Cinnamon Bark and Powder Profile

Also known as- Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum verum, Cassia Cinnamon, True Cinnamon, Indonesian Cinnamon, Vietnamese Cinnamon, and Sweet Cinnamon.

Please Note: Cinnamon (Cassia) has a stronger and spicier aroma and flavor and the Cinnamon (Sweet) has a much smoother and sweeter aroma and flavor.

Introduction

One of the world's most familiar spices is an up and coming treatment for diabetes, weight control, and hypoglycemia. That modern medicine would finally be finding applications for cinnamon isn't surprising. Cinnamon has been used as a herbal medicine in China for at least 4,000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine still uses cinnamon as a "warming" agent to fight infections occurring when there is cold or fatigue and to increase the activity of the digestive tract.

Constituents

Small amounts, that is, between 0.5-4% essential oil, about 12% eugenol, 4-10% trans-cinnamic acid, 4-10% phenolic compounds; tannins; catechins; oligomeric proanthocyanidins; other monoterpenes including limonene and alpha-terpineol; sesquiterpenes including pinene; calcium monoterpenoid oxalates; gum; mucilages; resins; starch; complex sugars in amounts to small to affect blood sugars; and traces of coumarin.

Parts Used

Dried bark in sticks, chips or ground.

Typical Preparations

Mostly in foods and beverages including teas, extracts, or tinctures.

Summary

The German Commission E recommended cinnamon for treating loss of appetite and stomach upset, and cinnamon teas have been used for centuries to prevent bloating and flatulence and to treat heartburn and nausea. Cinnamon's beneficial effects on the digestive tract are attributed to its antioxidant catechins, chemical compounds that are also found in tea.
Cinnamon antioxidants may also fight bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, especially yeast infections of the mouth (oral candidiasis) in people with compromised immune systems. There are some scientific indications that cinnamon relieves the pain of ulcers, and the herb is also very useful in regulating the activity of insulin„so effective, in fact, that diabetics may need to check their sugars more often if they eat large quantities (more than 1 tablespoon) of cinnamon every day. Cinnamon does not stimulate the release of insulin, but it helps insulin work more effectively.

Precautions

None.

 

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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