CINNAMON BARK
Botanical: Cinnamomum verum (also known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Family: Lauraceae (laurel) Other common names: Cinnamon Bark, Sweet Wood

Diabetics take heart!  Recent U.S.D.A. reports demonstrate that extracts of Cinnamon increase insulin activity, enhancing the breakdown of glucose, and improving blood sugar concentrations. Daily Cinnamon consumption may lead to dramatic reductions in blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides by as much as twenty percent. When added to the time-honored value of Cinnamon as an antiseptic, astringent and stimulant that will also relieve nausea, flatulence and diarrhea, you'll know why it is such a valuable addition to your herb closet.

History:
The Cinnamon tree is an evergreen that grows in the tropical rain forests of India, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), the Philippines and the West Indies. Cinnamon was first recorded in China in 2700 B.C., and ancient Egyptians included Cinnamon in their embalming mixtures, used it in medicines, as well as a flavoring for food. The Romans were known to pay dearly for it as an expensive commodity, and Cinnamon is credited to be one of the spices that spurred world exploration, playing a major role in colonial expansion. When the Portuguese invaded Sri Lanka after reaching India in 1536, the Sinhalese king paid them annual tributes of cinnamon, and after the Dutch later captured the island, they established a system of cultivation that exists to this day. Much new research is being conducted into the medicinal benefits of Cinnamon, and there are new breakthroughs in the areas of diabetes and melanoma research. Two chemicals extracted from Cinnamon (camphornin and cinnamonin) have been shown in laboratory tests to thwart the growth of liver cancer and melanoma cells. In addition to its great medicinal properties, Cinnamon is a pungent, sweet herb that has been used as a condiment to flavor and preserve food and add spice to wines. Commercially, Cinnamon is used in oral hygiene products, soft drinks and in the perfume industry. Some of Cinnamon's chemical constituents include beta-carotene, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, essential oils, coumarin, mucilage, tannin, B-vitamins and vitamins A and C.

Beneficial Uses:
Cinnamon is one of the world's most widely used digestive aids, helping to improve most gastrointestinal problems. It is greatly effective in relieving intestinal gas and eases diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. It also contains propanoic acid, which helps to stop the formation of stomach ulcers without interfering in the production of the gastric acid needed for good digestion.

The newest research into Cinnamon highlights its hypoglycemic properties. Extracts of Cinnamon have been reported to increase insulin activity, increasing the breakdown of glucose and improving blood sugar concentrations. Consuming roughly one half a teaspoon of Cinnamon daily may lead to dramatic reductions in blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides in Type-2 diabetic patients who are not taking insulin.

This warming, aromatic herb stimulates peripheral circulation, which is especially beneficial to people with cold hands and feet.

Cinnamon helps to control bleeding, uterine hemorrhage and excessive menstrual flow.

Japanese researchers have found that Cinnamon contains a substance that is both antibacterial and antifungal, and experiments have shown this to be effective in helping to suppress E-coli, Candida and other yeast infections, as well as staphylococci and the bacteria found in tuberculosis.

Cinnamon has long been used to fight the common cold and flu, ease the discomforts of arthritis and rheumatism, relieve spasms and hypertension, lower fever and blood pressure.

**Provided itself beneficial in research that involved people, endorsed by Germany’s Commission E for Therapeutic use, Bronchitis, Colds, Coughing, Fever, Gas, Indigestion, Infections, Intestinal Gas, Lack of Appetite, Oral Inflammation, Sore Throat

*Provided itself beneficial in research that did not involve people, the study could have been done in a test tube, petri dish or animals for Therapeutic use, Colic, Diarrhea, Hemorrhage, Intestinal Pain, Menstrual Pain and Irregularities, Pain, Ulcers, Yeast Infections

Contraindications:
None



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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.