Cinnamon is one of the world's oldest known spices. The tree is native to Sri Lanka where it was found thousands of years ago. It is the best spice available in terms of its nutrition and health. It contains unique healthy and healing property comes from the active components in the essential oils found in its bark. Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity due to which it has numerous health benefits. Aside from being used as a medicine by other cultures since ancient times, the health benefits may also come from eating it which can be listed as follows:
1. Lowers Cholesterol:
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.
Also Cinnamon may significantly lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood) and total cholesterol.
2. Reduces blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes:
Several studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control by taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day. Improving insulin resistance can help in weight control as well as decreasing the risk for heart disease.
3. Heart Disease:
Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system thereby shielding the body from heart related disorders. It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provides protection against heart diseases.
Including a little cinnamon in the food helps those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
4. Fights Cancer :
A study released by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Besides, the combination of calcium and fiber found in Cinnamon can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, thus prevents colon cancer.
5. Tooth decay and mouth freshener:
Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath. Small pieces of cinnamon can be chewed, or gargled with cinnamon water which serves as a good mouth freshener.
6. Cures Respiratory Problems:
Cinnamon is very useful home remedy for common or severe colds. A person suffering should take one tablespoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.
Cinnamon also found to cure flu, influenza, sore throat and congestion.
7. Brain Tonic:
Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic. It helps in removing nervous tension and memory loss.
Also, studies have shown that smelling cinnamon may boost cognitive function, memory, performance of certain tasks and increases one's alertness and concentration.
8. Infections:
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.
9. Eases menstruation cycles:
Cinnamon has also been found useful for women's health as it helps in providing relief from menstrual cramping and other feminine discomforts.
10. Birth Control:
Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps in avoiding conception.
11. Breastfeeding:
It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.
12. Reduces Arthritis Pain:
Cinnamon spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds which can be useful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
A study conducted at Copenhagen University, where patients were given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month
13. Digestive Tonic:
Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. It is very helpful in removing gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, diarrhea and morning sickness. It is often referred to as a digestive tonic.
14. Reduces Urinary tract infections:
People who eat cinnamon on a regular basis report a lower incidence of urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine.
15. Anti clotting Actions:
A compound found in Cinnamon called as cinnamaldehyde has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. [Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make the blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much]. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets.
16. Natural Food Preserver:
When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
17. Headaches and migraine:
Headache due to the exposure to cold wind is readily cured by applying a thin paste of powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples & forehead.
18. Pimples and Blackheads:
Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities. Therefore it is often recommended for pimples.
Also external application of paste of cinnamon powder with a few drops of fresh lemon juice over pimples & black heads would give beneficial result.
19. Thinning of the blood and improves blood circulation:
Cinnamon is a blood thinning agent which also acts to increase circulation. This blood circulation helps significantly in removing pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body cells leading to higher metabolic activity. You significantly reduce the chance of getting a heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon.
20. Toning of tissues:
Considerable anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that cinnamon may have the ability to tone and constrict tissues in the body.
21. Muscle and joint pain relief:
Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.
22. Immune System:
Honey and cinnamon paste is good for boosting the immune system, removing regular fatigue and increasing the longevity of an individual. It is also known to have anti-aging properties.
23. Itching:
Paste of honey and cinnamon is often used to treat insect bites.
24. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
25. Healing: Cinnamon helps in stopping bleeding. Therefore it facilitates the healing process.
Indeed, cinnamon has several health benefits as highlighted above that can be used to improve one's health and boost one's immune system. This is a great reason to keep some cinnamon around. Sprinkle it in your tea or coffee, over oatmeal or a sweet potato and, this will do wonders to your health.
Honey and Cinnamon
When natural ingredients are combined together in certain proportions, they work great to cure many conditions. One of such amazing combination is honey and cinnamon. This combination has been used for centuries to promote general well being and cure many conditions and ailments. Although, there is a lack of scientific evidence, many people swear by this simple home remedy.
This natural treatment is well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani Medicine (Greek), ayurvedic and Tibb (which means the science of medicines based on natural treatment in the East).
According to experts in Chinese Traditional Medicines, cinnamon is hot. It produces heat in the body which is known as “yang”. Yang cures “yin” which means coldness. Honey, on the other hand, is neutral and it balances both “yang” and “yin”.
Before I list the curing properties of honey and cinnamon combination, it is extremely important to know the true cinnamon and distinguish it from cassia. True cinnamon is also known as Ceylon cinnamon. The fake or cassia type is toxic and is not recommended for medication or regular use. It is even banned in some countries. (see picture below for more details)
1. Anti-bacterial paste
Honey possesses anti-bacterial properties. This claim is supported by numerous studies. It fights against external and internal infections. Cinnamon also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. When combined together, they form a great potion for external infections.
2. Good for Heart
Healthy diet, active lifestyle and moderate exercise are great ways to maintain a healthy heart. Taking a drink of cinnamon and honey on a regular basis can prevent heart diseases by clearing the clogged arteries.
