energy.
To prepare you will need:
- cinnamon stick - 1 pc.;
- warm boiled water - 1 liter;
- ripe orange - 1 pc.
Pour boiled water into a glass or ceramic container with a lid. Allow to cool literally to a temperature of 38–40 degrees. Place a cinnamon stick in a container and let it brew for 40 minutes. Cut the orange into slices. Squeeze 3-5 drops of orange juice into the container with the drink. Then pour the drink into glasses or cups. Garnish each glass with an orange slice. All! The drink can be served to guests and household members.
Cinnamon for weight loss
For those wishing to get rid of extra pounds, we can recommend the following remedy (beware, there are contraindications). This is honey cinnamon water!
To prepare you will need:
- cinnamon stick - 1 pc.;
- natural honey - ½ tablespoon;
- clean boiled water - 1 liter.
Cinnamon water with honey is prepared in the same way as orange water. Only honey should be added when the liquid has cooled to a temperature of 36–37 degrees. A glass of this water should be drunk 30 minutes before breakfast and 1 hour before bedtime. This water helps improve metabolism, promotes the breakdown of fatty tissue and gently removes excess fluid. Before bed, you will appreciate a mild calming effect.
This is such an interesting spice, cinnamon! Cinnamon root is used in folk medicine and cosmetology, but ready-made powder is more often used. This wonderful spice should definitely be at home if there are no contraindications and if the seasoning is perceived positively. And it’s not difficult to figure out how to use this aromatic additive. After all, pampering yourself with cinnamon cookies and gingerbread is a good thing. But if necessary, you can brew yourself tea with cinnamon or make a warming infusion with the addition of this spice.
Recipes
Many recipes using cinnamon have come to us from time immemorial. Our ancestors used them, passing on knowledge to their children.
For hair loss
Hair loss was prevented by using 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and slightly warmed olive oil. All components were thoroughly mixed and the mixture was applied to the head for a quarter of an hour. It is better to wash off the composition with warm water. The result will be noticeable after the first use.
For skin diseases
Honey and cinnamon, taken in equal parts, are applied to the affected areas. Using this mixture you can get rid of eczema, fungus or other skin infections. For acne, apply the composition in the morning and evening to the affected skin, after which it is washed off with warm water. Skin irritation disappears within a couple of weeks.
For toothache
For toothache, a mixture of honey and spices in a ratio of 5:1 is placed on the affected area. The mixture is applied until the toothache goes away.
For a cold
It is recommended to use 1 tbsp. a spoonful of warmed honey with 1/4 tsp of cinnamon at least 4 times a day.
For oncology
In Japan, they even try to cope with cancer with the help of spices. In this case, patients are required to take a mixture consisting of honey and cinnamon in a 2:1 ratio every day for a whole month. Japanese experts are confident that with the help of such a remedy it is possible to heal even cancerous tumors located in the stomach or bones.
Tea
Tea to which honey and cinnamon have been added will help ensure longevity. This is how it goes:
- 1 tbsp. l. cinnamon,
- 4 tbsp. l. honey
These components are thoroughly mixed and steamed in 3 glasses of water. This remedy can be taken 4 times a day before meals or applied to the skin.
Before using such recipes, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Sometimes self-medication can lead to negative consequences.
For weight loss
To get rid of excess weight, you will need:
- 200 ml boiled water,
- 1 tsp. cinnamon,
- 1 tsp. honey,
- 0.5 lemon,
- 1 tsp. chopped ginger.
Add cinnamon and ginger to the water, then leave the mixture for half an hour in a warm place. After this, honey and lemon juice are added to the drink. The drink is taken cold throughout the day. The next day the composition will lose all its beneficial qualities.
In addition, you can add spice to brewed tea and leave it for half an hour. After this, add a teaspoon of honey and drink the drink.
Cinnamon with honey perfectly removes toxins, improves metabolism and improves mood, so such recipes are safe and painless ways to lose weight. But it is imperative to take into account the presence of allergies or individual intolerances.
For type 2 diabetes mellitus
If you have diabetes, you should take cinnamon only after consulting your doctor. To lower blood sugar levels, you need to pour 1 teaspoon of spice into a liter of boiling water and leave to infuse for 40 minutes. You need to add honey to the drink in a 2:1 ratio to cinnamon. The resulting mixture is placed in a cold place. Take ½ glass of the drink before meals and immediately before bed.
You can also infuse tea with the addition of cinnamon sticks or powder in a thermos. The liquid can be taken throughout the day instead of water.
Contraindications
There are both benefits and harms.
Cinnamon is harmful in the following cases:
- pregnancy, can cause premature birth;
- hemophilia;
- heat;
- allergies or individual intolerances;
- hypertension.
It is not recommended to take cinnamon if you have a stomach ulcer in acute phases or high acidity; the seasoning irritates the stomach walls and can worsen the course of the disease.
Like all medicines, the use of spices requires a strict dosage, which is 2-3 teaspoons per day. A significant excess of the amount of cinnamon in the recipe can negatively affect the digestive processes in the body and lead to exacerbations of gastric diseases. It is not advisable to give the spice to children under three years of age. However, even extensive contraindications cannot exclude the healing properties of the aromatic seasoning.
