Cinnamon is a tree native to various tropical regions of the world, and has been used since the times of the ancient Chinese. It is a popular sweet spice used widely in cooking, and the inner bark (sticks) and leaves are used in herbal medicine..
Medicinal Properties of Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains a variety of compounds including volatile oil, coumarins and tannins.
The Cinnamon oil contains active constituents known as terpenoids such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.
These give the herb medicinal properties.
Cinnamon is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-histamine, carminative (wind relieving), antispasmodic, anti-worm, anti-diarrhoea, warming and a stimulant to the stomach.
Cinnamon Herbal Remedies
Historically Cinnamon has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Colds and influenza
Colic
Candida infection
Diarrhoea
Flatulence
Heartburn
Heavy menstruation
Indigestion
Irritable bowel syndrome
Poor appetite
Poor digestive function
Rheumatism
Other Cinnamon Information
The Cinnamon bark is available as sticks to be ground as needed or can be bought as a ready ground powder which can be used to make a tea and taken up to three times per day. A qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures. The oil is sometimes used topically to treat body lice and scabies.
Side Effects of Cinnamon
Some sensitive people may develop allergic reactions when exposed to the herb. It is sensible therefore to use small amounts in order to assess your own reaction.
It should not be used during pregnancy according to the German E Monograph, obviously a small amount used in cooking is unlikely to cause any problems.
The Cinnamon aromatherapy oil is contra-indicated during pregnancy.
At the time of writing there are no well-known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications from eating blackcurrants or using seed oil capsules.
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