3. Bladder infections
Honey and cinnamon drink is a super anti-bacterial solution for treating bladder infections and bacterial cystitis. The anti-microbial and healing properties of both the ingredients work great to clean the bladder off all the infections.
4. Treating Arthritis
People report to have significantly improved their conditions in just a few days by drinking the mixture twice a day. For curing arthritis, add a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon and a tablespoon of raw or manuka honey. Drink half a glass before breakfast and half before going to bed.
A study was conducted in Copenhagen University in which patients were given honey and cinnamon for treating arthritis. After a week time, it was found that 73 out of 200 patients were relieved of their symptoms. After a month trial, almost all patients were able to walk and work.
5. Treating Gingivitis
Researchers in New Zealand have found Manuka honey effective in fighting against dental plague, itchy gums, infections and bleeding. Apply honey and cinnamon paste to gums every day is an effective treatment for bleeding gums.
6. Tooth Decay
This is a bit controversial. Researchers in New York suggested that honey can cause tooth decay. However, it has been suggested by scientists in New Zealand that honey can actually prevent tooth decay on account of its anti-microbial properties. Applying the paste to gums regularly and maintaining oral hygiene treat the infected gums as well as avoid tooth decay.
7. Helping Digestion
It cleanses the colon by eliminating the toxins. It helps promote good bacteria in the colon resulting in better digestion.
8. Bloating, Gas and Acid Reflux
It helps protect the stomach wall by coating it. By cleaning the system of bad bacteria, it helps to heal any infection thereby helping to treat symptoms of bloating, gas and acid reflux.
9. Weight Loss
There is huge anecdotal evidence that honey and cinnamon works to reduce weight. When taken together, the solution burns the fat faster. It also regulates eating habits by eliminating food cravings.
10. Mental Alertness
Many people report that honey works great for enhancing memory. When taken with cinnamon, it increases mental alertness and improves memory.
11. Treating Cancer
Like many other claims, this is unproven scientifically. It may prove helpful in reducing the chances of cancer by eliminating free radicals. Some people have even reported to have treated breast and colon cancers by using honey and cinnamon.
12. Boosting Energy
Honey is rich in many minerals and vitamins, while cinnamon contains calcium, iron, vitamin c, vitamin K, manganese and fiber. When combined they make a great immune boosting tonic. Taking honey and cinnamon tea regularly boosts energy levels, physical strength and mental alertness.
13. Treating Acne and Pimples
Applying the honey and cinnamon paste to acne can rid your skins of the acne and pimple problem. Honey is anti-bacterial and cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Honey in the paste helps cinnamon stick to skin for longer.
15. Cough
Taking the solution in lukewarm water reduces both dry and phlegmatic cough. It clears the phlegm from the chest and thereby relieving the symptoms of cough.
16. Insect Bites
Great for itching or pain resulting from insect bites. Take one teaspoon of honey and mix it in two teaspoons of water. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon and apply it to the affected area. It relives the pain or itching instantly.
17. Hair Loss
Mix one tablespoon of honey in equal amount of extra virgin organic olive oil. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the mixture and stir to make a paste. Apply the paste to the bald areas or patches on your head. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water with an herbal shampoo.
18. Cholesterol
Regular intake of honey in small amount mixed with ground cinnamon lowers bad cholesterol. It lowers blood pressure and clears the clogs in arteries. Replacing other fat intake with extra virgin olive oil works like a tonic reducing bad cholesterol.
19. Toothache
Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoon of honey and apply to the aching tooth several times a day until the pain disappears.
20. Bad Breath
Mix an equal amount of honey and cinnamon and add some lukewarm water and stir to mix well. Gargle with the solution first thing in the morning and your breath will stay fresh all day long.
21. Indigestion
Sprinkle a small amount of the herb on one teaspoon of honey and eat before meals. It helps digest even the heaviest of meals.
22. Impotency and Sex Boost
Try it and see the difference! Add one teaspoon of the herb in to 300 ml hot water. Leave it for 15 minutes to cool down. Add one tablespoon of raw, manuka or organic honey. Drink half of it before breakfast and the remaining half before going to bed.
23. Boosting Immunity System
Keep you immune system strong and diseases will not touch you. Both the ingredients are anti-bacterial and anti-viral making the body strong enough to fight and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Honey also contains vitamins and minerals providing the body with essential nutrients.
24. Treating Excessive Flatulence
There are conflicting reports from users regarding the treatment of flatulence using the cinnamon-honey combination. Some people report increase in wind while others swear by it. Depending upon the individual’s physical health, it may work for some and not for others. Give it a try by eating one tablespoon of honey before each meal and sprinkling one teaspoon of cinnamon on the food to enjoy its perfect taste and reap its true benefits.
25. Other Benefits
The above list is by no means exhaustive and people have been using it for several other conditions such as diabetes, leg cramps, general weakness, memory loss, ulcers, wound healing, herpes, anal itching etc.
How to Take it?
You can take it either in drink form for internal health benefits or use the paste for external applications. It is simple and easy.
Honey and cinnamon can also taking by adding it your fruit juice, smoothie, cereals etc. Take it just on a spoon if you'd like.
