[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Cinnamomum (several species)
Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon)
C verum ("True cinnamon", Sri Lanka cinnamon)
C burmannii (Indonesian cinnamon)
C loureroi (Saigon/Vietnamese cinnamon)
C citriodorum (Malabar cinnamon)
C zeylanicum
Family Lauraceae
Botany
Cinnamon is an evergreen tree, characterized by oval-shaped leaves.
Cinnamon is sourced from the innermost bark, not the wood of the tree.
Nearly all of the world's cinnamon production is cultivated in Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
Parts used
Bark and leaves
Culinary: use ground cinnamon or whole cinnamon. Great in teas, hot chocolate, and both sweet and savory baked dishes.
Essential oil: use for topical application for an antiseptic treatment for infections, and pain relieving treatment for sore and tender muscles.
Tincture: use for administering therapeutic doses, like adding to mouthwashes.
Energetics and Taste
Warming, stimulating, sweet
Organs and Meridians
Pancreas and stomach
Vitamins and Minerals
Contains calcium, iron, and vitamin K.
Therapeutic actions
Aphrodisiac: increases sexual desire
Stimulant: increases physiological activity in the body
Astringent: tones connective tissue
Anti-emetic: reduces nausea and vomiting
Carminative: relieves intestinal gas
Anti-viral: inhibit the development of viral pathogens
Anti-microbial: destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
Anti-septic: destroys microorganisms on the surface of the skin
Analgesic: relieves pain
Hypoglycemiant: lowers blood sugar
Antioxidant: neutralizes free radical oxygen atoms that cause aging
Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation
Anti-bacterial: destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria
Uses
Circulatory system
Moderately stimulating, increases blood flow
Digestive system
Warming to the stomach and intestinal tract; stimulates appetite.
Relieves indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence.
Immune system
Used to treat Infections, the colds and flu by consuming cinnamon in dishes and applying topically.
Cinnamon is used to warm the chills, coldness of the skin and extremities.
Nervous system
Moderately stimulates entire nervous and circulatory systems.
Reproductive system
Astringent properties aid in toning the uterus after childbirth.
Aphrodisiac properties increase libido.
Endocrine system
Research shows that several polyphenolic polymer compounds in cinnamon bark enhance the action of insulin and improve glucose and fat metabolism.
Used to treat insulin resistance.
Musculoskeletal system
Can be applied topically to relieve the pain of arthritis, and sore muscles.
Oral Care
Treats a toothache, along with clove, and destroys cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Insect repellant
Cinnamon can be used repel bugs and ants from around the home, and can be used with other herbs like basil to make a bug repellant to be applied to the skin.
here’s where i source my cinnamon
Metaphysical and Magical Uses
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Spirituality, Success, Healing, Psychic Powers, Lust, Protection, Love
Cinnamon oil was used in a holy anointing oil used by the ancient Hebrews.
Burn as incense, eat, or apply topically in rituals to raise spiritual vibrations, healing of all kinds, attract financial opportunity, protection, and stimulate psychic (intuitive) abilities.
Safety
Moderate dosage during pregnancy. Consumption in food is safe but therapeutic and topical applications may not be.
Do not use when a high fever is present.
Avoid use if mouth or stomach is inflamed, irritated, or ulcerated.
Large doses taken over a prolonged time period may cause irritation to the mouth and stomach.
Cinnamon is sensitizing to the skin, do not use on the face or areas that will be exposed to sunlight.
Apply to the skin in a carrier oil at a maximum dose of 1%.
Drug interactions
Large doses of cinnamon may interact with antibiotics, blood thinners, heart and diabetes medications.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness