Cinnamon

Cinnamon originally grew in southern Asia. Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used it as a treatment fir fevers, diarrhea, and to mask unpleasant flavors in other healing herbs. The Greeks used cinnamon to treat bronchitis but the Europeans championed the use of cinnamon in baking. Do not confuse cinnamon with cassia, or Chinese cinnamon, a more pungent herb which is frequently added to spiced meat.

Properties

1. It is a pungent, sweet astringent with stimulating, heating qualities
2. It acts as a diaphoretic, parasiticide, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, and diuretic
3. Cinnamon’s antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities have frequently been utilized in toothpastes and as a treatment for gum disease.
4. As an anti-yeast agent, cinnamon has been used to treat Candida and other yeast infections

Conditions Treated

1. Respiratory ailments such as colds, sinus congestion, and bronchitis
2. As a digestive aid, it relieves dyspepsia, intestinal infections, and parasites
3. It aids circulation and helps alleviate anemia
4. It is useful for the treatment of scabies and lice
5. Its benefits as an aid to circulation are especially powerful during menopause
6. Cinnamon properties will increase appetite – both sexual and gastronomic
7. Can be used with Cardamom, orange, nutmeg, and licorice

How to Use

Because of its antibacterial  effects, it can be used to treat minor scrapes and cuts. Cinnamon contains the natural anesthetic oil eugenol which will help relieve pain of minor wounds. To treat cuts and scrapes, wash the affected area thoroughly. Pat dry. Sprinkle powdered cinnamon lightly over the area then bind or bandage.

***CAUTION***

Do not use cinnamon in case of High Pitta. It will aggravate bleeding and can be a skin irritant and a convulsive in high doses. Cinnamon bark oil in particular can be an irritant and is not recommended for use on skin. Cinnamon infusions should not be given to children under 2.