Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Healing Benefits of Cinnamon



The sweetness of life can be healing too. Cinnamon has so many health benefits I don’t know where to begin! Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. It has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors, fight cancer, and help with neurological disorders. It's also stronger than garlic as an antimicrobial, killing off bacteria and viruses. Just make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon, or stick to small doses if you're using the Cassia variety.

In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon was the clear winner, even outranking "superfoods" like garlic and oregano. This intense antioxidant property is what gives cinnamon its healing abilities.  

Cinnamon benefits for skin:

  • Has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which fight acne and pimples
  • Regulates the oil production on the face, making it a good choice for oily skin
  • Cleanses skin pores and exfoliates dead skin cells
  • Improves fine lines with its plumping effects
  • Has antiseptic property to heal wounds
  • Smooths out the dry and itchy skin
Add cinnamon to a face mask or your facial cleanser!  Just a pinch will do.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure or function of brain cells. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are two of the most common types. There are two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. In a study looking at mice with Parkinson's disease, cinnamon helped to protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels and improve motor function. These effects need to be studied further in humans.
Cinnamon bark contains strong antibacterial properties. Because of such benefits cinnamon can also be used as a green cleaning ingredient and natural disinfectant. Mix cinnamon in a spray bottle with some warm water, and use it to disinfect your kitchen, bathroom, doorknobs, countertops, or patio furniture. 
Not all cinnamon is created equal. It is better to use Ceylon cinnamon. The Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. Ceylon ("true") cinnamon is much better in this regard, and studies show that it is much lower in coumarin than the Cassia variety. Unfortunately, most cinnamon found in supermarkets is the cheaper Cassia variety.
When using cinnamon medicinally, different studies show great variety in dosing, from less than 1 gram to levels that would be toxic in humans. The duration of taking the capsules also varies greatly. So it is best to get muscle tested for what your body says is the best way to take it. We also have both Ceylon and Cassia oils in the office for essential oil lovers.

After writing this blog post I am now going to add cinnamon powder to my superfood shake in the morning. Hopefully you start adding more of this healing herb in your diet as well!  

Here are some other convenient ways:

§  Sprinkling cinnamon on top of oatmeal or buckwheat grouts in the morning
§  Incorporating cinnamon into your dinners and sauces, such as with Indian butter chicken or tomato sauce
§  Having a teaspoon of cinnamon or inserting a cinnamon stick into a glass of herbal tea
§  Make cinnamon vanilla milk. Simply combine three cups of coconut milk with one tsp of vanilla extract and one tsp of cinnamon. Stir or blend until ingredients have combined Serve chilled.


No comments:

Post a Comment