Essential oil for face
Cinnamon in crushed powder form was not always taken for treatment. Other forms of this culture were used much more often. Butter or sticks are often used to prepare a variety of formulations. For example, the oil can be used externally and internally. It is a fairly strong antiseptic, so it is used as a prophylactic against various colds. In cosmetology, cinnamon oil is used most often, as it allows you to rejuvenate the face, remove puffiness and smooth out wrinkles. To enhance the beneficial properties of this spice, it is often used together with honey.
Beneficial properties of cinnamon
Avicenna believed that the absorbent and astringent properties of cinnamon strengthen internal organs, resolve tumors, and treat ulcers. Cinnamon infusion helps with liver diseases. It has a diuretic effect, relieves pain in the kidneys and bladder, and eliminates the consequences of poisoning.
The antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiseptic, diuretic, cleansing and antipyretic properties of cinnamon are used in the treatment of various diseases, as confirmed by a 2014 review. Cinnamon relieves toothache and eliminates bad breath.
The spice enhances the benefits of other herbal remedies. It replaces sugar in dietary nutrition. Replacing salt with seasoning improves the functioning of the gallbladder, liver and kidneys. For coughs, colds, and flu, it tones the respiratory system.
A 2015 study confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon.
Research confirms the antioxidant properties of Ceylon cinnamon to prevent or treat certain types of cancer.
Cold.
Recipe 1:
- Perform inhalations over hot water infusion.
In aromatherapy, the seasoning prevents the spread of the influenza virus.
Recipe 2:
- Mix 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon with 1 tbsp. warm honey.
Take 3 times a day for colds, runny nose, chronic cough.
Cough.
Recipe 1:
- Grind the cinnamon, add water or wine, and boil.
Take the decoction 10-15 days before lunch and after dinner.
Recipe 2:
- Pour 0.7 liters of dry red wine into a saucepan, add 15 cinnamon sticks, 5 clove buds.
- Heat to 75-80C, do not bring to a boil.
Remove from heat, leave covered. After 3-4 minutes, add 10g of sugar, a few slices of orange, and, if desired, 60ml of cognac or rum.
Use in the treatment of flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, to increase immunity, restore strength after an infectious disease, physical or emotional fatigue.
Liver, gall bladder . The spice causes positive changes in the functioning of these organs.
Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum . Long-term use of cinnamon helps in case of these diseases.
Radiculitis, arthritis.
Recipe 1:
- Grind cinnamon into a paste with nettle leaves.
Use to relieve joint pain and improve condition.
Recipe 2:
- Stir 1/2 tsp. ground spice with 4 tsp. honey, add 400 ml of warm water.
Take morning and evening to relieve joint pain and treat arthritis.
Improved vision . The beneficial properties of cinnamon improve vision. As part of eye preparations they help in the treatment of cataracts.
Heart, blood vessels . As part of medicinal preparations, the seasoning is used to improve the condition after a stroke, with coronary heart disease.
Depression . Cinnamon is useful for relieving nervous tension and eliminating obsessive states.
Reviews
I love adding cinnamon to many dishes! Without it, food doesn't taste as good.
Artem, 37 years old, Moscow
I always use cinnamon to treat colds.
Ksenia, 49 years old, Tver
I really like cocktails with added cinnamon.
Tatyana, 26 years old, Novosibirsk
Natalia
Author
Ask a Question
Today, cinnamon is used all over the world. It is used to make chocolate, desserts, candies, liqueurs, and marinades. The aromatic, tasty spice is not only a spice, but also a cosmetic and medicine in various fields. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels, speeds up the metabolic process, slows down the entry of food into the intestines, creating the effect of satiety. It is added to tea, kefir, fermented baked milk, and brewed with boiling water. Eat with pleasure and benefit! Health to you and your loved ones!
Medicinal properties of cinnamon
Headache.
Recipe 1:
- Pour 1/4 tsp. ground seasoning with 2 glasses of hot water, sweeten, leave for half an hour.
Take 2 sips every hour.
Recipe 2. Lotions help:
- Moisten the cloth with the infusion, apply to the temples, add a drop of lavender or peppermint oil.
Recipe 3. Cream:
- Grind cinnamon powder in butter and apply to forehead and temples.
Hypertension:
- Take cinnamon with honey or yogurt.
Bloody diarrhea, internal bleeding:
- Take 2-3 g of cinnamon powder with warm water, 2-3 times a day before meals.
Food poisoning:
- Pour a few cinnamon sticks into 3 cups of water, boil for 5 minutes, strain.
Take hot in case of poisoning from spoiled foods.
Toothache, swelling of gums:
- Dissolve 1 tbsp in a water bath. honey, mix with 1 tsp. ground spice.
Use as compresses for toothache and swelling of the gums.
The study confirms the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon to prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath.
Increased cholesterol levels.
Recipe 1:
- Stir 1/4 tsp. ground seasoning with 1 tsp. honey
Eat on a slice of bread at breakfast.
Recipe 2:
- Stir 3 tsp. powder with 2 tbsp. honey, dilute everything with 0.5 liters of warm water.
Drink in 3 equal parts throughout the day to reduce blood cholesterol levels and eliminate flatulence.