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Healing holiday spices: the healing power of cinnamon
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In this three part series on spices that heal we’ll review cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. These three herbs share a long tradition of spicing up our holiday fare as well as healing what ails us. In this part one, we’ll look at cinnamon’s reputation for amazing healing power.
In addition to being one our favorite holiday flavors, cinnamon is one of the oldest known healing herbs. It was used as both a spice and medicine in ancient Egypt, is mentioned in the Bible as well as three thousand year old Chinese herbal texts that cite cinnamon as a healer for fever, menstrual problems and diarrhea. Ceylon cinnamon, now grown around the world, is considered to be the best variety.
Today, even more healthy applications for cinnamon have been discovered. Numerous studies have found the following benefits of consuming cinnamon on a regular basis:
· 1 gram per day (approximately a quarter to a half teaspoon) has been shown to help people with adult-onset diabetes reduce blood sugar levels by 20 percent, reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
· Helps reduce inflammation.
· Stimulates circulation.
· Its essential oils help stop the growth of bacteria and fungi.
· The scent of it enhances the brain’s cognitive processing, including attention and memory.
· Helps relieve indigestion, nausea, and menstrual cramps.
· Prized in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for providing relief from colds and flu and it helps dissolve mucus. Try a tea made of cinnamon bark and ginger when you feel a cold coming on.
· Ayurvedic medicine also favors it as an osteoarthritis remedy.
· Helps ward off urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease.
Herbal guides and naturopathic physicians cite cinnamon’s anesthetic and anodyne (painkilling) compounds, anti-aggregate (blood-thinning) compounds, and its anti-inflammatory compounds that provide these amazing benefits. Cinnamon capsules and tea have been shown to relieve sinus and lung congestion and coughs accompanied by phlegm.
Another practical application for cinnamon: the scent of cooked cinnamon is a natural aphrodisiac for men, so plan your baking accordingly! Happy holidays and be well!
For more info: http://http://www.examiner.com/x-6785-Wilmington-Wellness-Examiner~y2009m5d20-The-healing-power-of-rhubarb
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