Cinnamon – Wonder Herb for Two Killers: Diabetes / Heart Disease
cinnamon tea
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum velum, Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is one of the oldest known herbal remedies which is mentioned in the oldest botanical books written by Chinese herbalists, the founders of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cinnamon was used in Ancient Egypt for mummification. In Ancient Rome it was used to flavor wines. It was highly treasured in Ancient Greece and valued almost as high as silver. In ancient times, cinnamon was considered a commodity worth its weight in gold (or silver anyway). In ancient Greece, 350 grams of cinnamon was considered to be worth as much as 15 kilograms of silver! The name “cinnamon” is derived from the Arabic “amomon”, which means ‘fragrant spice plant’.
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that has a long and rich history. It originated from Sri Lanka, a country in South East Asia. Other regions now grow cinnamon around the world, which in part is due to both the taste and health benefits found by our ancient ancestors. While the health benefits are widely known in the southern part of Asia, many people around the world are beginning to hear about the miracles of this tasty spice. Cinnamon is a tasty ingredient in tea and many foods, but it actually has a long history of use as a medicine. Cinnamon is an age-old spice that has been used for its medicinal qualities and aromatic properties. In our times, the best samples of cinnamon come from Sri Lanka and China.
Plant Description
Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of cinnamon trees and this bark is dried and rolled into the cinnamon we buy from the supermarket. Its beneficial properties come from the essential oils in the bark. Cinnamon is highly valued for its powerful anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and anti-clotting properties. Ceylon cinnamon is sometimes called true cinnamon. It is more expensive and has a sweet taste. The quills are softer and can be easily ground in a coffee grinder.
The powdered cinnamon that we commonly use as a spice is typically Cassia cinnamon, and can be found in most grocery stores. It can also be purchased in stick form. Ceylon cinnamon is typically more expensive than Cassia cinnamon, and is therefore usually only available in specialty stores. It is usually only available in stick form. While both types are known for their therapeutic effects, the Ceylon cinnamon is slightly sweeter and is therefore considered to be of higher quality.
Cinnamon’s unique healing abilities come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark. These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea
This herb has demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects in vitro. Drinking cinnamon tea might help a variety of conditions, but not enough research exists on its use to officially recommend it for any particular condition. It pairs well with pastries, and fills the home with its sweet scent. Even in India’s Ayurveda, cinnamon has been held as a natural healing agent that is used as a potent remedy against colds, stomach problems especially indigestion, and diabetes. Research carried out at Washington proves the health benefits of cinnamon for diabetes and weight loss
The health benefits of cinnamon are numerous. Cinnamon is an exceptional source of antioxidants, polyphenols and minerals like (a) Calcium: good for strong bones and teeth, (b) Manganese: ensures healthy bone structure and blood sugar regulation, (c) Iron: production of red blood cells, and (d) it also contains dietary fiber that is important for regulating bowel movement. Cinnamon is also a natural source of sugars and carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids. Cinnamon tea has a pleasant sweet taste, amazing flavor, and fragrance. Drinking this beverage on a regular basis will allow everyone enjoy numerous cinnamon tea benefits. For a truly invigorating, healthy and delightfully aromatic experience, one must try Cinnamon Tea.
Cinnamon has long been considered a “wonder food” in various cultures, and science has shown that its active oil components such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol do convey certain health benefits. While medical research is varied as to the extent of cinnamon’s health benefits and the jury’s still out as to whether cinnamon can truly combat disease, cinnamon does have a therapeutic role in certain ailments such as digestive troubles and minor bacterial infections or colds.
Cinnamon Tea For Cold and Flu
Traditional Chinese medicine frequently employs cinnamon to combat colds and flu at their onset. Its volatile oils help clear up congestion and break up mucus. The traditional remedy calls for drinking cinnamon tea mixed with fresh ginger.
Cinnamon Tea For Inflammation
This herb has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potentially useful treatment for arthritis and other conditions influenced by inflammation. One of its essential oils, cinnemaldehyde, appears to interfere with the release of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that promotes inflammation in the body.
Cinnamon Tea For Diabetes
Clinical research has produced mixed results on whether or not cinnamon can impact blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. If you take medications that affect blood sugar levels, do not use cinnamon or drink cinnamon tea without consulting with your doctor. A study published in a 2007 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; found that adding cinnamon to rice pudding reduced the rate at which the stomach emptied, by 34.5 to 37 percent, compared to subjects who ate rice pudding alone. Slower emptying time helps prevent dramatic rises in blood sugar. Other studies, both in humans and animals, have demonstrated cinnamon’s ability to decrease insulin resistance. Cinnamon boosts the body’s natural insulin activity. This means that the body can process sugars more proficiently. Even very low quantities of cinnamon can boost insulin activity to a great extent, and effectively control blood sugar. A 2003 study carried out in the US Department of Agriculture revealed that Diabetes type II patients in Pakistan, who had an intake of at least a pinch of cinnamon in their daily diet, had their blood sugar levels considerably drop down. This is very good news for those who are wondering how to get cinnamon into their diet because even a small pinch of this spice can be added to your evening tea to experience the health benefits of cinnamon. Just a little cinnamon a day can considerably lower high blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon Tea For Heart Disease
Cinnamon is very effective in safeguarding the heart and surrounding arteries from damage and infection because it contains anti-inflammatory properties. The many fatty foods people prefer to snack on nowadays contain cholesterol and unhealthy fats that end up clogging the arteries located in the heart region. The plaque and toxins that eventually build up, clog the artery walls leading to cardiovascular disease and various other threats to the heart. Cinnamon helps in fighting the ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) thereby, significantly lowering total cholesterol levels. In addition, cinnamon helps heal inflammation in internal tissues and cuts down the odds of suffering heart attacks and disease. Cinnamon is often used with honey in order to provide further health benefits. Cinnamon is a more powerful antioxidant than anise and ginger. Cinnamon has been shown to cut the amount of cholesterol in the body in less than three hours.
Cinnamon Tea for Anti-Clotting
Cinnamon contains coumarin and other compounds which exert blood-thinning effects in a manner similar to coumadin and other drugs of this nature. Besides being a good blood thinning agent, Cinnamon also helps improve blood circulation. You should not use cinnamon tea or other cinnamon supplements if you take any of these drugs; this could cause excessive bleeding. Blood clots are a serious and sometimes deadly problem, and you should not self-treat clotting disorders with cinnamon or any other natural treatment without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Too much coumarin in the body may lead to liver damage and malfunction. Further, people taking Coumadin, a supplement that has anti-clotting effects, should stay away from cinnamon as it may severely damage the body especially the liver.
Cinnamon Tea For Preventing Colon Cancer
Since cinnamon is rich in dietary fiber, it is very useful in relieving the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, for example, diarrhea and constipation. Cinnamon is also a good source of calcium. In addition to its unique essential oils, cinnamon is an excellent source of fiber and the trace mineral manganese. The combination of calcium and fiber in cinnamon is important and can be helpful for the prevention of several different conditions. Calcium when put together with fiber has been shown to stick to the bile salts and cart them to the liver for eradication. In so doing, they prevent chemical damage caused to the colon cells by the bile. In other words, both calcium and fiber can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body, and by removing bile, fiber helps to prevent the damage that certain bile salts can cause to colon cells, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. Besides thus preventing colon cancer,
Cinnamon also helps reduce the growth rate of leukemia and lymphoma cancerous cells.
Cinnamon Tea For Improving Brain Function
Cinnamon has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce constant inflammation of the internal tissues of the brain, thereby protecting it from numerous neurological disorders. According to a study conducted at The University of Texas in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics, cinnamon has powerful and natural ingredients that may curb or delay the onset of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including brain tumors, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and meningitis. Research has shown that simply inhaling the aromatic scent of cinnamon can stimulate brain power. Cinnamon has shown to greatly improve mental alertness. Students who may be suffering from exam anxiety or nervousness before an important exam may take cinnamon tea which contains soothing properties that actually calm the mind. Aside from helping students, cinnamon has also shown potential for improving cognition in elderly people. Cinnamon enhances virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed.
Cinnamon Tea For Arthritis
Studies have shown that cinnamon has powerful anti-microbial activity that reduces cytokines that are associated to arthritic pain. Furthermore, in a study conducted at Copenhagen University, the arthritic patients were instructed to take a combination of half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast. These patients not only experienced notable relief from the pain after 7 days but also were able to move without difficulty after one month.
Cinnamon Tea For Anti-Microbial Activity
Recent medical research has revealed that Cinnamon’s essential oil has powerful anti-bacterial as well as anti-fungal properties that are active against fungus and yeast infections for example; Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections and thrush, and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used antifungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts. Cinnamon has also shown positive results in fighting off the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.
Cinnamon Tea For Respiratory Problems
In Ayurveda, the Indian medicine, cinnamon is believed to heal and provide relief to common colds and flu. For a sore throat, a simple but effective home remedy can provide a solution; take a mixture of lukewarm honey and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon twice daily- after breakfast and before bed.
Cinnamon Tea For Digestive Disorders
Cinnamon contains compounds called catechins, which may help relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with digestive disorders including diarrhea. A cup of cinnamon tea can also help improve your digestion by helping the body better break down and process food.
Cinnamon Tea For Weight Loss
Cinnamon tea is known as one of the most effective natural remedies for weight loss. It is a great weight loss drink because of its ability to regulate glucose metabolism. If glucose is not regulated and sugar becomes too high, the body goes into “fat storing” mode and stays there. Cinnamon helps reverse this process and also acts as a natural digestive aid and metabolism-booster.
Cinnamon For Insect Bites
A cinnamon paste can be used to reduce the irritation from insect bites.
Cinnamon For improving fertility
Insulin resistance is also a problem for women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS reduces fertility and cinnamon has been shown to improve fertility in both men and women.
Cinnamon Prevents Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is caused by fungal mouth infections and tooth decay. Because of its natural antifungal properties, a cup or two of cinnamon tea may help prevent the development of periodontal disease. Cinnamon has also been known to help relieve toothache pain. Simply make a paste using five teaspoons of honey mixed with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply a small amount of this paste directly onto the aching tooth 2 or 3 times daily until the pain is relieved. You can store any extra paste in a small container at room temperature.
How to Make Cinnamon Tea
It is pretty easy to make this tea, and you can use either cinnamon powder or cinnamon sticks, which are produced by drying and rolling the inner bark of cinnamon tree. If you have cinnamon sticks, take one, break into pieces, place in a cup and add about 150-200 ml of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, then add honey or sugar. If you have cinnamon powder, take 1 teaspoon of the powder, place it in a tea bag, add 1 cup of boiling water, stir and leave for 10 minutes to get ready. Add 1 teaspoon of honey.
Different Types of Cinnamon Tea
To enjoy the full health benefits of cinnamon tea, opt for organic, preservative-free tea. This small list of natural teas can help get you started:
Uncle Lee’s Chai Organic Rooibos Cinnamon Tea
This 100% organic tea offers the health benefits of rooibos tea and cinnamon without a trace of caffeine. Its only ingredients are: Rooibos, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, chicory, cloves, black pepper, stevia and natural cinnamon flavor. Sweeten with milk, sugar or stevia to taste.
Organic Citrus Cinnamon Spice Tea
Hints of citrus complement the flavor of cinnamon well in this completely organic, gluten-free spice tea. Certified fair-trade ingredients include: Organic hibiscus, organic cinnamon, organic peppermint, organic lemon myrtle and organic ginger.
Cinnamon Stick Tea
This completely preservative-free cinnamon tea contains only two ingredients: rich black tea and spicy cinnamon. This tea is completely gluten-free.
Stash Premium Cinnamon Vanilla Herbal Tea
Cinnamon and vanilla make for a delicious combination. This natural tea contains no preservatives and only contains cinnamon, chamomile, rooibos, sarsaparilla and gluten-free vanilla extract.
By using cinnamon daily in our food, we can receive the health benefits of cinnamon. Mix cinnamon with honey and use it as a spread on sandwiches for breakfast or lunch. A cinnamon and honey spread can also be spread on toast, waffles, and biscuits. You can also use a little cinnamon on honey on fruits, such as bananas and apples, and enjoy as a snack.
Put cinnamon in pancakes or banana fritters in the morning. Make a tea using cinnamon or add it to your oats porridge.
If you enjoy baking, include cinnamon in your favorite pastries such as cookies and cupcakes, for extra flavor. Cinnamon buns are a delicious treat for kids and a good way to enjoy the health benefits of cinnamon. Substitute whole wheat flour for regular flour to make an even healthier pastry. If you are allergic to gluten, corn flour or almond flour will be a good substitute for you.
Side effects of Cinnamon Tea
Some recent studies in Europe have shown that cinnamon derived from the Cassia plant contains a toxic compound known as Coumarin. This compound is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations. Since the powdered cinnamon that we purchase in our supermarkets is typically derived from the Cassia plant, it is important to avoid consuming high doses of it.
Nursing and pregnant mothers should also be cautious when consuming cinnamon and shouldn’t take it as supplements.
People taking diabetes medication or any medication that affects blood glucose or insulin levels, shouldn’t take therapeutic doses of cinnamon unless they’re under a doctor’s supervision. Taking them together may have an additive effect and cause blood glucose levels to dip too low. Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without speaking with a doctor. Improperly treated diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Coumarin can also have a “blood-thinning” effect, so cassia cinnamon supplements shouldn’t be taken with prescription anti-clotting medication, such as Coumadin (warfarin), or by people with bleeding disorders.
Cinnamon can also be found in a concentrated oil form that comes from cinnamon bark. Some of these products are not intended for consumption, but instead are used for aromatherapy essential oils. Also, the oil is highly potent and an overdose can depress the central nervous system. People should not take the oil to treat a condition unless under the close supervision of a qualified health professional.
Category: HERBAL TEAS
